By Gary Lord

May 2003

Do you remember how we introduced the last piece on our Hyundai Coupe V6? Let me quote: "The clutch has taken a dislike to low-speed manoeuvres... over the last few weeks it's become progressively more juddery." However, with the first 10,000-mile service only 1,000 miles away at that point, we thought we'd be able to wait and get the clutch seen to then.
Wrong! I was returning from a weekend in the Brecon Beacons (where the V6 had been in its element on the undulating roads), when the clutch packed up. And of all the places for this to happen, it had to be on the busy M4 coming into London. There was precious little warning. I tried to overtake a slower-moving vehicle, but the revs soared with no corresponding gain in speed. I managed to nurse the stricken Coupe to safety, and found somewhere quiet to pull over.
The RAC man was on the scene within 20 minutes, confirmed that the clutch had gone kaput and towed the car to the nearest Hyundai dealer - Ingate in Battersea, south London. It carried out both the 10,000-mile service and replaced the offending clutch under warranty.
It took three days to complete the necessary work, with the first service relieving my wallet of a significant ΂£206.62. All acceptable, but even now the gearbox still isn't perfect and the clutch remains a bit jumpy. I don't think we've heard the last of it - the transmission seems to be a weak point. Watch this space...
That aside I've been enjoying life with the three-door Samba Red Coupe. With the recent run of good weather I've been able to make use of the sunroof, while the luggage net in the sizeable boot is great for loose shopping, even if there's no external release. On top of that, there are the usual pleasures to be had from punting around in a 165bhp 2.7-litre V6. It's always sounded really good, but with the miles piling up more rapidly with the arrival of summer, the engine seems to be even happier to rev.
And it's doing so more economically. Over the last 1,000 miles, fuel economy has improved from a disastrous 20.7mpg to a more reasonable 22.9mpg - although the gauge is still inaccurate. Plus the Coupe handles really tidily. It's not as well honed as some racy machines from more illustrious marques, but it's good fun and well equipped too, with cruise control, leather trim, climate control and a CD player all standard.
However, that aftermarket stereo is a pain to use. Not only is the removable panel awkward to fit and take off, the buttons are too small. And with the volume dial right next to the tuner, it's easy to skip to the next station when you only mean to turn up the sound on a favourite track. And that's not the only niggle. I also get frustrated by the indicator and wiper stalks on the 'wrong' sides, the shallow door pockets - and those who sneer at the badge, of course.
That's doubly frustrating, because most people like the sleek looks and attractive detailing such as the twin tailpipes and slats behind the front wheels. It's just when they note the 'H' badge that things go downhill. But I like the idea of driving something a bit unusual. And for an outlay of ΂£18,495 and low running costs, there are few other coupί¿½s that offer as rewarding an ownership experience. I'll be watching the transmission, though - I don't want to get caught out again.

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