2010 Hyundai Coupe Review
Price
RM129,918
Installment
RM1,239/mth
2010 Hyundai Coupe at a glance
The only entry-level coupe on sale in Malaysia, the 2010 Hyundai Coupe is fun to drive and decently equipped. For many though, the two-door coupe styling at a reasonable price could be enough reason to make the purchase.
2010 Hyundai Coupe quick specs
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Class | Sports/GT |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2+2 |
2010 Hyundai Coupe ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The Hyundai Coupe won many hearts when it was first launched. Indeed, the exterior styling is supposedly one of the 2010 Hyundai Coupe's key attraction. And we would not dispute that. From the slanted headlamps, nicely-proportioned side profile, to the coupe tail, the 2010 Hyundai Coupe looks fine, reminiscent of a smaller BMW 6-Series. The only qualm we have is that of the inelegant front mesh grille.
Handling
Hyundai decided to firm up the suspension for better handling. On the roads, the 2010 Hyundai Coupe exhibits sporty, albeit raw driving dynamics, but not much in terms of finesse. Grip levels are suitably high, while body control is composed, resisting body lean well. Steering will need more feedback to provide for true driving pleasure, although the 2010 Hyundai Coupe understeers minimally through corners. Overall, an impressive effort from Hyundai.
Comfort
The sporty handling comes at the expense of ride comfort. Attempt to drive over rough surfaces and the harsh ride will leave you shaken and uncomfortable. Refinement is similarly poor, as wind and road noise infiltrates into the cabin, and the coarse engine note at higher revs bothers than entertains. The steering wheel only adjusts for height, meaning some will have problems finding their preferred driving position. The neatly laid-out controls have clear markings, improving the overall ergonomics.
Quality + Reliability
While we understand that Hyundai has positioned the Coupe as an entry-level coupe, still, we expect more quality. Inside, the old Hyundai habit persists. Solid assembly and good fit-and-finish are let down by subpar materials. The interior ambience is made worse by tacky supplementary dials located at the middle of the dashboard. Reliability should be higher on the list as the underlying mechanicals have proven their worth over the years. The 2010 Hyundai Coupe should maintain the firm's reputation for reliable construction with little problems.
Performance
The in-line four 2.0-litre DOHC engine is mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. Output power of 141 bhp and torque of 186 Nm give a respectable showing on the roads. The 2010 Hyundai Coupe feels smooth and fairly quick, completing 0-100 km/h in 10.6 seconds. Only the unrefined engine note mars an otherwise fine engine performance.
Roominess
This is not one of the 2010 Hyundai Coupe's strong area. Room is only adequate for the front two occupants, while the rear seats are cramped, suitable only for kids or small adults. Ingress and egress are also awkward. At least the boot is large by coupe standards. And the rear seats can fold for more loading space.
Running Costs
Fuel economy is average, but of course it depends heavily on the driving pattern. Servicing and repairs should be affordable, and the reliable mechanicals should lower maintenance cost in the long run. Depreciation, on the other hand, could be more of a concern. The Hyundai badge helps little in preserving value, although the brand reputation is steadily improving. Malaysians, generally, prefer space than style for the cash, especially on the second-hand market, which means the Hyundai Coupe will be up against a wide array of sedans.
Value for Money
Being the only entry-level coupe, the 2010 Hyundai Coupe has the market segment to itself. What's more, the 2010 Hyundai Coupe offers good handling abilities, a decent equipment list, and coupe-style at a reasonable price. This segment is no doubt niche, which perhaps explains the lack of rivals, but for those who want a coupe not at limb-costing price, Hyundai has the car for you.
Equipment
Air-conditioning, electric windows, MP3/CD audio system, leather seats, sunroof, alarm and remote central locking are standard on the 2010 Hyundai Coupe. Safety kit includes front and side SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Environment
Adding up the 203 grams/km carbon dioxide emission level, the average fuel economy, and potentially aggressive driving patterns, the 2010 Hyundai Coupe becomes significantly more polluting compared to, say, the Toyota Camry 2.0, which is more efficient and more likely to be driven in a more relaxed manner.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Coupe styling
Fun to drive
Decent equipment list
Harsh ride
Subpar cabin materials
Limited rear room
