Hyundai Tiburon Car Review

Hyundai's Tiburon has received its first major facelift since 2002. Most noticeable are the sleeker, more aggressive nose treatment, and high rise rear wing. Enhancing the new look are 17" multi-spoke alloys but the "shark gill" fender trims ("Tiburon" is Korean for shark), have gone, replaced by more subdued indicator surrounds. Walk around the compact two door and you will spot elements from any number of European super coupés. A touch of Aston Martin here, some Jaguar there and even a hint of Ferrari! And with a "T" insignia on the bonnet, rather than Hyundai's flying "H" you will get asked questions.

Underneath there's new front suspension with different lower arms and bushes for improved handling and upgraded safety thanks to standard fit side airbags, ESP and traction control now.

Tiburon's all-alloy Delta V6 powerplant retains the same torque figure of 245Nm but power is marginally less at 123kW vs the previous model's 127kW.

Value for money

Pricing

There are two models in the range - the entry level six speed manual at $34,990 and the limited edition TS at $37,590. Initially restricted to just 62 cars, all TS models feature Vivid Blue metallic paint, power sunroof and interior mats with TS logos (after the initial batch is sold the TS will become a special order model). Add $1,790 for the four speed automatic.

Standard features

Equipment includes climate control with pollen filter, leather/cloth mesh sports seats, cruise control, trip computer, front fog lights, MP3 compatible 6 speaker sound system and 17" alloy wheels. Our test car included the $1,500 optional power glass sunroof.

Design & function

Space & practicality

Hyundai obviously don't expect the Tiburon to be your first choice for long family trips. Up front there's more than enough room in the low slung cabin, but the claustrophobic rear is short term use only. They've skimped on storage space too - the small door pockets, glovebox and console bin only accommodating the bare minimum. Those in the rear don't miss out, with a handy lidded recess in the right hand trim.

Luggage space is better under the large rear hatch, with the back seat split 50:50 for additional room.

Comfort

Equipped with very low race style buckets, the hip-hugging seats definitely look the part and keep you firmly in place. Perhaps a bit too firmly, with padding so thin you can feel the bank notes in your wallet. Long trips can turn into a wriggle fest as you try to keep your circulation flowing. No matter how well they grip you through the bends some thicker padding would be welcome.

Anyone travelling in the rear is more cocooned than cosy. There's only room for two in the back, and despite the seats' heavily scalloped design, it's an uncomfortable squeeze for adults. Sitting under the rear windscreen you'll have to slip-slop-slap for warm days, and the tiny, fixed ¼ windows provide little relief from the enclosed atmosphere.

Ergonomics

The tilt only steering wheel has no audio controls, confirming the Tiburon has been around for almost a generation in car terms. But everything is close at hand and easy to use on the move. At night the blue lit dash adds a touch of glamour and for enthusiasts the alloy pedals are ideally placed for heel and toe downshifts.

Forward vision is good, but the high rear wing restricts the rearward view, and combined with the thick "c" pillars parking can be tricky.

Safety

While there is no ANCAP safety score for the Tiburon, the addition of side airbags, ESP and traction control as standard equipment is an obvious plus to the existing front airbags, ABS and EBD.

Build quality & finish

Despite a few inconsistent shut lines the Tiburon's overall fit and finish, especially the metallic paint, is very good. You might expect its firm suspension and frameless door windows to conspire against a rattle free environment, but the body is solid and squeak free. Although the interior door grab handles feel a bit flimsy, and while it has no bearing on quality, the all black trim of our test car felt a bit dour.

From an ownership perspective Hyundai's 5yr/unlimited km warranty is pretty appealing.

Security

Scoring 56.5/120 from NRMA Insurance, the sporty Hyundai trails the Holden Astra at 61/120 but is well ahead of the Honda Integra's poor 30/120.

On the road

Fuel

One advantage of the low stressed V6 is its ULP fuel requirement. Competition such as Holden's Astra SRi Turbo and Ford's similarly priced XR-5 hatch have better average economy figures - 9.4l/100km and 9.3l/100km respectively against the Tiburon's 10.1l/100km, but require PULP fuel.

Performance

It may only be 2.7 litres (big brother Sonata's 3.3 litre engine doesn't fit), but the quad cam V6's flexibility is perfect for city and highway driving. Allied to the short ratio six speed gearbox it's also responsive, relaying a raspy note as the revs rise. Now there's no disputing it can't match the "hot hatch" brigades in gear figures, but the Tiburon is more of a relaxed sports tourer than hard edged pseudo rally car.

Ride

Just as Hyundai build quality has improved substantially over recent times, the Tiburon's ride is confirmation you can have a firm, sports biased suspension that needn't be bone-shaking - a characteristic some of their opposition can't seem to grasp.

Handling & steering

Despite a slight dead-spot at the straight ahead position, the steering is direct and nicely weighted. There is some tram lining from the low profile Hankooks across furrowed tarmac, but the car retains a flat, secure stance through corners.

Braking

Performance from the four wheel discs was adequate, with ABS and EBD standard. But the feedback they provided was "wooden" giving the impression the factory has used a hard brake pad compound.

Smoothness & quietness

Snicking between ratios with a short, notchy action, the six speed manual is a breeze to use. Add the V6's elasticity and you have an effortless combination, but it isn't necessarily quiet. The engine's note pick ups noticeably in the mid-range, but at least it's enjoyable, not offensive.