September 2002 Volume 83 Number 9 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

A head-turner

ake the stylish new Hyundai Tiburon sports coupé for a test drive and just watch the heads turn.

With its classic lines, this car replaces the previous Hyundai coupé, which one either loved or hated. Tiburon (Spanish for shark) is probably the best car the giant Korean manufacturer has produced and more than capable of taking on Celica, Integra, Nissan’s 200SX, and even Ford’s Cougar.

Its exterior styling – sporty but elegant – carries through to its comfortable interior. The front end features a beautifully sculptured bonnet, large air dam and striking headlamps. Its long, low profile is enhanced with smart alloy wheels, a strong character line leading to false air vents in the front mudguards and a unique fuel filler cap. At the rear is a dual exhaust, large jewel-style tail lamps and a long sloping hatch door, which incorporates a smart spoiler on some models.

With comfortable sports-style front seats that offer excellent driving positions, Tiburon is very driver-orientated inside. A large speedometer and tachometer feature with smaller gauges and a digital display in between them. Its centre facia features three auxiliary gauges, the CD audio system and ventilation controls. Typically, the rear seat is a bit of a squeeze for adult passengers.

The entry model ($35,880) features a 2.0-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. It produces 102kW at 6,000rpm and 181Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. A V6 model ($41,880) features a silky-smooth 2.7-litre quad-cam V6 engine, mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. This engine delivers 127kW of power at 6,000rpm and 245Nm at 4,000rpm.

Drive is to the front wheels and both models can be optioned with a Selectronic four-speed automatic transmission, which features a sequential-clutchless-manual mode.

A Police Journal test drive showed the V6 auto to be fabulous to drive. It offered smooth and effortless power delivery. The car corners confidently and remains flat and predictable. Its precise steering, fully-independent suspension system and ABS-equipped brakes all complement each other and the auto gearbox is a delight in its manual mode.

Both models come with all the desired standard features, including:

• Airbags.
• CD player.
• Power windows.
• Air conditioning.

Tiburon looks, feels and goes like a sports coupé should.

Terracan capable, affordable

Hyundai has entered the lucrative mid-size four-wheel-drive market. The company believes its new Terracan offers a substantial alternative to the likes of Prado and Pajero – and at a more competitive price.

Two models, Terracan and Highlander, feature a smooth and powerful 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. They boast 145kW of power and 302Nm of torque and come with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

Terracan is built on a separate ladder chassis and all major components are protected by the usual bash plates. Front suspension consists of double wishbones with torsion bars, while the rear end has a rigid axle with a five-link coil-spring setup. Although not as technically advanced as the main players in this class, Terracan’s suspension performs very well on bitumen and provides good ride and handling characteristics. Its off-road performance was less impressive: it tended to lose directional stability on badly corrugated roads.

Terracan features a part-time four-wheel-drive system which uses an electric switch to select between modes. Shifts between 2WD and 4WD (high) can be made at up to 80km/h. The up-market Highlander features an Active Torque Transfer system that progressively transfers torque to the front wheels as slippage is detected at the rear. A simple rotary switch is used to select between Auto and low-range modes. Low-range reduction on a Police Journal test of the Highlander was good for a petrol auto.

Inside, Terracan is roomy, comfortable and well finished. Visibility is good thanks to its low bonnet and height-adjustable driver’s seat. The centre-row seat has a 60/40 split-fold design and easily tumbles forward to reveal a long, flat cargo floor. Third-row seats, which are best suited to kids, fold up sideways. Terracan ($37,880) features:

• Dual airbags.
• Air conditioning.
• CD player.
• Power windows.
• Remote central locking.
• Cruise control.

Highlander ($43,880) also has leather seats, ABS brakes, climate control and wood-grain trim. Auto transmission adds $2,990 to the price.

Although in its current configuration it could never be the class leader, Terracan is comfortable, capable and has the best warranty in the business. Its greatest attribute has to be price, which is $1,000s below its rivals.

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