Forgotten Sporty Cars Part VI: Hyundai Scoupe

Welcome back to Forgotten Sporty Cars at The Garage! In this space we recall an era where small, economy car-based based vehicles were sold with zippy styling. Whether there was any substance to the sizzle we’ll leave for you to judge. 

1991-1995 Hyundai Scoupe

 

The Scoupe (that’s pronounced ‘scoop’)  represents Hyundai’s first try at a sporty car. I thought the Scoupe was only fitting to visit, given that a global TV audience caught its first look of the serious Hyundai Genesis Coupe during the NFL Super Bowl commercials.

The Scoupe was nothing more than an Excel (those of you in Canada rode the Pony) with some flashier duds and a far more livable interior. On its introduction in 1991, the only engine was the Mitsubishi-sourced 1.5 liter four, rated at 81hp. In 1993, the Scoupe was revised with fresher styling. Lotus had tweaked the suspension for better handling. Power in the base engine rose to 92hp, and a 115hp Turbo was available. 

The Scoupe was hardly a game changing car for Hyundai, but if anything, it was a glimpse into the future. With the obsolete Excel gone, so too went the Scoupe. The curvier, more capable Tiburon replaced the Scoupe after a one year hiatus. In the car biz, you have to start from somewhere, and in the case of Hyundai, the Scoupe was akin to dipping your toe in the swimming pool to test the waters. The Tiburon was ok out of the kiddie pool, but we will have to see if the new Genesis Coupe can swim with the sharks.