People who know nothing about cars will probably love the Hyundai Coupé. It looks lovely, has an attractive price tag and some decent engines. But for many buyers who think they do know a thing or two about cars the Hyundai badge is a reason not to buy one. Which is a shame, because compared with most of the competition it’s a bit of a bargain.

Introduced to the UK in January 2002, the third generation Coupé was an improvement on its predecessors, which quite rightly never won any beauty contests. The newest generation has changed all that; longer, wider and more muscular, it has more than a hint of the Ferrari 456 about its proportions, and to me its front end boasts a passing resemblance to the new Jaguar XK.

Under the bonnet is a choice of three engines. The smallest 1.6 litre produces 103bhp and takes 11.9sec to reach 62mph. It’s hardly an exhilarating drive but in its favour is a modest group 8 insurance rating and fuel economy that can approach 40mpg in mixed motoring. More satisfying is the 2 litre 136bhp unit. The £2,000 premium you would have paid when new becomes a more reasonable £1,500 on used examples, and for that you not only get a bigger, better engine, but full leather upholstery, an electric sunroof and cruise control.

For many the range-topping V6 2.7 litre 165bhp Coupé will be tempting. It has a top speed of 137mph and a 62mph time of 8.3sec, brisk enough for most buyers, but insurers treat the car kindly, giving it a group 14 rating. Married to a six-speed manual gearbox you can expect close to 30mpg and, with second-hand examples fetching just £500 more than the 2 litre, it represents something of a bargain.

The Coupé drives and handles well, the front-wheel-drive chassis feels nimble and the brakes are good. All 2.7 litre models come with larger 17in alloys that look good and enhance grip thanks to the wider tyres. The 2 litre and 2.7 litre models have the option of a four-speed automatic gearbox, ideal if you intend to spend much of your life in traffic, that will set you back around £350 extra on used examples.

The Coupé may come with a reasonable price tag but it certainly doesn’t have a low-rent feel. The leather upholstery looks and feels the part and the fit and finish in the cabin are spot on. It may not be quite a Lexus but you will be unlikely to tell the difference in quality between a three-year-old Nissan or Mazda and the Hyundai.

Those unfamiliar with the badge are often not aware of what many Hyundai buyers consider their greatest asset, the warranty. In September 2002 Hyundai introduced a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty to all models, meaning that all but the first few months of Coupé production will have qualified. Find a used Coupé that has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule and you will be buying a car that still enjoys an excellent warranty, particularly good news when you buy privately.

• Gearbox Six-speed manual standard on the 2.7 litre model and a five-speed manual on the 2 and 1.6

• Boot The 418 litre boot is large enough to shame many family hatchbacks but because it is shallow it can struggle with awkward-shaped loads

• Rear seats Better than in many coupés but still more comfortable for children than adults

• Alloys 16in alloys on 1.6 and 2 litre models and 17in rims on V6 2.7

• Facelift January 2005 facelift introduced modified front and rear lights and sharper-profiled bumpers

• Warranty New cars after September 1, 2002 qualified for a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty but will have required servicing every 10,000 miles, so check with Hyundai to ensure the car you are buying qualifies. Cars without warranty are worth £300-£500 less

• Stereo CD player standard on all models

• Air-conditioning Standard on all models, with a more sophisticated climate control fitted to the 2.7

• Satellite navigation An option on all models and rarely seen

• Safety Front and side airbags are standard

• Hyundai Coupé V6 2.7 manual 2002 02 registration with 30,000 miles and balance of manufacturer’s warranty. Pay £9,350 from a dealer or £8,500 privately

Alternatives

Figures based on CAP December 2005 edition

 © Jason Dawe Productions Limited February 2006