2007 Hyundai Tiburon TS Road Test
July 16, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
Behind the Wheel
- A bit of history
- How it goes
- How it handles
- Interior comfort
- The look
- Safety features & Cost of owernship
I don’t fit in the Tiburon, the steering wheel only goes up so far and my legs touch on every gear change. I eventually managed to find a balance of steering wheel height and seat adjustment that allowed for a semi-comfortable drive.
Of course then there was the steering wheel. Nothing says sports car more than a sleek design, aggressive looks, big wheels, flared guards, bucket seats and a nice steering wheel. Although the Tiburon has most of what it takes, the steering wheel is a big disappointment.
The Europeans have spent millions designing the best steering wheels in the world, be it Audi/Volkswagen or Volvo, they have got it down pat. The Koreans however, have so far neglected this critical aspect. The Tiburon’s steering wheel is near identical to the Hyundai Accent – and thats not good enough.
If you ignore the steering wheel for a second, you can admire the hard work gone into the dashboard. With a great trip computer that shows KMs to empty as well as a great display system, the interior of the Tiburon puts some of the more expensive European/Australian cars to shame.
The sleek aerodynamic design of the Tiburon shares some similar downsides with the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 I was in earlier this year, you can’t shoulder check. There is just no point, all you see is the slick rear windows. The Tiburon can really make use of Volvo’s Bliss system (which uses tiny cameras to check for cars in your blind spot).
All the negative aside, driving the Tiburon is an enjoyable experience, there is little to no play in the steering wheel and everything is exactly where you’d expect it to be. More importantly, sitting behind the wheel is sure to please, not only because you have bought a feature packed car for a bargain price, but with the sunroof open, windows down, and heads turning as you drive past, you can’t help but smile.
- A bit of history
- How it goes
- How it handles
- Interior comfort
- The look
- Safety features & Cost of owernship
Im not sure about the Tiburon. Fair enough I havent driven it but those power figures are very poor, 123kw and 245Nm of torque out of a 2.7L engine. I know 14 year old 3L V6 Camrys had 140kw and 260Nm…. why cany a modern engine that should have the benefit of things such as VVT be able to exceed that! Not to mention you also have cars like the Accord Euro with a SMALLER engine yet 140kw and same torque.
My money would be on an Integra over the Tiburon. Reliability wise it would be superior and most of all they hande very well and crucially they have a powerplant to back it up, the Type R with 160kw is going to absolutely smash this car (sure its $8k or os more but worth it really when you consider that there is daylight between these vehicles) or even the regular Integra with 120kw would be better and no doubt faster. That again highlights how ordinary the Hyundai is, the same power out of a 2L engine…
Those are good points paul, but you don’t buy the Tiburon for raw performance, its more about looking good, then going fast.
Besides as far as I know Honda are no longer selling the Type S Integra? Although I agree with you that the Type S/R is one hell of a car, I still think the Tiburon is the better looking car, and with all the features you get standard, you really can’t beat the car price wise!
Hmmm perhaps, although personally knowing its lack of power whenever I see a Tiburon on the road its hard to look at it as a sports car or anything decent for that matter…. espcially when some people do them up with a wing etc! But if I didnt know this I suppose it does look good, I also know people who thought they were alot faster then they are because of their somewhat deceptive looks. Still Id get the Integra, a friend has the Luxury one for $40k and its prity decent all over, might not have quite the same features (although its got enough)… but its handling is great, power is good and the seats are very comfortable!
QUOTE = Besides as far as I know Honda are no longer selling the Type S Integra?
Hmm yeah actually now that you mention it I think your right… well then although its a slgihtly different car in terms of appearance the Civic Type R comes into play… same price, alot faster!
I am not convinced that Tiburon is pitched in the same market as Integra was. For some reason I don’t think that Integra buyers would even consider Tiburon and vice versa as they are in different market. Integra type R/S would be more in the hi performance market and the Tiburon is more of a hair dressers car (soft sports car). This is how I would percieve the two, but might not be the buyer’s point of view.
At last the report for the Tiburon that I reminded you of some time ago. I’m so glad you have given it a good rap as it is one of the cars I’m considering buying. I’m in the older/female demographic (not a haidresser though) and I don’t want a very fast car. I want one that looks good but is reliable. I’m impressed.
Hmm Igor I think maybe people looking at Integras wouldnt look at a Tiburon but people looking at a Tiburon would at least have a look at an Integra… the Integra luxury after all is only $3k more, hasnt got an overly powerful engine and has luxury features. And afterall they are both coupes!
What I dont get is fair enough they might not be targeting performance enthusiasts, but its just that engine is so lame… even if they werent going for that market surely they could have given it something with RESPECTABLE specs for a 2.7L V6, because for that engine capacity 123kw is very poor (torque is about right).
But each unto their own, I personally wouldnt be interested in any way in this car (and Im sure its not targetting at my demographic either)
Paul, I just think that Integra’s have a similar ‘boy racer’ image like the WRX and most people don’t like that image.
People buying Tiburons like to own a car that looks like a sports car but but do not really care about the mechanics.
Personally I would always pick Integra over Tiburon but that’s because I don’t care that much about the looks but rather the mechanics of the car.
So your saying that $3k-$8k wont buy you a turbo or super charger? If you really want performance and can’t go spending over $38k get a Tib with and throw a supercharger on it! I’ve watched video’s where people have beaten wrx sti’s with a supercharged tiburon. And seriously i got my 6 speed manual tib for like $33k that leaves you with another $7k to play with if you want to spend $40k on a car. I really dont see why you would buy an integra over a tiburon personally. My brother was actually really into integra’s until he went for a drive in my tiburon. Oh and chic’s love the tiburon much more than they like integra’s…my girlfriend and her friends love the thing!
A little late for this thread, but what the hell.
Your totally correct performance wise re the Tib, lacks grunt, but the low ration gearbox makes up for a lot of it. Does mean your constantly shifting in city traffic, and you have to work the car to get the best out of it, but hell, you can’t say it’s boring :)
Personally, I bought the tib as I loved the styling, and, there really arn’t that many around. Compare that with a WRX etc, and Commondoors, a dime a dozen.
I’ve gotten rid of the Hynudai logos ( steering wheel, wheel inserts, etc ), and waiting for my woodgrain dash, and short throw shifter. Next, my supercharger, and headers. For another $5,000 or so, thats pretty good value for a distintive car. And the sunroof – god I love my sunroof.
I could have gone the 6L V8 SS, very impressive, but with fuel costs going through the roof – well, bye bye.
All in all, it turns plenty of heads. No real complaints, like anything, has pluses and minuses.
Cheers
Lance
P.S. If anyone can recommend a performance centre in Sydney for the Tib – forever gratefull! :)
Dont like it rather buy a secondhand monaro!
The Tiburon is a joke. Enough said.
Let me guess IntegarTypeS you must like the Honda Integra!
Integra vs Tiburon.
Certainly Integra has more punch with its power figure but it looks uglier than Tiburon. And even on 0-100 performance, it’s not pulling away from Tiburon that much as depends on testers it’s showing similar performance figure on acceration. I would prefer Tiburon over Integra. If I want sports car, I would rather pay more money for 350Z or RX-8.
I have just bought a Tiburon 2008 model manual V6. It is fantastic, fun, well balanced and turns heads. It does not have the rev-head kid stigma either. I have taken it onto a skid pan this week and it listened better than the rear wheel drive V6’s that were out there. I could point it, steer it and when accelerating it pulled the car where it had to go – beautiful.
If this car was called a Honda or a Saab every one would have bought it – but then maybe not since the price would be 20% more.
I can fill up with unleaded 87/91 – no need for premium. Fuel consumption is 3 liters per 100km less than WRX that requires premium. Insurance was cheaper.
The gears are easy. Road noise – what road noise? Great sound system also makes listening to music in the quiet cabin a pleasure.
Thanks Hyundai you did a great job on this one. It feels like I am driving a car that costs more than this one did.
Don’t look at a Tiburon – Drive one and Own one!
Ciao
I am from the US and own a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon 2.0L. I payed $14,000 for the car (USD). The only other car in the same class is the Scion tC (Toyota’s youth brand) which would cost around $18,000 USD and not have the same sporty handling characteristics. Both of those compared to $25,000+ for a sporty car is a good deal for someone who doesn’t want to drive a boring car. I am also involved in modifying the car. Throwing on an intake system and exhaust system really improves the few shortcomings of the car, but doesn’t eat away at your finances.
I am having a ball. I just want to drive this car every day, any excuse. I haven’t had this much fun since I bought my first motorbike in my youth. I am not interested in drag racing but on the open road, boy does it handle. Such fun to cruise through the main street and park outside the coffee shop. My youngest has just left home, now its time for me. I traded a 4×4 for it, $4,000 change over. Only $55 to fill the tank instead of $100. I told someone it was a Ferrari. They couldn’t believe the price I paid for it. I pointed out it was a Hyundai when they looked at the rear. It is a 2005 model, white, 56,000kms, immaculate. I think the front looks better than the 2008 model. We Australians are so hung up on brand, Americans seem to go for value over brand eg Lexus rather than BMW.
I own a 2005 Tibby
absolutley Brilliant car in every respect
half the problem is with this ‘old style thinking’
harvested by shows like Top gear
if they Bag something then others follow like sheep
I have as much respect for many other vehicls too Hondas, Toyotas etc
But the line of thinking needs to change guys…
its not all about those marques any more
Hyundai are making better cars in some respects than some of the other ‘big names’ they sell because of the badge
Anyone thinking of a Tibby go for it…
We have an 03 and an 08. The older one has been stone cold reliable. Both are the V6. I think the point missed by the horsepower numbers are that the V6 has an outstanding linear torque range. No winding up the motor to accelerate during roll on. Just punch and go. In 02, we tested the Celica GTS and Acura RSX and the Mitsubishi Eclipse with models in the same price range as the fully loaded V6 GT Tiburon. The Tiburon, feature for feature was more fun to drive. Value wise, and sheet metal work, especially the 08, no contest. I do advise dropping in a K&N slide in filter if you are not interested in an intake system. It makes a good difference in the responsiveness all through the range. Here in the States, most cars are pretty choked off coming from the showroom.
I have just made the last payment on my red tibs, 5 years old and only 42,5000ks on the clock. It is the second Hyundai sports car I have owned now and I love it, I loved the last one as well, and I will be buying another one as soon as they (If ever) bring out one without a top on it. I saw the prototype that was in Sydney years ago and was told they were going to be made in 2007, still waiting lol. I dont care for the mechanics of the car either but the looks are certainly a head turner, pple are always stopping me and asking what it is, as the T at the front gets them everytime. Then I have to go through the its a Hyundai tiburon 2.7 litre V6 6 speed manual etc. Most pple are impressed when they hear it is a Hyundai. I have also lots of friends who are motor mechanics and have driven it and are very impressed with it, it soon changes their attitude towards Hyundai motor cars. All in all having owned two I will certainly buy another one, they are a great fun car at a fabulous price.