YOU'VE not only got one of the best-value and best-selling coupes on the market, you've certainly got one of the best looking.

It's so pretty, in fact, that you launch an advertising campaign boasting it's better looking than a Ferrari 550 Maranello, which arguably it is.

What's more, it's a shape which hasn't dated one bit. But it's been around a few years now and, not being one to stand still, Hyundai has decided to go for a new look coupe.

I think that's a shame, because for some reason one of the nicest faces has developed warts and carbunkles - in the form of lights - in such proliferation that it now looks like some sort of automotive insect.

The gorgeous rump has also drooped and while overall the shape is distinctive, it's no longer as attractive.

The once classy interior has gone a bit odd too. The dash is as nice as ever, so are the leather seats. But there's some curious looking switches and some peculiar metallic plastics. All very mod, all a tad odd.

Thankfully, what hasn't changed are the car's dynamics. It drives as well as ever, brilliantly in fact.

The 2.0 litre engine turns out a modest 137bhp but performance is excellent and there's plenty of torque for safe overtaking.

Performance doesn't have to come at a premium and it's remarkably economical, 40mpg is achievable.

Gearbox is as sweet as ever with the right weighting and lever action. Brakes are good too and the steering heavy with loads of feel.

It tracks well around the bends, corners like a coupe should and rides nicely, whatever the road conditions.

Like all Hyundais the Coupe is well built and heavily loaded with toys - ABS, aircon, electric mirrors, windows and sunroof, leather, cruise control and CD player.

It's also reasonably practical, with a good-sized boot and rear seats, for small people or children.

I've no doubt that many people will like the new Coupe and finds its lumpy aesthetics "aggressive" and sporty.

It remains a great coupe, excellent value and a good drive, just don't enter it into any beauty competitions