Hyundai Coupe road tests and consumer car reviews

Hyundai Coupe S111 2.0 2008

A great car with a very solid feel. It’s our second car and we needed a 2+2. We were looking at GTV’s and then this dawned upon us. The only fault we’ve had is when the clutch went at 31k and was not covered by the warranty, bye bye £450. I’m still happy to clean and polish it after over 2 years; the only car I’ve owned that will never be put through a car wash. Love it.

Hyundai Coupe 2007

I’ve had the car from new, now 4yrs old. Excellent 2nd hand buy,superb motorway cruiser, very good economy at high speeds. No problems with car at all, reasonable servicing costs, 4th yr service £270 from dealership. Took on a track day, hot day, Castle Coombe circuit, plenty of tight cichaines, totally surprised me, it handled very good for a front wheel drive car. I thought it would handle like a jelly on a plate, nice surprise, have more respect for car now. I also own 2.7 Boxster, and a MX5 mk2, trust me it was very respectable. Not that many 3rd generation models on the road really, it didn’t sell well, plenty still on 2nd hand forecourts, well worth investing in, good all round car for 2 passengers only, or two garden gnomes on rear seats. Not a fast car, but ok, for what it does.

Hyundai Coupe 2.7 2003

Had my 2.7 one year now, 16000miles trouble free motoring. I still love the look of it, it’s in samba red, and enjoy every minute driving it. I have had many sports cars; the engine is very torquey, which means you don’t have to buzz up and down the gearbox to get any speed out of it. The build quality seems good, but not sure about paintwork, got a fair few stonechips.

Hyundai Coupe 2.0 se 2006

I bought a 5 year old Coupe 2.0 se a fortnight ago as a second car for my commute to work. I was looking for something sporty, decent spec and cheap. and it fits the bill just great. I’ve done 800 miles in 2 weeks and it goes just fine. Could do with more mid range grunt. Thinking about getting it remapped to 160 hp for £300. Overall it has been a good buy for £3500.

Hyundai Coupe SE 2006

Going buy my second coupe today, can’t wait. It goes like a dream and looks sporty!

Responses to this review

I have had my Hyundai seven years and still get a buzz everytime I drive it. What other car manufacturer gives a seven year warranty and includes all normally charged extras free? Leather seats, cruise control, sunroof etc are all free - Lady Driver Humberside from Yorkshire

Responding to Lady Caps From ButtieLand - They have a 7 year warranty: granted. The manufacturer thinks it needs one. They have leather: granted (Plastic leather from robot cows). They have cruise control ha ha. Have you ever driven the beastie out of second gear? The designers never really mastered the problem of front wheel drive, cornering and suspension. My apologies, Hundies don’t do quickness. I forgot; it’s strictly a pose wagon. It must make the neighbour with the Auris just green with envy. Why would you bother with a tart’s car that costs more than a standard 5 door hatch, uses more fuel and doesn’t go as well? It’s not even well made or exclusive. Even the chavettes have some cop on and steer clear of these. The only time the hairy idiot on Top Gear said anything sensible was to suggest that instead of banning foxhunting, we should subsidise Tiburon hunts instead - Eoghan Quinn from Ireland

Let’s stop the stupid sniping on this page please. My wife has one of these and it’s okay. A to B it does what it says on the tin with a nice load of extras. It’s not posh or flash or fast but it always starts and keeps the rain off. I did think about a newer one. The Mrs’ car is 10 years old but the spec isn’t encouraging. It seems the new one is built on ancient underpinnings: ’The new Tiburon will share the front-wheel-drive platform used in the Accent and Elantra, which means it will likely also get a 1.6-liter 140 horsepower four-cylinder engine. Hyundai also says to expect at least 40 miles per gallon, which would make this the most fuel efficient car yet from the Korean automaker.’ 40mpg isn’t very much in the economy stakes these days with fuel at £1.50 per gallon - Ronald Wilson from Durham

Hyundai Coupe 2005

I’ve now owned my 2L auto for two years. On the positive side it looks great, it’s utterly dependable, and it’s very practical for a coupe, having loads of luggage space and two "occasional" rear seats. It’s also well equipped, with aircon and cruise control (both essentials for me)! The downsides are a terrible ride - on the 17" wheels (I swapped for 16" wheels after a few months - this made a huge improvement), legroom in the front is not great for a six-footer and although it drives OK, it is no more exciting than the average FWD hatchback. The fuel consumption is not very impressive, either. Overall, however, it seems a fairly solid car and very good value for money.

Responses to this review

Ferrari looks... best sportscar / best thing I’ve ever driven?? What are you guys on? The Hundy (even in its latest guise) is an average performer (2.0) gas guzzler V6 with 165Hp, there must have been a contest to find who could build the biggest engine with the least power... 1.6 gets burned off by milkfloats. Performance wise they are rubbish. My daughters 1.6 Fiesta out accelerates, outcorners and carries more load than this thing... Handling wise it doesn’t: think ’drunk on skates’. Head turner. If you like that kind of thing and are into hairdressing (on a council estate). The only really fast thing about the Hundy Coupe is the depreciation - Jim Beal from Oxfordshire

Firstly, I think one should compare like with like. Those in the market for a Fiesta are unlikely to consider a Coupe, or vice versa. I’m sure the Fiesta is a very good car, but I wouldn’t want one! On performance, 140 bhp from a 2L engine may not be earth-shattering these days but neither is it a disgrace. On handling, if the example being driven feels "drunk on skates", then there is something wrong with it! I have absolutely no complaints at all about the handling of my Coupe. On the contrary, on fast, twisty country roads I have "seen off" some serious machinery in the time I have had it - John Lambert from England

Jim Beal’s reply was a bit harsh. The Hyundai Coupe is an ok average car. Average all around, it goes ok, mpg is ok and the performance is ok. The rented one I had went round corners fine. I don’t know where the ’skates’ comment came from unless it was ill or on ice. I do have an issue though with the guys praising this car as the ’ultimate sports car’ and comparing it to Beemers and Audi’s. Cop on lads it isn’t and isn’t supposed to be. If you want a real sports car then you’ve got to shell out for one. I wouldn’t try racing anything more powerful than a London cab in less than the V6 version. I wouldn’t buy one. I don’t like the looks. I think the comment about hairdressers and council estates has merit. This is a chicks car... grown up from the Micra and want something flash but don’t like the power of a Celica. Incidentally for the price of a Hyundai Coupe you can buy a range of excellent mid market cars that do have proper performance, very good handling and a better build quality. To name 3: Golf or New Megane or mid bracket Focus. This is a bit of a no-brainer choice and I can’t see why you’d pick the Hyundai which has awful re-sale values - Steve Archer from Middlesex

’On the contrary, on fast, twisty country roads I have "seen off" some serious machinery in the time I have had it..’ Chasing 4x4’s towing horse boxes again? Mich Wilson from Derbyshire

Good debate. The point you guys are all missing is that the Hyundai Coupe is a style statement and a pretty crap style statement to boot. The car is bought by people who know zip about cars, can’t be bothered to read up and probably drink Bud Lite and do Karaoke nights. The girl buying this car is likely to be a Sharon and the guy Kevin. Kevin thinks ’Die Hard 4’ is a great movie - Roddy McClain from Ireland

Hyundai have done it again. The replacement for this one is the ’Genesis Coupe’. Bloody great big engine, no power even though it’s a turbo and handles like a three wheel Asda trolley. I guess that it is for the Yankee market, economy, handling and performance are irrelevent? - Tim Sleavin from London

My girlfriend has had her 2001 2.0 SE for a year now and to be fair, it’s been really good with no problems at all. Having said that, I do agree with people when they say that they are not really a sports car or they are not really fast or that the finish is a bit poor because it’s all true to a point, and if I’m honest, I wouldn’t buy a new one myself.
But one thing you have to admit is that they must have got something right because they are so damn popular. I think that is simply because it’s a solid jack of all trades that will do most things for the majority of people without costing an arm and a leg, that also allows you to be a little different.
As a secondhand car, you can’t beat ’em. We paid £1,000 for ours with 80,000 on the clock, a service history and in great nick. How many other 2001 cars with all the kit like leather seats, full history and sporty looks can you get for that money? Anyway if it is speed and sporty fun you are after, then go out and buy a sports bike. Every car will seem slow and dull afterwards - Steve Jones from Wrexham

I think there’s a lot of people missing the point here. I paid £4,000 for a 2.0L, late ’06 plate with 29k on the clock. The previous owner had put new 18" alloys, xenons, vented disc brakes on all four corners and even new wipers. On top of the usual leather seats, cruise control, sunroof etc, I’ll give a prize to someone that can find me a hot hatch or equivalent sports car with decent looks that isn’t either a) 10+ years old, b) has over 100,000 miles, c) is cat C or D or e) has something chronically wrong. It’s not about ’knowing about cars’. Sure, this ain’t a car for racing and it ain’t a ’Ferrari’. When I’ve got the dosh, I’ll buy an S2000, but for now this is a bargain that outshines everything in it’s price bracket. The rest of you can go flash your wallets elsewhere - Jeremy from Hampshire

It’s a great car. I have one and it’s reliable, good handling, very good looking and still after 10 years still manage to turn heads! - Chris from Italy

Hyundai Coupe S111 2.0 Manual 2007

This is my 1st ever Hyundai I`ve owned. I bought a Coupe S111 2.0 in Continental Silver wih the full leather trim in black. Bought the car in January 2007 on a 56 plate, and its only covered 31000 miles. I have had a few problems with the stereo not illuminating, and both interior light door switches have been replaced, also I had the R/N/S alloy wheel replaced as it had a problem with the lacquer peeling, and also the air con compressor as it had a hole in it caused by a stone! All covered by the Hyundai warranty except the air con compressor (Hyundai paid towards the cost). The coupe is a great car that gets plenty of admiring looks. MPG isnt too bad for size of car, but could do with a 6 speed gearbox, as its quite noisy at 70mph. The hyundai Coupe gets a big 5***** from me.

Hyundai Coupe 2009

I find the petrol light a pain at the moment it comes on as and when it pleases. It can come on at 80miles left in the tank. I think the fuel consumption is high unless hitting good speed on a motor way or sitting at 70-80, however, it drinks the juice if you are in little towns.

Hyundai Coupe 1.6 S 2010

I loved this car as soon as i saw it and wanted one so I traded my Hyundai SE 1.5 turbo coupe, which I purchased back in 1996 and was 2 yr old when i got it, it still runnning today as good as day I bought it and never let me down. I thought I would be sad to see it go but no not now I purchased the 1.6s. It’s not as fast but it’s certainly a dream car smooth sleek etc just like her new owner lol theres no other car for me. I will always stay with Hyundai and its funny seeing all my mates in beemers, they spend loads on ’em and all they do is break down all da time, wake up you posers and get ya self a decent car, one that will still be going 15yrs later and still looking just as good. Hyundai s coupe, brill what more can I say?

Responses to this review

Beemers are built to last and to perform. BMW is to Hyundai as prime tinned caviar is to Tesco baked beans. In the words of Mr Ratner the beans are probably a better buy and will last longer - Arfan Syeed from Leicestershire

BMWs are for arseh*les and posers. Every meathead has one. VW brand will always be top dollar - Jim from London

Jim, you must remind the Rozzers in their M5 traffic cars on the M40 of the above next time you get done in your diesel tank! - Willie McDowle from Scotland

BMW just about pay police forces to take and use their cars! - Allan Rob from Scotland

Hyundai Coupe SE 1999

I bought this car second hand, I’ve had it a month and I love it! It’s very smooth to drive, feels very nippy and handles well. Pretty economical on fuel too, sorry Gordon Brown. It’s just big enough to be practical but has the looks of something sporty and more expensive than it actually was. The leather seats feel a bit on the firm side, but that could be because my bum isn’t. The 2 litre engine pulls well enough to get the better of boy racers at the traffic lights, not that I’d stoop to that sort of thing of course. Lose the parcel shelf and drop the back seats down, there’s enough space for a flat-packed bedroom from IKEA. Cruise control is handy for the motorway too. Great looks, great performance, I just wish I was as smart and sexy as my car.

Hyundai Coupe 2.0 SE Manual 2005

I bought my coupe a few years back and I have had no problems. It really is a great looking car, however, it took me quite a while to get used to the clutch, it lacks bite and can over-rev at times. I think Hyundai make their cars with durable components that may lack a bit of the sporty feel you may get in other cars. The gearbox is smooth but for a 2.0 injection modern car it does lack a bit of bottom end power but once out on the open road it’s a nice drive. Obviously compared to an RX-8 or a TT it hasn’t got the performance but on the flip side the insurance group is 10 and the fuel economy is acceptable, plus the fact they are very cheap to buy. Around town is not good, however, on fuel consumption,I find it best cruising on the motorway about 80mph. The cruise control option is pointless in a "sportscar", that could have been dropped in place of a better sound system. Overall I’m happy but still think it lacks something. I guess that’s what I have Sportsbikes for.

Responses to this review

Update on my high clutch issue: It actually was slipping due to wear and tear and has just cost me £515.00 to have replaced...after 29,000 miles!I only had it serviced 1,500 miles ago aswell at a cost of £379.00. Hyundai certainly do make their money somehow don’t they?...- Damian from England

Hyundai Coupe 2.0 S111 2009

Had this car a week now. Love it! Hyundai are/were selling these off at a deal as the new Genesis 2.7 V6 are going to replace the S111. Read a lot of conflicting reports on this car, some good, some bad. Top Gear seem to dislike it, but then again unless it’s a Ferrari or a Lambourgini... they’re not interested! Overall, very smooth drive. Smooth gearbox and clutch. Suspension is a little harder than I would have liked and I have got used to the high clutch pedal that every other review seems to complain about. A little annoying that I have to use the key to open the hatch, apart from having to open the drivers door to operate the lever. Hyundai should/could have included this on the remote key fob? MPG is lower than stated. I’m averaging 29mpg... and most of my miles are on the motorway. In summary... yes, for the money I guess I could have got a good 2nd hand Golf, or a decent Mazda RX8. But there are not many opportunities to buy a brand spanking new car of this calibre for £12,995!!

Responses to this review

In actual fact, Top Gear have contradicted themselves in reviews of this car. On two occaisions all three presenters completely lambasted the Hyundai. However, both incidents occured during the shows News segment and were aimed at Hyundai as a manufacturer rather than the car. This was unfair on two counts as they hadn’t test driven it, and Hyundai have improved their build quality enormously recently. I remember Richard Hammond doing a segment for the show about budget sports cars for those who couldn’t afford Lambos and the like. I can’t remember the other cars reviewed (they must’ve been pretty boring), but I DO remember him liking this one. He loved the styling, noting its similarities to the Ferrari 599. He praised the handling and ride, and also the smooth V6 engine. He mentioned it had enough oomph to put a smile on your face. Only two minor criticisms were mentioned: The slightly plasticky feel to some of the interior fixtures and fittings and he thought the front headlamp lenses were a little too large to be elegant. He did qualify this by stating that they were minor issues considering the price - Dave Saunders from Northamptonshire

Hyundai Coupe s!!! 2.0l 2007

The car, which I have had for over two years, is the best thing I have ever purchased. I have had it two years now from new and apart from a gearbox problem which Hyundai fixed in a week and gave me a curteousy car free of charge there hasn’t been another problem. Like everybody says it’s not blisteringly quick by any means but it is fast enough. The handling is sublime on anything but a pot hole invested road when you do feel the thud through your arse and stearing wheel. The interior is mega cool, I have a slight scuff on the passengers side support where people get in and out of the back seats, this is because the acces to the rear seats is small and really you can’t put anybody over 5ft in the back as there head will bounce off the tailgate glass (my only gripe about the car really).

Hyundai Coupe 1.6S 2005

3yrs old, 9K miles, one owner, immaculate, balance of 5yr warranty, for £7K. It turns heads every single minute of every single day. Quite simply beautiful. The seats are low and you tend to fall into them and struggle to get out. The ride is harsh and the fuel economy only OK. However, this car gets you out of bed, scrubbed up and ready to drive anywhere. It simply makes you smile and want to carry on. Recommended to everybody who wants quality at a fair price. Our previous Hyundai gave us seven years of trouble free motoring and that was three years old when we purchased that. I love this car!!

Hyundai Coupe 2000 S111 2009

Had this car 4 weeks now and I love it. Opted for white and she looks fabulous. Anyone that has a remote interest in sports cars gives her a second and third glance - don’t think they know what the car is til they look at the badge! Found the high clutch hard for all of a day after having an old style Toyota Celica SR but she is a dream to drive. Bought mine off the internet having NOT test drove one but saving about 2k on price and can honestly say its the best impulse buy I’ve ever made. Always had Toyotas for passed 10 years but think this baby has changed my mind. I look forward to driving her every day and even the kids have dissed the Toyota Rav in favour of the Coupe.

Hyundai Coupe SE 2-litre Auto 2004

So after 5 years we wave a sad goodbye to my son’s 2 litre Coupe SE Auto. 60,000 fault free miles, not one thing (not even a bulb) has gone wrong. The five year warranty expires next week so time to trade her in... and in this respect she has held her value very well returning almost 35% of her value after 5 years. She has always looked very smart in black with black leather and came fully loaded with toys (cruise climate etc etc) from new. The only very slightly negative things to say about the car is the (Cobra ...standard fit) is that the alarm is not very good... and the fuel consumption has never matched the official figures (but then which car does ???). I can understand why Hyundai can give a 5 years warranty (the family have owned 4 Hyundai’s so far) as nothing seems to go wrong with their cars.

Hyundai Coupe 2002

I think my Hyundai Coupe 2.7 is one of the best looking coupe’s around. Its V6 engine sounds brilliant and it’s got such a lot of car for its low price. Unlike the Audi TT which, although it is a good car, but the 2002 TT costs 10K more than my Hyundai coupe 2.7-litre cost me. Less than half that with only 29,000 miles. I get a lot of looks in it from young ladies, not me, THE CAR.

Responses to this review

And the ladies are thinking ’what a prat... posing in a Korean tinplate box... should have gone to Specsavers’ - Jason Swift from Northamptonshire

Hyundai Coupe s111 2.0 2007

I test drove the new Hyundai Coupe s111 2.0 the other day and bought it as soon as I got back. Yes, the clutch is quite high and will take a bit of getting used to, the style, the comfort, the gadgets and performance is out of this world - if somebody had told me that it cost 40 grand I would have believed them! No, it’s not Impreza fast, which are speeds you cannot even use in the real world, but doesn’t half have a kick to it the tax and insurance is reasonable and more affordable and that will attract many many buyers. If I was offered a brand new Evo or Impreza I know I’d still rather the Hyundai Coupe because its a nicer car, not a box with a turbo and a spoiler you could sit a family on...

Hyundai Coupe 2007

I’ve had this car just over a week now and it still blows me away every time I look at it. It looks fantastic from every angle inside and out complete with leather seats and electric sunroof make this car extra special, at night time the display is illuminated in a super cool neon blue... stunning. This is a car which makes you want to go and clean, polish and hoover it every day. By far the best car I have ever owned. Stunning. The only thing I have to get used to is the high biting point on the clutch pedal, is this the normal on this type of car?

Responses to this review

I’ve had my 2.7 six speed s111 for three months and although I clean it more than any car I’ve had before I just love it (lots of nooks and cranny in styling). Smashing burble from engine with train like acceleration and stunning looks (electric blue/black leather) good handling for a fwd and the price - what’s not to like? The one thing is as, one person says, the clutch travels a long way before it "bites" - Mike Bavron from England

Hyundai Coupe 2 litre 2008

I’ve had this car just over a week now and it still blows me away every time I look at it. It looks fantastic from every angle; inside and out; the leather seats and electric sunroof make this car extra special; sound system is pretty decent with the iPod control keeping it bang up to date; at night time the display is illuminated in a super cool neon blue... stunning! This is a car which makes you want to go and clean , polish and hoover it every day! (that’s exactly what I do!) By far the best car I have ever owned! You can be sure my next car will be another Hyundai Coupe! Stunning!

Hyundai Coupe 2002

I have had my 2se coupe for over five years and have not had any faults apart from a window winder mechanism which was quickly fixed under the five year warranty. I will probably purchase a more up to date model soon.

Hyundai Coupe S111 2007

If there is another car that looks this good for the money I haven’t seen it! My car goes in for it’s first service soon and I have nothing to be fixed, everything works as it should, the quality of finish is as good as I have seen, from the paintwork down to the heated leather seats and switch gear, I did a lot of research into buying this car and it has gone far past my expectations, it is not the fastest, but where can you use the speed? It handles great and looks stunning, what else do you need! Go on buy one.

Hyundai Coupe 2.7 V6 SIII 2dr 2006

Yes it’s a Hyundai but look past the badge and you have a thrilling ride wrapped up in a stylish body that is extremely affordable. This is a cracking little car to drive and the V6 engine does not disappoint. Sniff at the badge if you want to but it’s your loss. Really, test drive it and then tell me it’s not a car you’d want to own!

Hyundai Coupe 2.7 V6 2007

This is a nice, affordable coupe that doesn’t look in the least bit cheap. The interiors are smart and stylish with excellent kit included. An excellent rival to other more popular coupes. Brilliant drive too.