Hyundai Tiburon V6

With the launch of its second generation sporty two-door coupe, Hyundai has embraced the car's global name of Tiburon. Although it was more than likely a marketing decision handed down from upon high, it is also probably the first model that the local importer deemed worthy of the name that translates as shark in Spanish.

Not that the company would ever say as much, but the previous attempts at a sporty two door - the original S-coupe released in 1990 and its replacement, the Hyundai Coupe which landed here in 1996 - were quite the toothless wonders. Hairdresser's cars, so to speak, with far more show than go.

But with its latest effort, the South Korean car-maker has finally put some bite behind the body and delivered a car that is now a worthy rival for Toyota's Celica and Honda's Integra.

The new car is immediately distanced from its curvy predecessor by virtue of its 21st century sharp lines and high boot line, accentuated by a deck-lid spoiler. The car actually looks quite stylish - helped by decent arch-filling 17-inch alloys and wide, low profile tyres - which is a refreshing change for Hyundai.

While design may be a subjective matter, what is not is performance and here the Tiburon delivers far more than its predecessors. At the heart of the matter is the 2.7-litre V6 borrowed from the Santa Fe, Sonata and Trajet. Although its peak power of 127kW is nothing astonishing, in the relatively lightweight all-new larger and stronger body, it is enough to get the car off the line with a reasonable shove.

What is probably more relevant in terms of driving performance, however is the not insubstantial 245Nm of torque, which with the help of the slick shifting close-ratio six speed manual gearbox, keeps the engine on the boil and the car responsive to right foot jabs. Being a front driver, there is a degree of torque steer, but it is reasonably controlled.

Regular use of the box is recommended because pushing this engine to its red-line limits displays the cars biggest letdown, a lack of refinement. Initially, the engine noise seems appropriate given its sporting intent but it doesn't take too long before it becomes annoying.

This lack of refinement also shows up in the suspension, which although does a good job in the handling stakes, generates an inordinate amount of creaking, bumping and thumping. This is particularly noticeable at lower speeds over rougher roads where the firm ride, while not exactly uncomfortable, becomes more obvious due to the noise.

In addition to the stiffer suspension, the bigger body has been strengthened, and when combined with the more direct and responsive steering, the whole package makes this a car that delivers when driven with enthusiasm.

The bigger body has improved interior space slightly but rear passengers are unlikely to notice because, like most two-doors, form rules over function and the rear is really only for emergencies or small kids. The rear seat back does, however, split and fold improving the luggage area which is easily accessible through the wide opening hatch.

At $41,880 at launch, the Tiburon is up there price wise with its competition but it is well specced with air con, power windows and mirrors, remote locking, cruise control, CD audio, dual airbags and ABS all standard.

The interior is let down a bit by the hard grey plastics everywhere although the styling, which borrows from Alfa and Audi, is pleasant enough. The three central dials for torque, volts and fuel consumption, though are a bit of a gimmick.

The Tiburon is a vast improvement over the Coupe and with it, Hyundai at last has a real competitor in the market that despite its refinement shortcomings, is still worth a look.