Vehicle: 2007 Hyundai Tiburon GT Limited 6-speed
Price as tested: CDN$28995
Performance: Although the 24-valve 2.7L V6 DOHC engine doesn’t generate as much performance as we would like, it got its job done nicely. Generating only 172 horses from a 2.7 liter V6 is nothing spectacular these days, given many 4 cylinder peers already have 175-180 horses. Its torque isn’t impressive neither, as only 181 lb/ft of torque. Even with Hyundai’s advanced CVVT, or their language for variable valve timing, the output figures are underwhelming But its the overall smoothness and refinement of Hyundai’s recent V6 powerplants that really impressed me. The NVH and quietness are on par with anything else from Honda and Toyota, while the engine note is entertaining in this Tibby. The 6-speed stick shift, however, its an exceptionally good shifter. The shifts are silky smooth and gates superb, I can certainly rate it as good as any Honda stick shifters out there. The clutch is equally progressive and grabbing point is easy to detect.
Handling: Tiburon has always been a capable car. Even if its entering the end of its life cycle, its dynamic abilities are still good enough to hold on much newer competitions. The steering is precise and direct, with plenty of weight and feedback. One would be surprise on how Hyundai has tuned the European driving feel when behind the wheel. Everything feel substantial and solid, despite some sorts of softness has built into its control. This kind of softness has created more body rolls and understeer than any enthuisasts expect from a sports coupe. Through the corners, Tibby holds on to its own confidently without losing any composure. Its understeer does rear its ugly heads earlier than expected. The ride quality is comfortable with a sense of European suppleness. Its a truly delightful surprise when consider Tibby has been on the market for 4 years. Many of its peers either been discontinued or already redesigned.
Brakes: Its stopping distance follows its lead on dynamic. The stopping distance is short and confident, without any drama during panic stops. The ABS also kicks in when necessary.
Interior: The leather sports seats are very comfortable and nicely foamed. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. What’s most impressive about its interior is the use of quality materials. Everything else from power window to climate control have high-quality, substantial and tactical quality touch to it. There are plenty of soft-touched plastic on the dashboard and door panels. Its just the overall design already shown its age despite of the high standard of fit-and-finish.
Conclusion: With all the rumors of the upcoming Tiburon will be featuring a 300hp V6 rear-drive configuration, that means we will said farewell to the current car pretty soon. However, the current car still has enough merits to hold on its own through styling, comfort and quality to compensate for the lack of oomph. We will definitely have high expectation of the next Tiburon, a car that Hyundai promised will eat the Infiniti G Coupe for breakfast, lunch and even dinner for 30% lower price.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 HYUNDAI TIBURON
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/acessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 3/5
Overall rating: 3.5/5