Hyundai COUPE SIII For Sale

LOGIN REGISTER NEWSLETTER Home NEWS REVIEWS PRODUCTS COMPARE CARS VIDEOS BUYING USED CARS NEW CARS MOTORSHOWS COMPETITIONS 6 ISSUES FOR £1 Search Car Reviews: You're in - Car Reviews: First Drives Hyundai Coupe Hyundai Coupe SIII Hyundai produce one of the last compact Coupes just as the platform begins to show its age Auto Express Car Reviews By Chris ThorpJanuary 2007 Rating: Buying a new Coupe for less than £20,000 is not as easy as you might think. With Toyota's Celica consigned to the history books and the likes of the Ford Cougar long gone, Hyundai's Coupe is one of the few remaining 'budget' sports cars available. Our biggest complaint concerns the steering wheel, which adjusts for rake only, while we found that the headroom on offer is also very limited.But does that simply make it one of a kind - or a dinosaur fighting extinction? To provide its sleek three-door with a new lease of life, Hyundai has given the Coupe a full makeover. Badged the Coupe SIII, the newcomer is the third incarnation of the car, and has recently arrived in the UK. We've already tried a Korean model in Issue 937, but in Britain, the Hyundai's styling will be an acquired taste.Hailed as a Ferrari lookalike when it was first unveiled in 2000, the model was then refreshed in 2005. But the latest changes represent the most sig-nificant of all, as the Coupe now features new angular headlamps. A letter-box grille also gives the nose a more aggressive appearance, while the rear has been generally tidied up with new tail-lights and a reshaped bumper.ModernInside, the upgrades are equally extensive, with the firm updating the cabin to give it a more modern feel. Santa Fe-style blue dials have been added, and build quality appears excellent. Our biggest complaint concerns the steering wheel, which adjusts for rake only, while we found that the headroom on offer is also very limited.With engines carried over from the outgoing Coupe, mechanical modifications are relatively limited. Entry-level models now get a 103bhp 1.6-litre powerplant, mid-range variants come with a 141bhp 2.0-litre, while the range-topper doesn't change, and retains its 162bhp 2.7-litre V6.Our model was equipped with the 2.0-litre. Although it's not particularly characterful, this motor provides decent acceleration from low speeds, but it's not exactly a top performer. Mated to a snappy five-speed man-ual gearbox, the four-cylinder engine takes the Coupe from 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds, with a top speed of 129mph in reserve. The biggest problem with the powertrain is actually engaging gears - the clutch has a high biting point and an awkward pedal, taking all the fun out of changing ratios. At higher revs, the engine also becomes strained and breathless.On the road, the Coupe's chassis soon shows its age, too. While the compact dimensions and low-slung seating position make the Hyundai seem nimble, the SIII can't change direction with the same agility you'd expect from a modern hot hatch. And the steering feels numb when compared with cutting-edge rivals.However, few buyers will have any complaints about their Korean car's list of standard equipment. If you opt for our 2.0-litre model, you'll get the full leather trim, climate and cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels all thrown in. This version is priced at £17,995, while entry-level examples cost £15,745, with V6 variants available from £19,495.Even though there are very few Coupes available for this money, you have to ask what the Hyundai can offer that similarly priced hot hatches can't. The likes of Renaultsport's Clio 197, the forthcoming Vauxhall Corsa VXR and even Volkswagen's Golf GTI all provide stronger performance, better practicality and a far more modern package at SIII prices.So although Hyundai now has the budget Coupe class all to itself, we reckon most buyers will be better off spending their money in the blooming hot hatch market instead. What Next COMPARE CAR LOANS COMPARE CAR INSURANCE For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift! < Previous Next > 0 Comment Be the first to comment on this article You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join. Email: Password: Sponsored Results More HYUNDAI COUPE articles Car ReviewsDriver Power 2007: Hyundai CoupeFirst Drives: Coupe gets freshFirst Drives: Hyundai CoupeFirst Drives: Hyundai CoupeLong Term Tests: Hyundai Coupe V6Long Term Tests: Hyundai Coupe V6Long Term Tests: Hyundai Coupe V6Long Term Tests: Hyundai Coupe V6Used Car Tests: Hyundai CoupeNewsAuto Express News: Hyundai CoupeSpy Shots: Hyundai Coupé revealedAuto Express News: New Hyundai CoupeAuto Express News: Hyundai's new CoupéSpy Shots: Hyundai’s ‘Mustang’ hits road Related Index Pages Hyundai Hyundai Coupe Social Bookmarks Link to this article: For more details about purchasing this feature and/or images for editorial usage, please contact the Dennis Syndication team on pictures@dennis.co.uk Email a Friend Print this Pictures - Advertisement - Sponsored Results FIRST OPINION Hyundai’s newcomer is one of the last compact coupés – but its platform is now showing its age. Performance is reasonable and you get lots of kit for your money, yet a number of modern and seriously swift high-performance three-doors are available for a similar amount. While it’s the only competitively priced coupé about, the SIII now feels old-fashioned. AT A GLANCE Price: £17,995 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 141bhp 0-60mph: 9.3 secs Top speed: 129mph Economy: 35.3mpg Torque: 186Nm CO2: 193g/km*Standard equipment: Leather trim, climate control, 17-inch alloys, metal pedal trim, front and side airbags, cruise control, heated front seats, iPod stereo port On sale: Now! - Advertisement - Company Website | Media Information | Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Subs Info | Voucher Codes | SitemapOur Other Websites: The First Post | Custom PC | Evo | IT Pro | IT Pro India | MacUser | Men's Fitness | Micro Mart | PC Pro | bit-tech | Know Your Mobile | Octane | Expert Reviews | Channel Pro | Know Your Cell | Know Your Mobile India | iGizmo | Digital SLR Photography | Den of Geek | The Week | Computer Shopper | Dennis Communications | Magazines | Mobile Phone Deals | Competitions | Health & Fitness | CarBuyer © 2010 Dennis Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.Licensed by Felden || ", 'plr_ContentType': 'PAGESKIN', 'plr_ContentID': 'myContent', 'plr_ContentW': 994, 'plr_FrameTop': 90, 'plr_FrameSide': 130, 'plr_FrameBottom': 90, 'plr_HideElementsByID': '', 'plr_HideElementsByClass': '', 'plr_NoSkinInSkinResize': true }; var objPageSkin = new InSkin.Base('myPageSkin'); EVO NEWS CAR REVIEWS DATA VIDEOS FEATURES USED CARS BUYING GUIDES TRACKDAYS COMMUNITY WIN 3 ISSUES FOR £1 SHOP Search evo REGISTER LOGIN Free Newsletter Car Reviews: evo Car Reviews Hyundai Coupe Hyundai Coupe V6 Rating: Makeover attempts to bring new life to ageing Hyundai Coupe V6 Text: Henry Catchpole / Photos: Andy Morgan April 2007 Where are a host of appealing cars you can buy for around twenty grand at the moment. The trouble is that most of them have a big boot and Isofix points and scream ‘I do a school run’. So how about a 2+2 coupe for the same money? If you can live with the minor impracticalities it’s much more interesting than a hot hatch. Isn’t it?This is the new Hyundai Coupe SIII. The exterior has been completely redesigned, and significant changes have also been made inside, or so it says in the blurb. The nose has new, elongated headlights and a ‘more aggressive letterbox-like grille’ – although personally I’ve yet to come across an aggressive letterbox. There are also new side air vents and the rear bodywork has been re-sculpted too.From some angles it’s really quite an attractive shape. It’s certainly not offensive. But there’s nothing terribly distinctive about it and details like the big, square door mirrors jar slightly and look like budget afterthoughts. Inside, a designer has picked up on VW’s cool blue backlighting in a big way. Someone has also decided that if the TT has got round vents then the Hyundai Coupe should have a couple too. Metal-look finishes are also a big theme. Unfortunately, despite these late-’90s design highlights, the interior is pretty woeful. The steering wheel is huge and ugly, the control stalks are fat and made of particularly nasty plastic, and the whole thing is topped-off by the fact that anyone over six foot can’t sit up straight without opening the sunroof.The Golf GTI with its acres of headroom isn’t looking so bad now. Still, a lithe, V6 coupe should have it licked dynamically…Fire it up with a twist of the key and there are definitely more than four cylinders, but it isn’t a rich or complex sound. Slot ‘D’ with the slightly outsized gear selector – yes, our test car is an automatic, and a four speed one at that – and ease off. The throttle is lively in the first part of its travel, but you very quickly find yourself using the whole length of its travel just to encourage whatever acceleration the Coupe can muster. Hyundai claims 8.6sec to 62mph, and it feels about that unremarkable. The standard-fit traction control hardly seems necessary, and the V6 really needs to be kept above 4000rpm otherwise it tends to just make noise rather than actually creating any meaningful propulsion.Keeping things on the boil is made slightly tricky, however, by only having that four-speed auto. You can understand why the gearbox doesn’t have any more than four ratios, because it takes so long to swap between them that if it had six you’d end up going nowhere. If you use the selector to change gears then you can click it fore or aft and have your left hand back on the wheel before anything has happened. Downshifts lack any attempt at a throttle-blip and arrive with a palpable jolt.The Coupe’s saving dynamic grace is a chassis that is supple and benign, if not the last word in edgy thrills. This, combined with the fact that it feels like a small car, turns in well and corners neutrally, allows you to thread it down a road confidently and throw it into corners without any fear of hideous reprisals. The high-speed ride is impressively smooth as well.But acceptable dynamics can’t save the Coupe. In all honesty, it doesn’t do anything really badly, it just doesn’t do anything really well. Equipped with the six-speed manual it would deserve an extra half star (and cost £1000 less), but the bottom line remains that a 162bhp V6 and packaging that would have been borderline five years ago mean it just isn’t a desirable car, especially for twenty grand. More HYUNDAI COUPE: News, Spy Shots: Hyundai CoupeNews, evo News: Hyundai coupeNews, evo News: Hyundai updates CoupeCar Reviews, evo Car Reviews: Hyundai Coupe Related Index Pages Hyundai Hyundai Coupe Click here and get 3 issues for just £1!For more performance car news and reviews, subscribe to evo magazine. < Previous Next > 0 Comments Bookmark this post with: More CAR REVIEWS evo Car Reviews Long Term Tests Citroen DS3 R reviewElectric Nemesis reviewNew Stratos supercar reviewDriven: Audi quattro ConceptNew BMW X3 reviewPorsche 911 Carrera GTS reviewSeat Ibiza reviewSee all evo Car Reviews Renault Clio WilliamsFord Fiesta Zetec SRadical Clubsport 1100Radical Clubsport 1100Infiniti G37S CoupeFord Fiesta Zetec SRenault Clio WilliamsSee all Long Term Tests Car Group Tests Audi R8 Spyder v supercar rivalsCitroen DS3 v hot hatch rivalsAston Martin Rapide v rivals370Z Roadster v its rivalsIbiza Cupra V Clio 200 CupMega hatch group testECOTY 2009See all Car Group Tests Advertisement Pictures EMAIL TO A FRIEND PRINT THIS Car Data Compare the Hyundai Coupe V6 specification with many others in our new Car Data pages. evo RATING Decent chassis, smart exterior Dated feel, underpowered, overpriced evo SPECIFICATIONS Engine: V6, 2656cc, 24v Max power: 162bhp @ 6000rpm Max torque: 181lb ft @ 4000rpm 0 - 60mph: 8.6sec (claimed) Top speed: 135mph (claimed) Price: £20,495 On Sale: Now SPONSORED LINKS Company Website | Media Information | Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Subs InfoOur Other Websites: The First Post | Auto Express | Custom PC | IT Pro | IT Pro India | MacUser | Men's Fitness | Micro Mart | PC Pro | bit-tech | Know Your Mobile | Octane | Expert Reviews | Channel Pro | Know Your Cell | Know Your Mobile India | iGizmo | Digital SLR Photography | Den of Geek | The Week | Computer Shopper | Dennis Communications | Magazines | Mobile Phone Deals | Competitions | Health & Fitness | CarBuyer © 2010 Dennis Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.Licensed by Felden || Models Gallery Tuning DIY Forum Mine Owners welcome to ukHCS On this page Home Latest News Brief Coupe History Me and my Coupe Main Menu Links News Events Downloads Ads Original 'Underground' template by: styleshout Welcome to the UK Hyundai Coupe Site The number one UK website for all Hyundai Coupe and Tuscani owners and enthusiasts! I created ukHCS, as a lover of the Hyundai Coupe, to provide a unique resource of information for other owners. Here you will be able to read about the latest news on new models and to discover what potential the car has, particularly in aftermarket modifications and to identify and fix common and simple problems (of which there are very few!). Although this is a UK site, all information is relevant to other countries, some of whom know the Hyundai Coupe as the Hyundai Tiburon or Tuscani. Latest Hyundai TSIII We know Hyundai like to update their Coupes regularly, so here we have the new TSIII, a slightly tarted-up version of the SIII Coupe. View Hyundai Coupe Spy Shots Yes, it's another new Hyundai Coupe! Due out in 2009 we've barely had chance to familiarise ourselves with the SIII. The full story is on Auto Express, but you need to be registered to see it, so read all about it here! Interview with the Owner A new section has been launched for 2007, whereby forum members are interviewed about themselves and their Coupe. Two new ones have been added, have a look in the Owners section. 2007 Hyundai Coupe SIII My review of the new Hyundai Coupe SIII is now available, along with pictures of the new beastie. The general consensus on the ukHCS forums is that the back is great and the front is 'could do better' - have a look for yourself. Hyundai Coupe history, in a nutshell The launch of the gen1 Hyundai Coupe was a huge success and even out-sold the Fiat Coupe in its homeland of Italy. Hyundai didn't stand still and released a limited edition Hyundai Coupe F2 model in 1998 which was followed up in June 1999 with the Hyundai Coupe F2 Evolution . February 2000 saw the new 'facelift' next generation , also known as the RD2 Hyundai Coupe. A bigger change occured in January 2002 when Hyundai completely re-invented the Hyundai Coupe with the 3rd generation (GK) model, or 'Tuscani'. In line with their regular updates, this was soon followed by the facelift gen3 , in 2005. 2006 saw the very latest Hyundai Coupe go on sale in the UK, the 'SIII', the design is still based around the gen3 model, but with exterior changes. For a full listing of all the models have a look here and don't forget to check the gallery too! Me and my Coupe... I used to own a Hyundai S-Coupe (terrible car!), then in 1996 Hyundai made an amazing move by transforming the square shaped S-Coupe into the fantastic shape of the first generation coupe or RD to give it its correct designation. Having been an admirer of the Hyundai Coupe since its UK launch in 1996, trips to the Hyundai garage would always lead to my drooling over the new Coupe. In September '98 I had the great pleasure of purchasing my own Hyundai Coupe , a 2 litre SE in Cobalt Blue, it was beautiful in its standard trim, but after a year the modifications began... If you love your Hyundai Coupe as much as me why not have you very own Hyundai Coupe owners Page? || || “Hyundai’s SIII Coupé serves up a very nice blend of 2+2 style and performance. Better still, it does so at a price that’s also very ‘nice’...” THE AFFORDABLE COMPACT COUPE market is shrinking in the UK, due to a lack of new models and the change in buying trends towards 'super-minis' and retractable metal-roofed coupé-cabriolets. Customers now prefer 'hot' versions of superminis from the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 207 ranges. Coupé-cabriolets such as the Peugeot 207 CC, Ford Focus CC, Renault Megane CC, the Mazda MX-5 CC and the VW Eos have virtually replaced the affordable compact Coupé. Other than the Hyundai three-door Coupé, what is the competition? Perhaps only the Mazda RX-8. Unless, of course, a customer wants to spend considerably more. Think BMW Z4, Audi TT, Mercedes CLK or Nissan 350Z. The Hyundai Coupé SIII, as its name correctly suggests, is now in its third generation having been launched — initially for the American market — in 1996. Since that time it has received a number of facelifts and upgrades to keep it fresh and market competitive. To date, more than 43,000 right-hand drive models have been sold in the UK — not bad for a very niche product. And it still outsells the BMW 3 Series Coupé and Mercedes CLK. The draw of a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, high levels of specification and keen, affordable prices attracted nearly 36,000 UK customers to Hyundai models last year, of which 4,500 were Coupés. The most popular model by far (80 per cent) are the two-litre petrol variants, a third of which are ordered with automatic transmission — a rarity offering in a Coupé of this price and size. The 1.6-litre and 2.7-litre V6 petrol-engined models share equally the remaining 20 per cent of sales. The big V6 model also has the option of automatic transmission. Prices range from £15,760 for the 1.6-litre up to £19,585 for the V6 auto. The best-selling 2.0-litre petrol variant costs an attractive £18,010 and the automatic gearbox, if chosen, will add £1,000 to that price. On sale from 1 January this year, the Coupé SIII has been completely re-designed outside and features significant changes and enhancements inside. The entirely new front end features elongated headlights with a more aggressive letterbox-like grille and new fog lights. New side air vents now incorporate the indicator repeater lights; while the re-shaped rear features a more sculpted look, with fully integrated twin tailpipes for the 2.0 and V6 models and restyled rear light clusters. A new range of exterior bodywork colours is available, and there's a choice of red or black interior trim with leather a standard feature on all models — even the entry-level 1.6-litre model comes with half-leather trim. Both the Steel Grey and Stone Black variants come with a red interior finish, while all other colours feature black interior trim. New to the Coupé SIII is Hyundai's signature blue instrumentation illumination, which I actually find overpowering because there is too much of it used in too many places. It could also confuse the driver, as the main beam headlight warning light is in a similar blue. The centre console layout has been redesigned for a cleaner look and easier usage. It also has a sleeker, sportier look and feel with a new metal-look finish, tied-in with metal-look finishes on the steering wheel and air vents that together create an added sense of quality. For music lovers, the new Hyundai Coupé SIII comes with an iPod compatible CD/Radio stereo. The iPod port, found in the centre arm-rest, is standard on all models in the range. Hyundai models have always featured a high level of specification and the new Coupé SIII follows this tradition. The entry-level 1.6 comes with half-leather trim, air-conditioning, a CD/Radio stereo with iPod port, driver, front passenger and side air-bags, engine immobiliser, height adjustable seatbelts, remote central locking, leather steering wheel, electric front windows and door mirrors and new 16-inch alloy wheels. The 2.0 adds full leather trim, climate control, metal-trimmed pedals and footrest, 17-inch alloy wheels, twin exhausts, cruise control, electric sunroof and heated front seats. The range-topping V6 models add more: a Thatcham category 1 alarm, automatic headlights, traction control, 6-speed manual gearbox and an automatic dimming rear-view mirror. Engines and transmissions remain unchanged and offer a give-and-take mix of affordability and outright performance. The entry-level model has a 1.6-litre, 103bhp, 4-cylinder 16-valve double overhead cam petrol unit — which is ideal for younger drivers venturing into sports car ownership for the first time, thanks to an insurance rating of just 8D. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, which delivers a top speed of 115mph and a 0-62mph time of 11.9 seconds. The mid-range, best-selling model has a 2.0-litre, 16-valve DOHC petrol engine developing 141bhp and can, in five-speed manual gearbox spec, cover the 0-62mph sprint in just 9.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 129mph. Automatic transmission is an option. For the record, the 2.7-litre V6 DOHC 24-valve version has a power output of 165bhp (and 181lb ft of torque) giving a top speed nearing 140mph and goes from zero to 62mph in 8.3 seconds. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard or there is the option of automatic transmission. Common to all models in the line-up is two-plus-two seating, wide opening side doors for ease of entry both front and rear and a useful tailgate accessing a good-sized 418-litre load area. Split/fold rear seats extend the boot's functionality. There are lots of sportingly-styled instruments, the windows and mirrors are operated electrically and the array of safety features is reasonable. The driving position was good although, being on the tallish side, I found the headroom limited. Ride and handling is competent: the Coupé rides flat and level with little roll and the steering is precise despite not offering a lot to the driver in the way of feedback. The ride is very comfortable and only becomes unsettled over potholed town streets. The 2.0-litre's 141bhp is not enough to make it a ball of fire, and the engine becomes noisy if worked hard. That said, driven in a manner that our roads and regulations dictate these days, it is fine; and the 34.9mpg average fuel consumption was a nice bonus. Officially the combined consumption is given as 35.3mpg — and that's more than close enough to the figure I achieved in the real-world. The gear-change is slick and easy to use, and made more enjoyable by a set of well-stacked ratios in the five-speed gearbox and which gives a responsive performance at all speeds. Buyers like these 2+2 Coupés for a number of reasons: their scarcity value; 5-year warranty; value-for-money; and good looks. There is also a relatively roomy cabin and they drive pretty well — if not a totally inspiring drive for a sporty looking Coupé. However, the driving dynamics are okay; just not always a match for some of its sporting (and, generally, much more expensive) European rivals. The Hyundai Coupé is exactly what it is: well-sized, well-specified and well-priced. And just for the record, SatNav is an extremely reasonable £495 option. This Hyundai does everything moderately well, and it looks pretty good. For many — and in particular a large number of coupé buyers in the UK — that's more than enough to keep smiles on their faces. And these days, anything that can do that deserves appreciation. — David Miles Hyundai Coupé SIII 2.0 | £18,010 Maximum speed: 129mph | 0-62mph: 9.3 seconds Overall test MPG: 35.3mpg | Power: 141bhp | Torque: 137lb ft Visit Hyundai's website Home NEWS NEW CAR reviews DVD+Blu-ray reviews CD reviews VIDEOS WIN TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE BOOKS Contact MotorBar MotorBar — Online since 2000 Copyright © 2000-2010 MotorBar.com & MotorBar.co.uk All rights reserved -------------------------------------------------------------- Hyundai Coupé SIII