Hyundai Coupe SIII 2.0

...This gave me confidence that Hyundai reliability was exceptional. The Siii does boast the same subframe and engine as the S2, but I read, quoted somewhere, that every panel is redesigned. This said, you do have to be quite eagle-eyed to see the difference at the back, although it is there. The front design, however, is what initially attracted me. I was never upset at the S2 design, but (aside from the shark gills), it never really gave you a head ...
...driver, so I may have Hyundai scientists cringing that I burn more fuel than the sun, but the car is fun to throw around.

=== Daily use ===
Compared to the original facelift, I noticed that I could drive for, say 150 miles, and not feel tired. The facelift was a tiring drive, if not fun. Not so with the Siii. I am happy that there is some retention in the feel of the drive without the aggressive suspension and chassis of before. ... more

Looks

I had the facelift Coupe from new (see my other review) and in 5 years of ownership only replaced light bulbs tyres and the battery. This gave me confidence that Hyundai reliability was exceptional. The Siii does boast the same subframe and engine as the S2, but I read, quoted somewhere, that every panel is redesigned. This said, you do have to be quite eagle-eyed to see the difference at the back, although it is there. The front design, however, is what initially attracted me. I was never upset at the S2 design, but (aside from the shark gills), it never really gave you a head turn. The Siii does that.
The alloys are different enough to make people comment. They are slightly awkward to clean, thanks to their "sharp" design, but once you have cleaned then, you realise why. They are actually nice alloys.

Exterior

The front grille with integrated fogs is delightful. Embellishment to the side turn indicators reminded me of a Mercedes, with chrome effect details.
The fuel filler cap is nicely designed, with an 'Alum key; machined look surround bringing some detail to an otherwise plain rear quarter area.
A sharp looking rear spoiler is much more attractive than previous incarnations. Embedded into the rear window is the antenna for the radio, which is a good choice in keeping the body free from a distracting aerial. This does not perform quite as well as a dedicated aerial, but it is only a slight deterioration.

Interior

The design, at first glance is quite modern. Most of the instruments and dash areas are backlit with a blue light, which passengers have commented on quite positively. The controls are nicely styled in a silver and black format. They are not too plastic feeling, which I was happy about. The accents are really quite pleasing. The racing metal pedals (not sure what they are called as I am over 17 years old) are nice and grip well. The short shift gearstick is also embellished, although only in plastic, but it is the kind of elements you may not expect on a vehicle range outside of the normal BMW, Subaru range etc. The cruise control has become more complicated. Engaging is fine, but the "speed up a bit" lever is different and I always seem to end up cancelling the cruise.
Everything is within easy reach. Climate control is an added bonus, and I use it a lot. It is quite quick to find a comfortable setting on both hot and cold days.

Comfort

The leather seats are very comfortable for me, and I am quite wide across the shoulders. With the rear seat space, I would forget you have it. There is precious little head or legroom. The front position can 'house' someone up to around 6ft 2 without issue. I brought along a shaved wookie with me when I went to the showroom, to ensure I can fit tall friends into the vehicle.
For driver and passenger, everything is fine. Only children are suitable for rear seat use in practicality, especially if you have seats from the front well back.

The Drive

The 2.0 engine is fine and reasonably responsive. I think I expected more having owned the facelift in a 2.0. The weight of the car has increased since then (and you can feel it has too, it feels more solid and stable). There is not too much of a difference, but you can feel it. My perception is that the 2.7 may offer you the extra juice your want to feel, but the residual and running cost uplift is what turned me back to 2.0.

Practicality

Aside from being predominantly a two-seater car, there is more than ample room in the boot. With the seats folded, there is at least 6ft of storage length. Running costs are around 270 miles per tank (55 litres) on an average urban cycle with some runs in between. I am not and efficient driver, so I may have Hyundai scientists cringing that I burn more fuel than the sun, but the car is fun to throw around.

Daily use

Compared to the original facelift, I noticed that I could drive for, say 150 miles, and not feel tired. The facelift was a tiring drive, if not fun. Not so with the Siii. I am happy that there is some retention in the feel of the drive without the aggressive suspension and chassis of before. I likened the comfort close to that of a Volvo S40, which I have driven a few times.
The radio is OK. The speakers are OK. I am going to upgrade the head unit as soon as the warranty is clear. The IPod connection (which sits in the centre console) is tricky to get to and even trickier to plug in. Given that this lasted 3 months before failing, I was somewhat pleased that I did not call it in for a warranty fix, as it gave me further excuses to upgrade the head unit.
The car does get looks from passers by, and I additionally feel somewhat pleased when motorway passengers crane their necks and point (at least I hope it is at the car and not the brute driving it). For what I paid, it is a great feeling. I like the looks for definite. I like the feel for sure. I want a little more grunt but not so much fuel consumption.
I want too much, but have a great car until a family comes along !. 

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