Hyundai Coupe

For the all-new model, the Korean team responsible for those unfortunate tweaks decided to let a Los Angeles design studio do the work. Much has been made of the outcome, which mimics some of the most beautiful sports cars in the world. The cut-price coupe will undoubtedly turn heads, but is it good enough to turn customers away from the more prestigious makers? We grabbed the first UK right-hand-drive car to find out.

Featuring not only dynamic new looks but also a vastly improved cabin design and all-round build quality, the Coupe could be a serious threat to the likes of the Toyota Celica and the Renault Megane Coupe in this sector. The entry-level 1.6-litre model will cost only £14,499 when it arrives next month, and the new 171bhp 2.7-litre V6 option can be yours for £18,499.

The cabin is a world away from the clumsy curves and cheap-look plastics of the old model, with smart alloy finishes and beefy switchgear. But crucially, the new vehicle's longer wheel-base fails to free much more interior space in the front, and the addition of a sunroof to all models in the UK has made matters worse. In fact drivers above six foot will find it very difficult to find a comfortable driving position, as they crouch down into the sports seats.

But on the move, the new chassis really shines. Soaking up any lumps and bumps in the road, the ride quality is stiff without being hard, while the handling remains direct and responsive. Our test car featured the rasping V6, which rushes the Coupe to 60mph in 8.5 seconds with a fantastic roar once above 3,500rpm. Although the exhaust note comes at the expense of refinement, the engine itself is silky smooth with no hint of vibration coming through the controls. The six-speed manual gearbox offers relaxed cruising and slick short shifts keep the overall driving experience sporty.

Styling-wise, the Euro-friendly influences are the latest indications of how the firm intends to realise its ambition of becoming a major player beyond its domestic market. Last year's compact Matrix MPV and the forthcoming B-car supermini have both shown a similar direction in their looks - and with the all-new Coupe, Hyundai is right on the button again.

The combination of Italian-American lines, a smooth V6 engine and a price tag of £18,499 is quite some achievement, and it could cause a real drama in the sports car market.

The all-new Hyundai Coupe is a quality, head-turning sports car. What's more, even the range-topping V6 won't break the bank.

At a glance

* New Hyundai Coupe on sale next month from £14,499

* 1.6, 2.0 and 2.7-litre V6 engines mated to 5/6spd manual and 4spd automatic transmissions

* V6 model: 0-60mph in 8.5secs