FOR about the same price as a mid-specced Mazda3, buyers can choose an array of Veloster models from Hyundai, complete with head-turning styling and the novelty of three doors plus a hatchback. Not for the wallflower, this Korean front-driver is a welcome addition to the moribund sporty coupe market, offering distinctive design, practical packaging, and undeniable value for money. Tested in up-spec Veloster + guise, it is a dynamic drive to boot, but a bit more oomph wouldn’t go astray.
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GK Tiburon
Released: March 2002
Ended: October 2010
Family Tree: VelosterDesigned in-house in Korea but with a chassis honed by Porsche (allegedly), the Tiburon was Hyundai’s serious tilt at the floundering Honda Prelude/Toyota Celica segment, featuring very direct steering, front-wheel drive, and a choice of two petrol engines. Most buyers went for the 127kW/245Nm 2.7-litre V6 in either six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, though a 102kW/181Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder base car (with five-speed manual or four-speed auto) was available until midway through 2004. A facelift was released in 2007 utilising a slightly detuned V6, but by then the Tiburon looked passé despite very respectable dynamics and a roomy and comfy interior.
About the worst thing critics said about this already forgotten piece of Hyundai glory is that the V6’s ride was too hard on Aussie roads.
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