- Well-weighted steering
- Supportive front seats
- Spacious interior
- Engines lack low-rev torque
- Long-throw manual gearshift lacks precision
- Limited knee space for long-legged drivers
- For RD.II Coupe, reflective interior plastics
- Rear end lacks grip
Review: Hyundai RD.I Coupe (1996-99)
Overview
Released in July 1996, the Hyundai RD Series I (RD.I) Coupe was a three-door, four-seat liftback. Manufactured at Hyundai’s plant in Asan, South Korea, the RD Coupe was powered by 1.8- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines that were mated to either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.
G4GM and G4GF engines
Of the engines,
- the 1.8-litre G4GM ‘Beta’ petrol engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, compression ratio of 10.0:1; and,
- the 2.0-litre G4GF engine was a stroked version of the 1.8-litre engine (93.5 mm compared to 85 mm), but had powdered cast steel connecting rods and a compression ratio of 10.3:1.
Dimensions and suspension
The RD Coupe was based on the J2 Lantra and sold in other markets as the Tiburon. Compared to the J2 Lantra sedan, however, the RD Coupe was 80 mm shorter (at 4340 mm), 30 mm wider (1730 mm), 80 mm lower (1313 mm) and had a 75 mm shorter wheelbase (2475 mm). Furthermore, the RD Coupe had MacPherson strut front suspension and dual-link rear suspension.
| Variants | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SX | 1996-99 | 1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
94 kW at 6100 rpm | 161 Nm at 5000 rpm |
| FX, SFX |
1996-99 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
102 kW at 6000 rpm | 180 Nm at 4800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Within the Coupe range, safety equipment was restricted to the SFX variant which was fitted with a driver’s airbag and ABS.
Features
Standard features for the Coupe SX included a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, front fog lights, power windows and a tilt adjustable steering wheel.
The Coupe FX was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, a CD player, remote central locking, power mirrors, an alarm and rear spoiler. Finally, the SFX was distinguished by its leather seats, cruise control and power sunroof.
Review: Hyundai RD.II Coupe (1999-02)
Overview
Released in September 1999, the RD Series II (RD.II) Coupe introduced a revised range as the SFX variant was discontinued. Visually, the RD.II Coupe could be identified by its quad headlights with separate enclosures for the high and low beams, creased bonnet and new tail-lights. Inside, there was a new dashboard.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SX | 1999-02 | 1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
94 kW at 6100 rpm | 161 Nm at 5000 rpm |
| FX | 1999-02 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
102 kW at 6000 rpm | 180 Nm at 4800 rpm |
Safety
Compared to its RD.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the RD.II Coupe was unchanged.
Features
Standard features for the RD.II Coupe were extended to include a CD player and air conditioning. The FX also gained cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.
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