Coupe leaves its rivals Hy-un-dai Coupe leaves its rivals Hy-un-dai.

THE Hyundai Coupe was the sexiest of cars which sort of lost its dress sense when an otherwise improved second version came along in 2000.

Now, with the arrival next Monday of the third generation, the Coupe is back in head-turning mode and with still better driving characteristics and standard equipment levels.

I do not use the dangerous word sexy flippantly. The Coupe, especially with its price, has proved a highly-desireable car across the board - indeed, it has counted quite a high percentage of women among its buyers.

Initially a tidal wave of curves, the 2002 version blends roundness with angles and cutaway panels and sills in a geometric delight which doesn't come across in pictures.

This you need to see live on the catwalk.

The latest version is both longer and wider (50mm and 27mm respectively) than its predecessor and appears to squat on the ground even more purposefully.

The wandering eye can move across the twin headlamps, spot foglamps, sculpted side panels, the rear spoiler and the twin exhausts (not on the basic 1.6) and if you are moved to wolf whistle you won't be alone.

But looks are not enough. Happily, in this third-generation Coupe, Hyundai has addressed some of the earlier cars' performance and equipment weaknesses.

A 2.7-litre V6 joins the 1.6 and 2.0 for those who want extra action, and a fine unit it is, delivering acceleration even at the top of the six gears of the manual box (there's an H-tronic alternative).

Regrettably, only the V6 has traction control but at least handling is improved across the range, steering is more sensitive and anchorage to the road is enhanced.

The suspension is not overfirm and on distance journeys the car provides refined progress (although at slow speeds it gets disturbed by poorer surfaces).

Unless you gun the 2.0 and V6 (in which case you are rewarded with a satisfying roar from the twin pipes), the car is admirably quiet, save for a little wind noise at pace.

ABS with electronic brake force distribution has been brought in across the range as have passenger and side airbags (likewise) and air conditioning.

The cabin gets a totally new look, the emphasis being on simple, clean lines, with instruments and information clearly presented.

Front seating is multi-adjustable, comfortable and supportive (and leather in the 2.0 and V6). The only problem at the front is head room.

At the back it is room in any direction, the space having been devoted to the boot which is quite good for this sort of car.

Other internal features include metal pedals, sunroof and cruise control (not in the 1.6) six-speaker RDS radio/CD, central console with storage box, leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob and electric front windows.

Standard externally are alloys, body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles and fog lamps.

Prices start at pounds 14,499 and rise to pounds 19,499 for the 2.7 V6 automatic.

FACTFILE

Performances per engine (manual) are: 1.6: max power 103bhp; max pull 106lb ft; max speed 115mph; 0-62mph 11.6 secs;

average economy 37.2mpg.

2.0: max power 136bhp; max pull 134lbft; max speed 128mph; 0-62mph 9.2 secs; av. economy 33.6mpg.

2.7 V6: max power 165bhp; max pull 182lb ft; max speed 136mph; 0-62mph 8.2 secs; av.

economy 27.2mpg.