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The Hyundai Coupe SIII is the third generation of the Hyundai Coupe series. The Hyundai Coupe was first launched in the American market in 1992, and since then it has undergone a number of changes and modifications to keep it in line with times and competitive in the market.
The Hyundai Coupe SIII exterior has been restyled and features considerable changes in the interior. The front of the Hyundai Coupe SIII features new elongated headlights, a more aggressive grille and new fog lights. Signal lights are now incorporated in the new side air vents. The rear end of the car also features new lines with a more sculpted look, and re-arranged rear lights. The 2.0 liter and V6 models have integrated twin tailpipes.
There are now new colors available for the Hyundai Coupe SIII. These include Solid Shine Red, offered as a standard color, and metallic hues like Sky Blue, Steel Grey, Continental Silver and Mica Stone Black, which are all optional colors at extra cost. There’s now a choice of red or black interior trim, and leather is now a standard feature on all models, from the 1.6 liter model up. All the color variants feature the black interior, except for the Steel Grey and Stone Black colors, which come with a red interior.
Also featured in the Coupe SIII is Hyundai’s trademark blue instrumentation illumination, which was first used in the Hyundai Santa Fe, and also found in some VW models. Some critics find the blue illumination unbearable since it can be seen all over the instrument cluster and it could also confuse the driver since the high beam indicator is in a similar shade of blue.
The center console has a new clean layout and easy to use features. It now looks sportier and sleek, with faux metal finish to match the metal look finish of the steering wheel and air vents. The new Hyundai Coupe SIII now comes with an iPod compatible CD/Radio stereo system. The iPod connector can be found in the centre arm-rest and is a standard feature on all models of the Coupe SIII.
Engines and transmission offerings in the Hyundai Coupe SIII remain the same as the previous release. The entry-level variant has a 1.6 liter, 103hp, 4-cylinder 16-valve double overhead cam engine. Hyundai has targeted this model towards younger drivers who want to try owning a sports car for the first time. The 1.6 comes with a 5-speed manual transmission and has a top speed of 115mph and can do 0-60mph in 11.9 seconds.
The 2.0-liter, 16-valve DOHC engine variant is considered best-selling model. The engine can put out 141hp and can sprint 0-60mph in just 9.3 seconds, with a top speed of 129mph. This can be achieved with the five speed manual gearbox, but an optional automatic transmission is available.
According to some reviews, the 141hp 2 liter engine is a bit underpowered for spirited driving and can be noisy if overworked, but for relatively relaxed and easy driving, it is more than enough. The 34.9mpg average fuel consumption is a definite plus factor for many prospective owners. Gear shifting is very smooth and gives responsive performance at all speeds thanks to the well matched ratios in the five-speed gearbox.
The top model, 2.7-liter V6 DOHC 24-valve version has a 165hp engine, producing 181lb-ft of torque. It can reach speeds nearing 140mph and takes 8.3 seconds to do 0-60mph. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but an automatic transmission is also an option.
The Coupe SIII 1.6 liter variant comes with the standard CD/Radio stereo with iPod port, air-conditioning, half-leather trim, leather steering wheel, remote central locking, engine immobilizer, height adjustable seatbelts, electric front windows and door mirrors, driver, front passenger and side air-bags, and new 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Coupe SIII 2.0 liter has extra features like full leather trim, automatic climate control, cruise control, electric sunroof, heated front seats, metal edged pedals and footrest, 17-inch alloy wheels and twin tip exhausts.
The SIII V6 models have added items like a Thatcham category 1 alarm, automatic headlights, traction control, 6-speed manual gearbox and automatic dimming rear-view mirror.
All the Hyundai Coupe SIII variants have two plus two seating, with wide doors for easy entry both for front and rear passengers. Lifting the tailgate reveals a 418 liter baggage compartment. The rear seats are split and can be folded to expand the capacity of the rear compartment.
The driving position is average, but for tall drivers, they may find the headroom a bit limited. Ride and handling are more than adept for a Coupe. Steering is precise, but with little feedback to the driver. There is very minimal body roll, but the overall ride is comfortable.
Sources:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/204903/hyundai_coupe.html
http://www.carpages.co.uk/hyundai/hyundai-coupe-siii-part-1-07-12-06.asp
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/208136/hyundai_coupe.html
Photo source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hyundai_Coup%C3%A9_J2.JPG
