Hyundai Coupé (02-09) - Review

The Coupe may not drive like a sporty car, but it does unfortunately ride like one, with a firm suspension set-up that struggles over uneven and bumpy roads. The cabin is quite cramped but the rear seats are surprisingly spacious for a two-door car. Air conditioning and electric windows are standard on all models but anyone choosing the 2.0-litre or V6 will have an electric sunroof eating into the available headroom.

Although the Hyundai has a relatively cramped interior, the boot is quite large for a coupé, measuring more than 400 litres - bigger than the load area in a Ford Focus hatchback. Better still, the rear seats can be folded down to accommodate larger items making the Coupe usefully versatile.

The driving position isn't particularly good in the Coupe - the seat is placed low and has little vertical adjustment. As a result the steering wheel (which lacks reach adjustment) is too far away for taller drivers while headroom is limited, especially on 2.0-litre and V6 models which come with a sunroof. Build quality is good but some of the finish could be better and earlier models feel distinctly low rent. Facelifted models from 2007 have a redesigned centre console which looks far more sophisticated along with neat blue backlit dials, reminiscent of VW interiors. However the cheap-looking aftermarket stereo does let it down.