Tiburon
Hyundai Tiburon Overview
The Hyundai Tiburon is the Hyundai’s offering in a sports car model. It comes in two models, a 2.0L manual, and a 2.7 V6 Automatic. This is the one Hyundai car that comes with a definite ‘wow’ factor where exterior styling is concerned since it definitely is a head turner.
Interior
Since this is a sports car is probably not surprising that the back seating of the Tiburon is on the cramped side. Front seating is comfortable enough.
The control panel is blue backlit with gunmetal accents which makes it look stylish and sleek. There are plenty amenities available such as aircon, power steering and it comes with a 220-watt Kenwood sound system. Air conditioning is fully automatic (climate control) in the 2.7L v6 model.
Exterior
This is where the Tiburon shines - this is arguably the one Hyundai model that really impresses with its exterior styling.
Opinion is generally that the Tiburon looks fast, even when standing in the driveway. It is described as sharp looking, stylish, aerodynamic and sleek.
Performance and Handling.
Generally it is recommended that if you go for the Tiburon, rather to go for the 2.7 L V6 model since the 2.0L is a considerably lighter drive with regards to acceleration and power. Despite this, the handling overall of both models are smooth, although being front-wheel drive the technology has been pushed to the limits with skillful engineering to give a good grip and cornering capabilities.
Safety.
As with all Hyundai cars, safety is of paramount importance and the Tiburon is no exception. It scores exceptionally high in all safety tests, although it must be noted that the rear seats have no airbags - for obvious reasons! It does score 5 out of 5 for driver protection in the US Government crash tests.
Standard features include ABS brakes, but strangely enough, not EBD (electronic brake distribution).
PROS
- Beautiful styling
- High safety scores
- Smooth handling
CONS
- Cramped back seats
- Acceleration and power disappointing on the lower spec model
Price range comparisons
The Tiburon is seen as really good value for money, with the 2.0L model retailing at R219 000 and the 2.7L Automatic retailing at R270 000
Prices as compared to other cars in the same target market
The Tiburon can be compared to the Honda s2000, that retails at around R370 000.
It can also be compared with the Maxda RX-8, of which the lower spec model starts at R305 000 and the higher spec model starts at R357 000.
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Tags: abs brakes, acceleration, airbags, automatic climate control, crash tests, front wheel drive, gunmetal, head turner, hyundai car, hyundai tiburon, power steering, safety tests, sports car
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February 5th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Automatic!?!?!
Is there a V6 manual version?
February 5th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
It depends on where in the world you buy your Tiburon. In South Africa, the country where these reviews are based in, the Tiburon is only available in one ‘trim’ and in the Automatic transmission.
Elsewhere in the world, such as the USA, the Tiburon is avaiable in a 4 speed automatic, a 5 speed manual, or a 6-speed manual transmission
February 13th, 2008 at 1:02 am
Still a brilliant car. Designed in Germany (if i’m not mistaken… Hyundai’s Germain studios or something), built in Korea… at a very good price. Think i might be buying one.
Pity about no manual in the v6 though :/