Hyundai Tiburon Car Review

Hyundai has replaced its rather bulbous SX/FX Coupe with a completely restyled model that not only presents a sharp new image, it also goes harder, handles better and is better equipped.

The new Coupe is called the Tiburon, which according to Hyundai, means shark in Spanish. The Tiburon is a little longer and wider than the old Coupe and Hyundai has traded an increase in weight for a substantial improvement in body stiffness. This in turn brings benefits in the areas of safety, handling and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.

Two Tiburon models are available; a standard model with a 2.0 litre four cylinder engine and the Tiburon V6, which has a 2.7 litre DOHC multi-valve V6 engine under its bonnet.

The four cylinder models come with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed adaptive automatic; the V6 gets the same automatic but its manual is a close ratio six-speed unit.

Prices start at $35,880 for the 2.0 litre manual and $38,380 for the automatic. The V6 models are $41,880 for the manual and $42,880 for the auto. Though these prices are up on the previous Coupe, Hyundai doesn't expect any buyer resistance, given the Tiburon's higher specification and equipment levels, and its much more attractive styling.

Equipment levels have been boosted and now include alloy wheels, airconditioning, disc brakes front and rear, dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, CD player, remote central locking with alarm, a trip computer, split/folding rear seat and sporty-looking metal pedals.

The V6 model adds 17 inch alloy wheels, cruise control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, leather trim, a rear spoiler and as already mentioned, six speeds in the manual.

To most eyes, the Tiburon represents a huge improvement in styling over the previous FX/SX Coupe. Gone are the bulbous and overly rounded lines, replaced by a much sharper and more purposeful look that signals the Tiburon's sporting capabilities.

As well as producing more attractive cars, Hyundai continues to make advances in quality and the Tiburon test car displayed no visible faults or blemishes.

The Tiburon is like most coupes in that front occupants get preference as far as space and comfort are concerned. Up front, the driver and passenger enjoy stretch-out leg room and sit in a pair of seats that are both comfortable and supportive.

In the back, it's a case of small children only due to the minimal head and leg room. At least there's good hip space as the seat is only for two! Other aspects that inhibit carrying rear passengers are that their heads would be directly under the rear window glass and that the rear side windows don't open.

The Tiburon's load area is not that deep, but it's long enough and wide enough to swallow up a good deal of luggage. The big tailgate opens wide for easy access.

The steering wheel isn't telescopic (it tilts) but with a good range of seat adjustments and well-spaced pedals, the driving position is good. There's a large left footrest and the dash and control layout is straightforward.

In common with most Coupes, the Tiburon is not an easy car to reverse park due to vision restrictions. The Tiburon has quite high body sills and combined with a fairly low seating position (despite the driver's seat being height-adjustable) creates a closed-in feeling. For some drivers, the exterior mirrors and A pillars may also prove to be blind spots.

With the V6 engine option, the Tiburon has a performance edge over many of its rivals. We're not just talking outright performance, but for smoothness and response, the 2.7 litre V6 is superior to a four cylinder in just about all conditions.

The Tiburon's gearing is aimed more at performance than economy, as the V6 version happily pulls from around 90 km/h in sixth gear. As a consequence, fuel economy wasn't as good as we might have expected.

Though its chassis dynamics aren't as razor sharp as say, a Toyota MR2 or a Honda Integra Type-R, the Tiburon is nevertheless very competent in the handling department, and it's easy to handle. It also rates well against the class average on its braking abilities