Re-Coupe-ing its image

Hyundai has made huge inroads into the Australian auto market in the last decade, with sales of its popular small car, the Excel and Accent, helping the company along to some good sales figures in the past few years.

But Hyundai isn't sitting on its laurels. Instead, it's increasing its line-up - just look at the Terracan and Santa Fe for a few good examples. In late 2002 we'll see an older model revamped, and about time too.

The Coupe, as it is known here, is called the Tiburon overseas and, in a bid to quell slipping sales, the unsubstantiated rumour is that Hyundai will change the Coupe's name to fall in line with overseas models.

While there's nothing fundamentally wrong with the current Coupe, it often fails to stand up to its Japanese competitors. The styling is unique and quite pleasing, the drive (suspension) tuned by European handling specialists and the interior wasn't too shabby, either. Perhaps its only flaw was power - or lack thereof.

For 2003, the new model will be offered with the same four-cylinder, 2.0-litre mill, but in order to fend off the more powerful Celicas, 200SXs and other import sports coupes, Hyundai has decided to offer the new vehicle with an all-alloy 2.7-litre V6 - the self-same engine from the Santa Fe.

On top of offering new underpinnings, the MY-03 Coupe looks simply amazing. Part Ferrari, part Mustang, many have already noted that the redesigned Coupe looks very similar to the legendary 456GT (pictured bottom). Such specific praise is music to Hyundai's ears, and testament to the fact that the auto maker's stylists know their trade.

The new styling is less agressive than this year's model, but much more fitting, nonetheless.

If you look closely, you'll notice the car has air-intakes, or 'gills', just behind the front wheels, and instead of a curved rear end, the boot ends in a more orthodox cut-off with a small spoiler lip.

The V6 models get dual exhaust pipes that really set off the rear-end, giving it a much sportier look. Hyundai also reckons the V6 makes great music, but we'll wait for the car to arrive before making a judgement on that one...

Along with a choice of two engines, it is believed that three different gearboxes will be offered.

A four-speed auto is always going to make the cut, plus a re-tooled version of last-year's five-speed manual is making a comeback. But new to the list is a much more intriguing six-speed manual gearbox - the perfect partner for an all-alloy V6.

In stock trim, the cheapest Coupe will come with 16-inch alloys, while the V6 models are expected to come equipped with tasty 17-inch wheels.

Inside, the new Coupe will be a much sportier affair as well, with 8-way adjustable sports bucket seats up front, a seven-speaker Infinity sound system and chrome trimmings all-around.

For those not interested in the pursuit for more ponies, the standard 2.0-litre, 16-valve, DOHC engine will be available. This little puppy is on par with Toyota's new Corolla engine, extracting about 104kW @ 6,000rpm.

Moreover, the new all-alloy V6 has been given a fighting spirit, with an impressive 135kW on tap - just a few kay-dubs short of the 2002 Celica. Together with the larger wheels, twin exhaust pipes and aesthetically pleasing looks, the V6 model Coupe is expected to be be more popular than previous top-of-the-line models.

Could Hyundai be onto something big with the new Tiburon/Coupe? We definitely think so.

The new styling is a breath of fresh air, the increased power a godsend - if just to keep up with the competition - and while no price has yet been divulged by Hyundai, expect it to be around the price of a Celica - $35,000 - $40,000 for the V6.

After some four year's in development, Hyundai has produced an affordable sports coupe with looks, comfort and the power to take on its rivals for once. Bravo Hyundai, bravo!