Hyundai FX Coupe Car Review

Following on from its resounding success in the small car segment, Hyundai has shifted up a gear, to tackle the sports coupe market.

The car spearheading this attack is known simply as the Hyundai Coupe and already, it's selling beyond expectations. Hyundai had predicted monthly sales of around 200, but in its first full two months of sales, the Coupe sold 273 and 276 units nationally.

Toyota previously held a stranglehold on this segment, with the Celica and the Paseo comfortably ahead of the opposition. In the same two months, Celica sales totalled 185 and 177 and Paseo sales were 90 and 72.

So why is the Hyundai Coupe making such a hit? After testing a manual 2.0 litre FX Coupe, and driving other models in the range at the car's release, I would venture that it's a combination of the car's striking styling, its range of standard features, its ultra competitive pricing, its good performance and its sharp handling.

Prices for the Coupe range start at $24,990 for the 1.8 litre SX, the mid-range 2.0 litre FX costs $28,990 and the top-of-the-range SFX is $33,990. Automatic transmission costs an extra $1,862.

Even the base model Coupe is well equipped, with power windows, power steering, a six-speaker stereo, V-rated Michelin tyres and front fog lights. Against the Toyota Paseo which is the same price, the SX Coupe has considerably more power.

The FX Coupe (tested) adds central locking, power mirrors, rear disc brakes, alloy wheels, a CD player, an alarm, a rear spoiler, seat lumbar adjustment and cup holders.

On top of these features, the SFX has a driver's airbag, leather seats, ABS braking, cruise control, a sunroof and speed-sensitive power steering. The driver's airbag is optional on SX and FX for $990, while ABS can be ordered on the FX for an extra $990.

The Coupe has dared to be controversial in its styling, with a low, wide stance and plenty of curves and creases. I guess it's a matter of personal taste, but the "look" drew plenty of positive comment during our week's testing.

Though registered to carry four, the Coupe is best considered a two-plus-two vehicle. Front occupant space is generally satisfactory, but I had trouble with knee space under the steering wheel, despite its tilt facility. The front seats have generous bolsters for good support.

The rear seat is definitely not the place for adults, for two reasons. The first is that leg room is very tight with the front seats set back and the second is that head room is rather poor. Also, rear occupants' heads finish up underneath the rear hatch glass.

In common with the Lantra engine on which it's based, the Coupe's powerplant performs well when stirred, but it's a bit weak on low-down torque. In other words, the manual Coupe will reward those drivers who are prepared to use the gearbox to best advantage.

On fuel economy, the 1.5 litre Toyota Paseo is a clear winner, however amongst the 2.0 litre brigade, the FX Coupe does pretty well. The overall test figure of 9.3 litres/100 km for the FX manual was the same as for a Toyota MR2 and better than a 1.8 litre Honda Integra VTi-R, which used 10.4 litres/100 km overall.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the Coupe's on-road performance is its handling. Wisely, Hyundai went to Porsche to have the Coupe's suspension tuned, and the benefits are obvious. The Coupe turns in crisply, grips well and is generally competent, stable and predictable in all conditions.

There is some trade-off in ride quality, which is a little harsh at low speeds, but it smooths out pretty well when cruising.

The manual Coupe's pleasant driving characteristics are spoilt by the gearshift. As in other Hyundai models it's vague and imprecise, particularly going across the "gate" into second gear.

For a non ABS-equipped car, the test FX Coupe displayed good braking capabilities. In emergency tests, it pulled up in short distances with only slight front wheel locking and it withstood our standard brake fade tests without the brakes becoming hot and with negligible increase in pedal effort.