2006 Hyundai Tiburon in Freeport, IL - $3,995

The current generation of the Hyundai Tiburon received a facelift last year. Exterior changes and enhancements included a redesigned front fascia, hood, front fenders, headlights, rear fascia, tail lights, and exhaust tips. The SE model received electronic stability control, brake assist, traction control, cross-drilled brake rotors with larger rotor size, European sport suspension tuning and a full-size spare. Interior upgrades included blue backlit gauges with gun metal accents and standard MP3 capability.

New goodies for the Tiburon this year include standard XM Satellite radio with three months free service and a 220-watt Kenwood AM/FM/XM Satellite radio/CD/MP3 audio system.

Offered in GS, GT, GT Limited and SE trim levels, powertrain options for Tiburon include a 2.0L four-cylinder or an all-aluminum 2.7L DOHC V6. Torque is communicated to the pavement through a five-speed manual or a smooth-shifting six-speed manual gearbox or the available four-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC.

With handsome exterior sheetmetal and an upmarket interior that boasts of upscale fit and finish, Hyundai turns up the heat in the below $20,000 coupe segment. The entry-level GS features: AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers; front fog lights; power windows, door locks and heated side mirrors; air conditioning; remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert; center console with armrest, storage and dual cupholders; 50/50 split fold-down rear seatback; low body color rear spoiler; chrome-tipped dual exhausts; and projector-lens headlights.

The GT Limited adds the following to the already well equipped GT trim: beige leather-trimmed interior, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, side turn-signal repeater lights and Infiniti 440-watt AM/FM/Cassette six-speaker audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and sub woofer. The SE model includes multi-gauge instrumentation for torque, voltage and fuel consumption, located in the middle of the center stack.

Robust and refined, the Tiburon chassis features a front subframe designed for strength and third-generation hydraulic engine mounts that isolate any engine vibration from the cabin. A four-wheel independent suspension is configured with MacPherson struts and offset coil springs in the front and a strut-type multi-link rear suspension. Gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers hold down the four corners with anti-roll bars front and rear.

Inside the cabin, a spacious, ergonomic cockpit greets driver and front passenger. Displays and controls are well-placed. The interior is impressively finished for a vehicle at this price point. The Tiburon exhibits a style with the class of vehicles that sell for thousands more. Seating is comfortable throughout the cabin. The 50/50 rear split fold-down rear seat adds to the hauling capabilities of the rear cargo area.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 99.6; overall length: 173.0; width: 69.3; height: 52.4 -- all vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder -- 138 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm; 2.7L V6 -- 172 hp at 6,000 rpm and 181 lbs-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed manual or six-speed manual; four-speed automatic with Shiftronic manual control.

EPA fuel economy: 2.0L four-cylinder -- 20 city/28 hwy. (5-speed manual); 20 city/27 hwy. (automatic); 2.7L V6 -- 17 city/24 hwy. (GT/GT Limited); 16 city/24 hwy. (SE).

Cargo capacity: 14.8 cu. ft.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, remote keyless entry, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, tire pressure monitoring system and fog lights. SE adds brake assist, conventional spare tire, electronic stability control and traction control.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile.

Corrosion: 7-year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/unlimited, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon coupe starts from $17,025 for the GS up to $22,525 for the GT Limited automatic. Destination charges add $620.

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