ROAD TEST REPORT

MEMBER SERVICES
By Bob Hudson MIAME Vehicle Evaluation Engineer August

National Roads and Motorists Association Limited

ABN 77 000 010 506

No. 643 May 2002

trading as

NRMA Member Services

HYUNDAI TIBURON
2.7 Litre V6 Manual Coupe
FEATURES BEST
Performance, handling and braking all rate well against the class average Improved looks and finish Five year warranty

WORST
Restricted rear occupant space Vision restrictions Speed-limited space-saver spare

Hyundai has replaced its rather bulbous SX/FX Coupe with a completely restyled model that not only presents a sharp new image, it also goes harder, handles better, and is better equipped. The new Coupe is called the Tiburon, which according to Hyundai, means shark in Spanish. The Tiburon is a little longer and wider than the old Coupe and Hyundai has traded an increase in weight for a substantial improvement in body stiffness. This in turn, brings benefits in the areas of safety, handling and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. Two Tiburon models are available; a standard model with a 2.0 litre four cylinder engine and the Tiburon V6, which has a 2.7 litre DOHC multi-valve V6 engine under its bonnet. The four cylinder models come with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed adaptive automatic; the V6 gets the same automatic but its manual is a close ratio six-speed unit. Prices start at $35,880 for the 2.0 litre manual and $38,380 for the automatic. The V6 models are $41,880 for the manual and $42,880 for the auto. Though these prices are up on the previous Coupe, Hyundai doesnt expect any buyer resistance, given the Tiburons higher specification and equipment levels, and its much more attractive styling. Equipment levels have been boosted and now include alloy wheels, air conditioning, disc brakes front and rear, dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, CD player, remote central locking with alarm, a trip computer, split folding rear seat and sporty-looking metal pedals. The V6 model adds 17 inch alloy wheels, cruise control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, leather trim, a rear spoiler and as already mentioned, six speeds in the manual. To most eyes, the Tiburon represents a huge improvement in styling over the previous FX/SX Coupe. Gone are the bulbous and overly rounded lines, replaced by a much sharper and more purposeful look that signals the Tiburons sporting capabilities. As well as producing more attractive cars, Hyundai continues to make advances in quality and the Tiburon test car displayed no visible faults or blemishes. The Tiburon is like most coupes in that front occupants get preference as far as space and comfort are concerned. Up front, the driver

and passenger enjoy stretch-out legroom and sit in a pair of seats that are both comfortable and supportive. In the back, its a case of small children only due to the minimal head and legroom. At least theres good hip space as the seat is only for two! Other aspects that inhibit carrying rear passengers are that their heads would be directly under the rear window glass and that the rear side windows dont open. The Tiburons load area is not that deep, but its long enough and wide enough to swallow up a good deal of luggage. The big tailgate opens wide for easy access. The steering wheel isnt telescopic (it tilts) but with a good range of seat adjustments and well-spaced pedals, the driving position is good. Theres a large left footrest and the dash and control layout is straightforward. In common with most Coupes, the Tiburon is not an easy car to reverse park due to vision restrictions. The Tiburon has quite high body sills and combined with a fairly low seating position (despite the drivers seat being heightadjustable) creates a closed-in feeling. For some drivers, the exterior mirrors and A pillars may also prove to be blind spots. With the V6 engine option, the Tiburon has a performance edge over many of its rivals. Were not just talking outright performance, but for smoothness and response, the 2.7 litre V6 is superior to a four cylinder in just about all conditions. The Tiburons gearing is aimed more at performance than economy, as the V6 version happily pulls from around 90 km/h in sixth gear. As a consequence, fuel economy wasnt as good as we might have expected. Though its chassis dynamics arent as razor sharp as say, a Toyota MR2 or a Honda Integra Type-R, the Tiburon is nevertheless very competent in the handling department, and its easy to handle. It also rates well against the class average on its braking abilities. SUMMARY: Though its increased pricing moves the Hyundai Tiburon more into the big league of sports coupes, it is a far superior car to the now superseded FX and SX Coupes. Not only is the Tiburon a far better looking car with enhanced equipment levels, it performs and handles better, and provides a much more rewarding driving experience.

HYUNDAI TIBURON Coupe

SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE: Type ............................. V6, DOHC, 24 valves Capacity in litres..................................... 2.656 Induction ....Multi-point electronic fuel injection Fuel recommendation.............................. ULP Claimed max. power ...... 127 kW at 6000 rpm Claimed max. torque ...... 245 Nm at 4000 rpm Specific power output.................47.8 kW/litre TRANSMISSION: Type .................................... Six speed manual Driving wheels ....................................... Front Speed per 1000 rpm in top gear....... 35.5 km/h WHEELS: .....................Alloy, 7.0J x 17 inch TYRES: ....................... Kumho, 215/45 ZR17 Spare: ........... Speed limited space saver type STEERING: Type ............... Power assisted rack and pinion Turns lock to lock....................................... 2.6 Turning circle (measured) .............11.5 metres DIMENSIONS: Mass ................................................... 1306 kg Length .............................................. 4395 mm Width (incl. mirrors 1952 mm) ........ 1760 mm Height............................................... 1330 mm Ground clearance (measured)............. 120 mm Seating capacity ......................................2 + 2 Fuel tank capacity............................... 55 litres TOWING: Max. towed mass (trailer plus load)........ 1400 kg Max. towball download (laden trailer) ... 60 kg NRMA THEFT RATING: Points on 0-110 scale (high score best) .... 50.5 WARRANTY: ...........Five years, 130,000 km MANUFACTURED IN:....................... Korea

TEST RESULTS
ACCELERATION: 50 - 80 km/h (in 3rd gear)...................... 4.2 sec 60 -100 km/h (in 3rd gear)..................... 5.5 sec 0 - 80 km/h ........................................... 5.9 sec 0 - 100 km/h ......................................... 9.3 sec 0 - 400 metres..................................... 16.5 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION: Litres/100 km in city ................................ 13.7 Litres/100 km on highway........................ 12.0 Litres/100 km overall ............................... 12.6 BRAKING: Distance to stop from 80 km/h ......27.0 metres NOISE: Interior at constant 80 km/h.............. 69 dB(A)

Test vehicle supplied by Hyundai Automotive Distributors Australia Pty Ltd

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