Since Hyundai dropped the Veloster coupe in the UK last December, the Korean manufacturer hasn’t had much to attract the keen driver.
With 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine options the new i20 Coupe might not quite replace the Veloster, but it’s certainly stylish and suggests Hyundai hasn’t yet lost the knack for designing desirable vehicles.
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Hyundai is targeting younger buyers with the i20 Coupe. We’ve heard that before, shortly before a manufacturer has gone on to sell their hip, fashionable product exclusively to octogenarians.
But with a sporty grille design, heavily creased flanks and a floating roof design over the C-pillar the Hyundai is among the smartest-styled superminis in the class.
Bright colours are part of the available palette too, including a bright Tangerine Orange shade. Customers opting for that exterior shade also get a black interior with orange inserts.
The two engine options are an 84PS 1.2-litre with a five-speed manual transmission and 90PS 1.4-litre diesel, with a standard six-speed manual. All develop low levels of CO2 (106g/km in the diesel) though neither will set the world alight in a 0-62mph sprint – once again, the diesel is best in this regard with a 12.1-second dash.
Pricing is much more attractive - £12,725 buys a petrol Coupe in SE trim, with 16in alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob, LED daytime running lights and more all standard.
Coupe Sport models match SE equipment but also add 17in alloys, automatic headlights, wipers and dimming rear-view mirror, LED rear lights and full climate control rather than air conditioning.
Pricing starts at £13m725, with sat-nav equipped Sport Nav models starting at £14,400. The i20 Coupe goes on sale in the UK on March 26.
