When the Hyundai Coupe was officially unveiled in 2001, many of us were surprised at how the new car looked perfectly at home in glamourous settings, such as the French Riviera where the car was launched. More than one motoring journalist remarked that the coupe looked like a mini Ferrari, an illusion made more evident by the vertical air intake strakes at the front fenders.
That was over five years ago and the car is getting pretty late in its model life. So, some minor surgery is needed to freshen up the product for 2006.
The vertical strakes have been replaced by chromed horizontal strips which bear an uncanny resemblance to those on the Mini Cooper. Other cosmetic changes extend to the revised headlights and snout. The changes give the Tuscani a meaner demeanour than before. Also new are the rear lamps with their projector-type lenses. Though very much in vogue, the clear lenses for the rear lights look a little incongruous.
The powerplant is the same 1975cc Beta series as before. With twin cams and 143hp, this motor may not be the last word in refinement, but it is a lusty performer. Zero to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds may seem rather leisurely these days, but the Tuscani delivers in other respects.
The well-sorted chassis is a good compromise between ride and handling. The good rigidity of the platform must play a part here. When driven fast round corners, the Tuscani always feels surefooted and agile. The steering could be a little lighter and more communicative, though.
Besides revised instruments, fabric/leather upholstery and a new steering wheel, the two-door cabin remains very much the same as before. Some of the hard plastics look and feel dated. Even more dated is the use of an aftermarket sound system rather than a factory-fitted one. Besides adding a touch of class to the fascia, factory hi-fi sets are far more user-friendly. In addition, they do not have glaring, irritating displays that strain the eyes.
The Tuscani is a strict 2+2, which is a nice way of saying rear room is adequate only for children or handbags. Adults will find it hard to tolerate the shortage of both head- and leg-room for long periods.
Then again, a coupe is not about ferrying many people. It’s about style and vanity, and in these respects , the 2006 Hyundai Tuscani certainly delivers.
