Hyundai Coupe

Introduction

The Hyundai Coupe, also known as the Hyundai Tiburon in certain regions, was introduced in 1996 as the brand’s first global sports coupe. Designed to provide affordable performance and stylish looks, it appealed to younger buyers seeking a sporty car at a reasonable price. Spanning two generations until 2008, the Coupe established Hyundai’s presence in the compact sports car segment, offering bold styling and improved dynamics as the model evolved.

Exterior

The Hyundai Coupe featured sleek, aerodynamic lines with a low stance and sporty proportions. The first generation carried simple curves and pop-up headlights in some markets, while the second generation adopted a more aggressive design with sharper headlights, sculpted body panels, and bold front grilles. Available alloy wheels, rear spoilers, and coupe-specific color schemes enhanced its performance-oriented character.

Interior

Inside, the Coupe delivered a driver-focused layout with seating for four passengers in a 2+2 arrangement. Front seats were supportive and designed for spirited driving, while the rear seats were more suitable for occasional use. The dashboard featured clear instrumentation, and later models introduced leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and upgraded infotainment systems. While compact, the cabin provided enough practicality for everyday use.

Safety Features

Safety in the Hyundai Coupe evolved with market expectations. Standard equipment included airbags, ABS brakes, and reinforced crash structures. Later models added side airbags, traction control, and improved stability systems to enhance driver confidence. While not as advanced as some rivals, the Coupe offered competitive safety for its class and era.

Engine Trims

The Coupe was offered with a range of engines across different markets. Early versions included 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines, while later generations added more powerful 2.0-liter and 2.7-liter V6 options producing up to 170 hp. Transmission choices included five-speed manuals, four-speed automatics, and later six-speed manuals in performance trims. The variety of engines allowed buyers to choose between economy and performance.

Maintenance

Maintenance of the Hyundai Coupe was manageable and relatively affordable compared to other sports coupes. Regular servicing of the engine, brakes, and suspension was important, particularly for higher-output V6 models. Timing belt replacements and clutch maintenance in manual versions were essential for reliability. Overall, it offered low ownership costs for a sporty car.

Competitors

The Hyundai Coupe competed with cars like the Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Ford Puma. While rivals often offered sharper performance or brand prestige, the Coupe distinguished itself with affordability, stylish design, and Hyundai’s improving build quality, making it an appealing entry-level sports car.