Hyundai has launched the latest version of its much-loved Coupe. The Hyundai Coupe SIII officially goes on sale on 1st January 2007. The new Coupe SIII, so called because it is the third incarnation of the Coupe, has been completely re-designed outside as well as significant changes and enhancements inside.

New Colours

A range of new colours is designed to show off the Coupe’s lines to best effect. Fresh exterior paintwork colours include solid Shine Red (standard colour) and metallic choices of Sky Blue, Steel Grey, Continental Silver and Mica Stone Black.

These vibrant new exterior finishes are accompanied by a choice of sumptuous red or black interior trim, with leather a standard feature on all models. Even the entry-level 1.6 litre model comes with half leather trim. Both the Steel Grey and Stone Black variants come with red interior finish, while all other colours feature black interior trim.

Blue Instrumentation Illumination

New to the Hyundai Coupe SIII is blue instrumentation illumination, first introduced on Hyundai’s latest generation and award-winning Santa Fe.

New Centre Console Layout and Look

The centre console layout has been redesigned for a cleaner look and easier usage. It also has a sleeker, sportier look and feel with a new metal-look finish, which has been tied in with metal-look finishes on the steering wheel and air vents helping bring the interior together with added sense of quality.

iPod Audio

For music lovers, the new Hyundai Coupe SIII comes with an iPod compatible CD/Radio stereo. The iPod port, found in the centre armrest, is standard on all models in the range.

High Specification as Standard

Hyundai’s Coupe has always featured a high level of specification and the new Coupe SIII model builds on this tradition.

The entry-level 1.6 comes with; half leather trim, air-conditioning, a CD/Radio stereo with iPod port, driver, front passenger and side airbags, engine immobiliser, height adjustable seatbelts, remote central locking, leather steering wheel, electric front windows and door mirrors and new 16 inch alloy wheels.

The 2.0 adds; full leather trim, climate control, metal trimmed pedals and footrest, 17 inch alloy wheels, twin exhausts, cruise control and heated front seats. Aside from the small point of a smooth and sporty V6 petrol engine, meanwhile, the range-topping V6 adds; Thatcham category 1 alarm, traction control, 6-speed manual gearbox, automatic dimming rear view mirror.

Engines and Transmissions

Engines and transmissions remain unchanged in the significantly redesigned new Coupe SIII, offering a mix of affordability and outright performance.

The entry-level model comes with a punchy 103 bhp 4-cylinder 1.6 litre 16 valve DOHC petrol unit, which is ideal for younger drivers venturing into sportscar ownership for the first time, with an insurance rating of just 8D. The 1.6 litre unit is linked to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The mid-range model has a dynamic 2.0 litre 4-cylinder 16 valve DOHC petrol engine, that develops 141 bhp and can crack the 0-60 mph sprint in just 9.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 129 mph (manual). The 2.0 litre model is available with a five-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Topping off the range is the 2.7 litre V6 DOHC 24-valve version, developing 165 bhp and capable of a top speed nearing 140 mph. In order to enable enthusiastic drivers to make the most of the V6 performance, it comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic transmission is also available.

Safety

The Hyundai Coupe has all the safety features you come to expect of a modern car, plus plenty more besides. Fundamentally, the body contains cross member reinforcements at all critical points. The body and frame were designed using Hyundai’s state of the art Cray supercomputer, which simulates various accident situations.

The frame has been designed to disperse the energy created by a collision seven ways, away from the passenger areas and towards the side sills. As a result, in the event of a frontal collision, the driver and passengers are minimised from suffering a serious injury.

To protect driver and passengers in a side collision, impact bars have been fitted in the upper and lower sections of the doors. The structure of the centre pillar is also reinforced. The latest airbags are standard equipment, for driver, passenger and also each side. The airbag system also uses a ‘dual threshold system’, so the airbag is not inflated in a very low speed collision – thus reducing the risk of occupant injury.

Pre-tensioned seatbelts with load limiters are also standard equipment across the range. Other features designed into the Coupe include impact absorbing ribbing and cushioning on all pillars to reduce head injuries and a collapsible steering column to further minimise the risk of chest injuries.

Other standard safety related features on the Coupe are anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, electrically operated door mirrors (heated on 2.0 and V6 models), front fog lamps and two three-point seat belts in the rear.