Car reviews

When the Hyundai Coupé was launched in 2002 it was applauded for its styling and was seen as a genuine alternative to other vehicles in its class. Ford was about to discontinue the Cougar, Peugeot was winding down the 406 Coupé in the UK, the Toyota Celica was already three years old, and the Vauxhall Astra Coupé had styling clearly inspired by the more mundane hatchback. Five years later the Hyundai went under the knife to keep it fresh, but its rivals have either disappeared or evolved. Coupés at this price elsewhere are often hard-top coupe-cabriolets, while the resurgence in the popularity of hot hatchbacks means you can get more performance and practicality elsewhere. Changes to the Coupé for 2007 are mainly cosmetic: new lights, new front wings, iPod compatibility.