Hyundai hatchback is just right for people who want to take to the road in a sleek vehicle that gets the job done without making a big dent in their bank account
The Hyundai Tiburon hatchback coupe is overlooked by many sporty coupe buyers because most don't associate Hyundai with such a model. Too bad, because this is an especially tempting car for budget-conscious buyers of such coupes.
The front-wheel-drive Tiburon long has been one of the most affordable, fun-to-drive small coupes, especially with the available 172-horsepower V-6. The small Tiburon is heavy for its size at about 2,900 pounds, so the standard 138-horsepower four-cylinder provides performance that's slower than you might expect. However, many sporty coupe buyers are more interested in stylishness and solid fuel economy than 0-60 mph times.
For openers, the Tiburon's prices start at only $16,695 for the base four-cylinder GS with a five-speed manual gearbox. In between are the GT, which adds the V-6, and the $22,795 GT Limited, which is the most expensive Tiburon when equipped with an automatic transmission.
No matter what engine, the Tiburon is backed by one of the industry's longest warranties, one that includes 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
This Hyundai was introduced for 1997 and is the South Korean automaker's oldest model -- although it has continually been updated. The 2007 Tiburon has flashier styling with a new hood, front fenders, bumpers and taillights. And the sporty SE model receives major new features, including an electronic stability control system with traction control. Too bad other Tiburons don't offer it.
Tiburon sales last year were 17,382 cars. That was down from 20,600 cars in 2005 -- although the 2006 Tiburon got standard anti-lock brakes for all models and a new GT Limited version with leather upholstery and a power sunroof.
Lack of Tiburon promotion hasn't helped the car, nor does competition from newer rivals. Hyundai is fighting its old mediocre reputation and seeking a more upscale one. The Tiburon doesn't fit in its plans to get one, but that shouldn't dissuade sporty coupe buyers from checking out the car -- budget-minded or not.
For openers, the Tiburon's prices start at only $16,695 for the base four-cylinder GS with a five-speed manual gearbox. In between are the GT, which adds the V-6, and the $22,795 GT Limited, which is the most expensive Tiburon when equipped with an automatic transmission.
Most Tiburons come with a standard five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission, while the SE is sold only with the six-speed manual. That's unusual because two different manual transmissions usually aren't available for the same engine.
The four-cylinder and manual provide an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 on highways and 22 and 30 with the automatic. The smoother, quieter V-6 delivers 17 and 27 with the four-speed manual and 18 and 26 with the six-speed manual. Figures with the automatic are 18 and 26.
Only 87-octane gasoline is needed, and it's poured past a filler cap with a nice pseudo race-car look. Nice touch there.
I tested the $22,095 SE, which is the most advanced model. It costs hundreds less than the GT Limited, but has the V-6 and most items from other Tiburons. It exclusively features sexy two-tone leather upholstery, track-tuned sport suspension, larger brakes with race-style cross-drilled rotors and brake assist for surer panic stops -- besides the stability system. Dual chromed exhaust pipes add a sporty touch.
Even the base GS has air conditioning, tilt wheel, console, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, split-folding rear seat, rear defroster and power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry. It wears fairly wide 55-series tires on 16-inch wheels.
The GT has the V-6, leather/cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, interior air filter and wider 45-series tires on larger 17-inch wheels for more road grip, also put on the SE.
The GT Limited adds full leather upholstery, power sunroof, driver-seat lumbar adjustment and an upscale sound system with an in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Options include a $900 power sunroof for the SE, a $1,150 package with cruise control and the sunroof for the GS and a $1,800 package for the GT containing the sunroof and upscale sound system found in the GT Limited.
Safety items for all include front side air bags, anti-lock all-disc brakes and a tire pressure monitor.
The Tiburon V-6 is swift in the city and on highways. The SE's shifter works well and is hooked to a light, but long-throw clutch. Fourth gear is best for 65-75 mph passing with the six-speed manual and such passing is moderately fast in fifth gear.
Steering is nicely geared -- not too fast, not too slow. While firmer on the SE, the suspension provides a supple ride. Handling is competent, although the car is a bit nose-heavy because of its front-drive design. The SE has the most athletic moves. Braking is strong, with good pedal feel.
The quiet interior provides good up-front room, but the back seat is for children and pets. As is typical for small sporty hatchback coupes, there isn't much knee room, and adults will bump their heads on the sloping rear glass.
Large outside door handles are easily gripped, but the long doors are awkward in tight spots. Front occupants sit low in supportive seats, but the driver-seat height adjustment is manually controlled by a small round control that's tedious to use.
The slightly indented gauges are fairly easy to read, and most controls are easy to see and reach. Front doors have pockets and there are a fair number of small-item storage areas in the cockpit. A thoughtful touch: sunshade extensions that block out sun glare that the regular two visors don't cover.
The cargo area is large, although its opening is rather high. The hatch isn't hard to open and a deeply indented interior area with lots of finger room helps yank it closed.
The hood opens on twin struts, with no need for an awkward prop rod to hold it up. The engine compartment allows easy access to fluid-filler areas.
The basic Tiburon design has been around so long that all bugs were worked out long ago. It's no BMW and has never been as refined as better-known, costlier Japanese rivals. But it's nicely priced, capable and generally fun to drive. That's enough for a lot of folks.
2007 HYUNDAI TIBURON
PRICE: $16,695-$22,795.
LIKES: Sharper styling. Strong V-6 acceleration. Especially appealing to budget-minded.
DISLIKES: So-so four-cylinder performance. Tight back seat. Awkward driver-seat height adjuster. |
