Hyundai Tiburon 1000km Road Test

In case you were wondering, the name is Spanish for shark. The Tiburon certainly looks tough, but it's up against some classy competitors.

Value for money

Pricing

The Tiburon V6, with a six-speed manual gearbox, costs $41,880. A four-speed sequential automatic version is $43,880.

Warranty

Five years/130,000 km - the longest on the market.

Standard features

Standard equipment in the V6 includes airconditioning, a CD player, power windows and mirrors, a sunglasses holder, cruise control, basic trip computer, and remote central locking.

Retained value

67 per cent after three years, which is average.

Design and function

Ergonomics

The retro style dash layout is efficient enough, with switches and controls easy to reach and use. Cruise control switches are on the wheel. The driver gets a proper sports seat, with substantial bolstering, adjustable lumbar and a long cushion.

Short drivers may be less happy, as the height adjuster tilts the cushion forward, compromising comfort and support. The wheel is also height adjustable.

The usual coupe vision restrictions apply, due to the thick rear pillars, though the side mirrors are larger than average.

Innovation

No great technical advances in the Tiburon, though it is up with current standards in its engineering and electronics.

Safety

The Tiburon has not yet been independently crash tested. Two front airbags are provided.

Security

An engine immobiliser is fitted, plus an alarm.

Comfort

Though firm, the driver's seat is supportive and comfortable on a long drive.

Space and practicality

The two-person back seat is almost useless - like most coupes. Average sized adults will make head contact with the steeply angled back window and have their knees up around their chin. Access is clumsy and the tiny side windows don't open. Two lap/sash belts are fitted, plus two child restraint anchors under the tailgate.

A heavy tailgate opens to an average-sized boot, which has a cargo net and can be extended with the 50/50 split-fold rear seat back. A space saver spare on a steel wheel is under the floor.

Build and finish quality

Hyundai has come a long way in the past couple of years in this area. The Tiburon is comparable with its Japanese rivals, and the body feels very solid.

On the road

Fuel efficiency

The 2.7 litre V6 manual is not particularly economical because it is geared relatively low and the Tiburon is quite heavy. 8-9 litres/100 km on the highway is average, but 12-14 litres/100 km in town is a bit thirsty. 

Performance 

The Tiburon's 2.7 litre V6 is shared with the Santa Fe 4WD and Trajet people mover. Its 127 kW is at the lower end of the V6 power spectrum, and considerably less than the 140-150 kW generated by its four-cylinder rivals - Toyota's Celica, Honda's Integra Type R and the Nissan 200SX.

Though the 2.7 possesses a workable midrange, it's neither particularly willing nor responsive and with 1300 kg to drag around, overall performance is sluggish.

The six-speed is geared to mask the engine's lack of strength under 3000 rpm; at 100 km/h in sixth it's pulling a busy, if unstressed, 2600 rpm. You need fourth for acceptable overtaking performance from 80 km/h.

The six-speeder is a touch heavy and slow, though shifts are acceptably precise. You need to use it constantly in traffic. Plenty of revs and a bit of clutch slip are required to move away smoothly from the lights.

Ride

The Tiburon's independent suspension is tuned tight and hard. Add low profile 215/45 tyres (on 17-inch alloy wheels) and it delivers a harsh ride, even by the distinctly unsubtle standards of this class. Compliance improves a little at highway speeds.

Handling and steering

You're always aware of the Tiburon's front-end weight bias, and it is far from agile. However it also belies this configuration with taut, flat cornering, decent roadholding on rough surfaces and a surprisingly communicative, enjoyable character.

Steering feel and accuracy are excellent for a front-wheel drive.

The Hankook tyres grip well before eventually sliding into understeer. No traction control is fitted.

Braking

The ABS brakes are fine in normal use, but in the sports car context they lack outright power.

Smoothness and quietness

The V6 is very smooth, but noisier than average. It's a pretty enjoyable sound. The tyres generate excessive road noise on coarse bitumen.

Summary

Against some high tech, seriously sporty competition, the Tiburon coupe doesn't quite have the bite its name suggests.