Hyundai's compact, front-wheel-drive Tiburon sports coupe is a survivor of sorts. A generation ago, two-door coupes like the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird appealed to young, entry-level buyers on a budget, who wanted great looking set of wheels albeit at the expense of some interior creature comforts.
In the 2002 model year, both names entered into semi-retirement as rising insurance premiums and the popularity of sport utility vehicles stole sales thunder. Chevrolet plans to resurrect the Camaro name in a sleek-looking coupe due out in the 2009 model year.
In the 1999 model year, Ford's Mercury division revived the Cougar name for its sporty, entry-level coupe hatchback. Although it made sales inroads with young female shoppers, Cougar never came close to equaling the success of its Ford Thunderbird twin incarnation popular from the late 1970s through the mid 1990s. The whittled-down "kitten" Cougar lasted one model generation and ceased production in the 2002 model year.
But the segment is not dead and gone yet. While the rear-wheel-drive Ford Mustang and Illinois-built Mitsubishi Eclipse still fill the two-door sports car void, Tiburon has an edge because it checks in with the lowest starting price. However, both Mustang and Eclipse are available with convertible tops, something Tiburon does not offer.
South Korea's largest automaker first introduced the nicely styled, two-door hatchback Tiburon (the name means 'shark' in Spanish) in the fall of 1996 as a 1997 model year entry. Back then, only a four-cylinder engine was offered. Today, shoppers have the choice of a four as well as a V-6 engine. The larger engine now is more prominently marketed. It's currently one of Hyundai's longest-running nameplates as the company has re-invented itself during the last seven years with new fuel-efficient models, improved quality and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Keep in mind the South Korean-built Tiburon is a sporty car, not a sports car. It's designed and aimed at the cost-conscious, younger-than-40 crowd. Four trim levels are available: GS, GT, SE and GT Limited.
The entry GS trim is the only model available with the more fuel-efficient, 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower. The other three trims sport the 2.7-liter, DOHC V-6 generating 172 horsepower. Both engines use regular, unleaded fuel. The sporty SE model comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. Other trims come standard with five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic optional.
All are nicely equipped with air conditioning; compact disc player; power windows, locks and mirrors; four-wheel anti-lock brakes and side-mounted air bags.
Hyundai supplied the Daily Herald with a blue, SE trim with V-6 engine with a starting price of $22,095. The only options were a power sunroof ($900) and carpeted floor mats ($85) which brought the total to comparably reasonable $23,680 including a $600 destination charge. The lowest-priced GS trim starts at $16,695 as compared with $19,699 for the lowest-priced front-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Tiburon's sleek, curvy exterior is pleasing to the eye. The long hood, flanked by cat's eye headlight housing, forgoes a grille front in place of a nose that curves into the front bumper region.
The 45-degree hatchback area with long glass top stretches to a short deck lid, which is only about a foot long. All trims sport a spoiler on top of the deck lid. Side mirrors and strap-like door handles are body colored.
Side doors are heavy, and take a healthy push to close. The same holds true for the hatchback lid.
Inside, riders sit close to the ground for a sports car feel. While Tiburon does have four seats, the back seats are small, cramped and for short trips only. Those more than six feet tall will find headroom in front cozy and headroom in back downright nonexistent.
The front passenger bucket seat conveniently slides forward (and easily slides back) on a track once a lever on the top side of the seat is slid forward. Maneuvering into the back area requires some contorting. Although the two rear seat cushions are scooped out providing an inch or two of extra room, most heads will meet up with the glass hatch. Static side windows in back do not open. For practical purposes, think of Tiburon as a two-seater. Back rests fold down onto the seat cushions with a 50/50 split, expanding cargo carrying options.
Behind the wheel, dials and knobs are within easy reach and logically placed. The flat instrument panel has a circular right-side tachometer and left-side speedometer. Three easy-to-grab dials control ventilation functions toward the bottom of the center console, framed in brushed aluminum.
Above, buttons on the rectangular sound system are almost as small as the point size used to identify each function (yes, my eyes are over forty years of age). The chrome, front face of the stereo folds down and out with a push of a button to access the compact disc player. Keep in mind when driving, the rear spoiler comes into view in the rear view mirror.
In addition to dual cup holders and a hand-operated parking brake in between the front bucket seats, there was also a place to stow a cellular phone. Sun visors include sliding extenders- a nice touch.
If financing permits, opt for Tiburon's larger V-6 engine (172 horsepower), which provides average get up and go. Tiburon does not match the performance or power of a rear-drive V-6 Ford Mustang (210 horsepower). Tiburon's selling point is affordability and good looks. It's ideal for recent college grads. Tiburon's major next-generation makeover is scheduled for the 2010 model year. |