Today on The Top Ten Auto Show the team take a look at the top ten best Coupes of 2002, basing their final decision on pure sales figures and features.
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---- Social Media ----
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If you have any questions, e-mail us at talk@menandmotors.com
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MotorTranscript
00:00 [Music]
00:28 Hello, I'm Dave Lee Travis and welcome to another edition of the Top Ten Auto Show.
00:33 This is the program which takes a look at the different category of cars in each edition.
00:38 This week we're taking a look at the sexy, sporty world of coupes.
00:42 We've looked in detail at all the new coupes on sale in the UK over the last year
00:46 and have created this Top Ten chart with the help of our expert panel.
00:50 So, it's eyes down for the number ten position.
00:53 [Music]
00:57 The Honda Insight is our first car tonight
00:59 and some may say it's rather unfair that we've included this weird vehicle with the other coupes
01:04 because this is not designed to be a performance machine
01:07 and in a way only a test bed for new technologies.
01:10 However, it is a coupe design on sale to the public
01:14 and we'd like to know which category it could appear in, if not this one.
01:18 The Honda Insight is different from any other car we've looked at in the series
01:22 as it has a hybrid engine system.
01:26 This means it has a petrol engine, a very small one
01:28 and also an electric engine which takes over when there's enough power in the battery to use it.
01:33 This battery gets charged when the car goes downhill.
01:36 You get my drift?
01:38 So, this is an environmentally friendly coupe.
01:41 However, being moral comes at a price.
01:44 This car is highly impractical.
01:46 There's an awful lot of heavy lead acid batteries inside the car
01:49 which means there's only room for two people
01:52 and there's very little luggage space.
01:55 This is not an enjoyable car to drive
01:57 and really maybe should have stayed what it was originally designed to be
02:00 a concept test bed for the hybrid engine system.
02:03 But, let's take a look at what you get for your money.
02:06 [Music]
02:28 So, take a deep breath now because this poor car, although it means well
02:32 has gained the lowest score in our series.
02:35 [Music]
02:45 The Honda Insight gaining a pitiful 39 points from our expert panel.
02:49 [Music]
02:54 At the number 9 position, it's another unusual car from the latest range from Renault.
02:58 This is the Renault Avanti
03:00 which you may think is an MPV but actually in theory is a coupe.
03:04 There's no doubt that this car will turn heads in any high street with gasps of amazement.
03:09 But, sales so far of this machine haven't been that remarkable
03:12 and in a few years time, those same people you amazed may be pitying you.
03:17 The chassis of the Avanti has obviously been set up for a comfortable ride
03:21 which means that the driving experience is compromised around the bends.
03:25 There's compromise also inside.
03:27 The front passengers have an enormous amount of head and leg room
03:31 but poor rear passengers not only have to clamber over the front seats in an awkward fashion
03:35 but they only have an average knee room and hardly any space to place their feet.
03:40 Yes, the Renault Avanti may have carved a new niche in automotive design
03:45 but you'll have to think very carefully before parting with your hard-earned cash
03:49 to ensure that this is the vehicle for your needs.
03:52 So, let's take a look at exactly what you will get for your cash.
03:56 [Music]
04:26 Well, the judges have voted the Renault Avanti
04:28 and these are the scores that each category was awarded.
04:32 [Music]
04:42 The Renault Avanti, number 9 in our chart of the top 10 coupes.
04:46 [Music]
04:49 So, let's move up to the number 8 position
04:53 and it's still in French territory with the Peugeot 406 Coupe.
04:56 This is a car which was once leading the charts of coupe sales and in wish lists around Europe
05:01 but a move down to the 8th position is not exactly shameful as this is quite an old car.
05:06 Even though the actual design and the lines of this car still look beautiful and even futuristic
05:11 things like the security and safety features show this car to be about 10 years old in design terms.
05:17 Like the 406 saloon it's based on, there's plenty of room inside
05:21 but it's a shame that the main features of the average saloon are also taken through
05:24 and apart from some silver trim around the dashboard
05:27 you wouldn't really know from inside that you're driving something rather special.
05:31 But from the outside, the Peugeot Coupe looks the business.
05:35 Plus, you'll still find second-hand values quite high, far higher than the saloon versions.
05:40 So, if you fancy a pretty and practical coupe, this may be a choice for you
05:44 and if you're buying new, haggle, a very big discount.
05:49 Now, let's see what you'll get on the specification sheet.
05:52 [Music]
05:55 [Music]
06:24 The beautiful Pininfarina designed Peugeot Coupe.
06:27 But what do the judges award each of the different categories?
06:30 Let me reveal all.
06:32 [Music]
06:36 So, let's say farewell to this coupe at the number 8 position
06:43 and we'll move up the charts.
06:45 [Music]
06:48 This is the Hyundai Coupe, which has been around for quite a few years
06:53 and this time have taken into consideration more and more European tastes.
06:56 The current incarnation is a very good-looking machine
06:59 and looks sleek, sexy and substantial as well.
07:02 Hyundai in the past did not score well in the build quality stakes
07:06 but this particular model seems to be a flagship for solidity
07:10 and for the quality of materials used.
07:12 Driving the Hyundai Coupe puts a smile on your face
07:15 and especially with the new V6 under the bonnet
07:18 and using the standard close-ratio six-speed gearbox.
07:22 You'll have a whale of a time.
07:23 Behind the wheel, the Hyundai offers a good driving position
07:26 with easy-to-use controls.
07:28 There are comfort features such as cup holders, a mobile phone slot
07:31 and there's even a torque indicator dial
07:33 so you can show off to your friends how much you're thrashing the car around the bends.
07:37 Right, let's take a look at those facts and figures.
07:40 [Music]
07:44 [Music]
08:06 We know it's in seventh place
08:08 but let's see our expert panel have marked the Hyundai.
08:12 [Music]
08:21 So, the Hyundai Coupe at number seven
08:23 in our top ten of coupes on sale over the last year.
08:26 [Music]
08:30 We're heading towards the top five now
08:32 but first let's reveal the Mercedes CL in the number six position.
08:36 This is a car which says "Drive Me" all over it.
08:41 If it were to say "Buy Me"
08:43 you'd probably have to walk away disappointed.
08:45 That's because this car starts at £66,000
08:49 plus the engines are very thirsty.
08:51 These are very high-tech, spacious coupes
08:54 with plenty of luxury equipment
08:56 and with the kind of performance which a true driver can appreciate.
08:59 However, as it has a standard automatic gearbox
09:02 I guess these cars are aimed more at the performance drivers
09:05 who like to show off their cars
09:08 and genuinely enjoy the experience of fast, controlled motoring.
09:11 There's certainly plenty to show off to your passengers
09:14 as you can show them the vast array of knobs and switches
09:17 most of which come from the S-Class saloon.
09:19 So, let's take a look at the choices for this model
09:21 and the equipment you can get for your money.
09:24 [Music]
09:54 But what did the judges think of this very expensive coupe?
09:56 Well, they thought enough to put it at number six in our top ten.
10:00 But let's see how their judging was broken down.
10:03 [Music]
10:12 In sixth place then, with an average percentage of 67
10:15 the Mercedes CL.
10:17 [Music]
10:23 At number five this week, it's a car which in theory should be very dull and boring
10:28 but in practice is anything but.
10:30 This is the Vauxhall Astra Coupe
10:33 which has curves almost like a smaller version of the Peugeot Coupe
10:37 beautiful and flowing.
10:39 Unfortunately, also like the Peugeot
10:41 the inside trim is very similar to the standard road model
10:44 which is a shame because this is a very special version indeed.
10:47 The car is lower and with a stiffened chassis
10:51 giving the coupe version of the Astra an excellent sporting driving experience.
10:54 Plus, the slope of the roofline isn't so bad as to make things too cramped in the rear quarters.
11:00 The range of engines offers smooth and powerful traction
11:03 ranging from the 1.8 16 valve up to a 2 litre turbo offering 187 brake horsepower.
11:10 Plus, the whole suspension setup gives you plenty of grip
11:13 and the feedback through the steering wheel is really good.
11:16 So, what kit do you get with this car?
11:20 Let's have a look.
11:47 Let's see how our expert panel have marked the curvy Astra.
11:50 The sharp looking Vauxhall Astra Coupe at number 5 in our charts.
12:07 So, with the Astra at number 5 we'll take a short break now.
12:11 Join us in a few minutes when I shall reveal the top 4 coupes.
12:16 Can you guess what's at number 1?
12:17 And here's a clue.
12:19 Unlike the last two years, the Audi TT has lost its crown.
12:23 So, who is the new champion?
12:26 All will be revealed soon.
12:28 Hello, this is Dave Lee Travis behind the microphone once again in the studios of the Top Ten Auto Show.
12:40 This week we're featuring the coupe.
12:43 OK, here we are at the number 4 position in our Top Ten Coupes and it's another Mercedes.
12:48 The CLK is a far more affordable proposition than the CL that we had earlier in our charts.
12:57 Some may say it's even more stylish.
12:59 This has the classic looks of a Mercedes Coupe with an excellent blend of retro and high-tech.
13:05 The sleek lines of the side of the car are unspoilt by an ugly thick V pillar.
13:09 It almost seems completely see-through.
13:12 It seems to be an extremely solid car with no squeaks, rattles or handling problems.
13:17 There is a supercharged 1.8 at the bottom of the range which will cost you about 27 grand.
13:23 But if you really wanted to push the boat out, you could blow £43,000 on the top of the range 5.6 V8.
13:30 If you need space in your coupe, you cannot complain about what the CLK offers.
13:35 This certainly isn't a 5-seater, but there's plenty of room for 4 large adults in this machine.
13:41 Plus, the boot is large enough for a decent amount of luggage.
13:44 If you need to persuade anyone that your cash won't be fritted away,
13:47 you can persuade them that the depreciation will be pretty low on this car,
13:51 although servicing at main dealers will remain pretty high.
13:55 So, let's take a look at the specifications from the manufacturer.
14:00 [Music]
14:29 [Music]
14:34 The Mercedes CLK, a fantastic coupe. Let's see what the judges gave each category.
14:39 [Music]
14:48 In fourth place then, with an average percentage of 69, the Mercedes CLK.
14:54 [Music]
14:57 We're into our top three now, and at the number three position is last year's number one, the legendary Audi TT.
15:04 I'm sure the judges aren't saying that this car can now be ignored.
15:08 I bet you still turn your head whenever one of these magnificent Bauhaus-designed creations goes past you in the street.
15:14 It's just that there are two more cars which score more highly this year. No shame in that.
15:19 If there should ever be a case of "study a solid car", they should look at the Audi TT.
15:26 This machine gives the impression that it's been carved out of a single lump of rock.
15:31 The switch gear is very precise, and the quality of engineering is first class throughout the whole car.
15:37 Where this car lets itself down is in the practicality stakes.
15:40 For two people, no problem. However, even for small children, they're going to be pretty cramped in the rear of this car.
15:47 Even a couple more inches would have helped, but then the lines of the car would have been ruined.
15:53 So, the Audi TT. Let's take a look at the specification sheet.
15:57 [Music]
16:26 Our judges had a good poke around the Audi, and here are their scores in each of the four main categories.
16:32 [Music]
16:40 The Audi TT, and X number one, but there is no shame at number three.
16:45 [Music]
16:48 So, let's move on. At number two in our charts tonight is the Toyota Celica.
16:55 Unlike many coupes, which are mere conversions from an original saloon,
16:58 the Toyota Celica is a purpose-built car that is every inch a sporting coupe.
17:03 It looks sharp, with lovely proportions, and what's more, it feels special to drive as well.
17:08 This is an excellently made car, and there could be arguments to say that this really should have the Lexus badge on it, rather than the Toyota.
17:16 But who cares about the badge when the whole package is so good?
17:21 Once you've clambered into the low seating position, you'll notice the sporting feeling Toyota have put into the cabin of the Celica.
17:27 The beautifully designed instruments and leather steering wheel are in front of you.
17:31 All you need now, some good open roads on a clear day, and you're going to have a great driving experience.
17:36 The steering is very responsive and full of feedback, and the car holds the road well.
17:41 Of course, there can really only be two of you to enjoy this experience, because the back seats are very small.
17:48 But for a car of this type, and with the low rear roof styling design, what would you expect?
17:53 With a good safety record and security kit, and very low depreciation, the Toyota Celica is a very sensible buy in the coupe market.
18:01 Now, let me give you the list of equipment you can expect when you buy a Celica.
18:05 [Music]
18:33 And from the manufacturer's facts and figures to those of our expert panel, as we see how they've scored the Celica.
18:38 [Music]
18:47 So, with the Toyota Celica at number two in our charts, what does that put at the number one position?
18:52 While you're thinking about that, let's run down the charts that we've covered so far.
18:56 [Music]
19:00 At the number ten position, the strange and futuristic Honda Insight.
19:03 At number nine, the equally weird Renault Avantie.
19:07 Down at number eight is the Peugeot 406 Coupe.
19:11 Also down at number seven, Hyundai's excellent latest coupe.
19:15 In at number six, the Mercedes CL.
19:18 Another new entry at number five is the Astra Coupe from Vauxhall.
19:22 Up at number four, another offering from Mercedes, this time the CLK.
19:28 Down from last year's number one, the stylish Audi TT.
19:32 And up to the number two position climbs the Toyota Celica.
19:36 [Music]
19:38 And it's this, the BMW 3 Series Coupe.
19:42 So, why has this car made it to the top of the tree?
19:45 Well, first of all, the new generation of BMWs have an image and a style second to none.
19:51 Plus, these cars have now been brought down slightly to a price which makes them more affordable to more people, without compromising quality.
19:58 The latest generation of BMW traction devices are on board in case things go awry under your wheels.
20:04 As regards equipment, as well as the sports suspension which is standard, air conditioning and the stability and traction control also come on your list.
20:12 There's also a choice of an extra spoiler and a body kit as well, if you really want to show off to your mates.
20:19 This car also scores highly in the practicality stakes, with a good boot space and plenty of room for four adults.
20:25 Overall, this is a highly accomplished package, which other manufacturers really need to look at carefully to see where the future of the 21st century coupe is going.
20:35 Here are the specifications for the 3 Series.
20:38 [Music]
20:40 [Music]
21:09 We know it's the winner, but let's see how the car was scored in the top 10 auto show categories.
21:14 [Music]
21:16 Hi, this is Gary Shoefield from Granada Men & Motors and we are here today with Phil Horton, who is the marketing director of BMW.
21:36 We have an award for you today, it's for top coupe, which is the BMW 3 Series. I'm sure no surprise to you. Congratulations.
21:43 Well, it's always a surprise Gary, and it's always great to get an award, even if you're as strong in the market as the 3 Series coupe.
21:51 It's always particularly good for us to beat our old friends from Audi and the TT. They give us a very hard run for our money, so we're particularly delighted about that.
22:00 Excellent, thank you very much.
22:03 Congratulations to BMW for enhancing, honing and damn near perfecting the coupe in their range.
22:09 That's all from me, Dave Lee Travis. I look forward to being your host next week for another chart here on the Top 10 Auto Show. Goodbye.
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