Hyundai Coupe Road Test

Hyundai Coupe

Not only has the exterior undergone changes but the interior, too. The centre console has been redesigned and now looks a lot tidier. The new metallic surround makes it look more up-market and the blue illumination, borrowed from the Santa Fe, has a relaxing effect. As a measure of sportiness, the new Coupe has three extra gauges, set into the centre console, which measure torque, fuel economy and battery.

The interior dimensions have changed little, if at all and the new Coupe remains a 2+2, with the rear seats only suitable for children and ISOFIX anchors are included. Out of necessity, we did try and squeeze two teenagers in the back but as there are no rear headrests, their heads made contact with the sloping rear screen whenever we went over a speed bump and they had to sit at an angle in order to gain some legroom.

The rear seats do have a 50:50 split and fold function by which to increase the boot capacity, which is 418-litres with all seats occupied.

Unfortunately, tall people don’t fare much better in the front as the seats have limited travel and certainly not enough to accommodate long legs.

There is no difference in performance between the SIII and TSIII. Both have a top speed of 129mph after a 0-62mph dash of 9.3 seconds. The 2.0-litre engine produces 141PS at 6,000rpm and 186Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. These are not exceptional figures but when translated to the road, the performance is good and there is no need to drop a gear in order to complete overtakes at motorway speeds.

Off the main roads and with nothing but ABS plus EBD, the TSIII is quite agile but does sometimes scrabble for grip on uneven or slightly loose surfaces. The steering is nicely weighted and fairly positive but unfortunately, the whole package lacks engagement. There is no urge to drive with gusto or explore the car’s potential that you get in some other sports coupes.

But then the fuel economy is good with figures of 25.9mpg for the urban cycle, 25.9mpg for the extra-urban making the combined, 35.3mpg with 193g/km exiting the tailpipes.

For me, the TSIII looks great and it makes a nice raucous noise but it makes you expect more and doesn’t quite deliver. However, Hyundai must have confidence in their vehicles because they have backed them with a full five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.

Hyundai Coupe