2006 Hyundai Tiburon

After receiving a face-lift in 2005, the Hyundai Tiburon – now in its 10th year, having been introduced to the marketplace in 1996 – carries over into 2006 unchanged.

The Tiburon comes with two engines: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that goes into the base and the SE models, and a 2.7-litre V6 that’s used exclusively on the Tuscani.

The base model starts with the four-cylinder and is available only with a five-speed manual transmission, along with 16-inch alloy wheels, power windows, locks and mirrors, fog lights, CD/MP3 player with six speakers, rear wiper/washer, and immobilizer anti-theft system.

The SE adds air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, power sunroof, auto-down driver’s window, deluxe floor covering, luggage net, and leather-wrapped wheel and shifter. A four-speed automatic can be added.

The Tuscani comes with the 2.7-litre engine and a four-speed transmission that can be optioned up to a six-speed manual, a package that also includes red brake calipers. The Tuscani model also adds 17-inchy alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, heated leather seats, ABS, metal pedals, automatic climate control, multi-analog gauges and trip computer.

The Tiburon comes with all the drawbacks inherent to the breed: poor rear visibility, an almost unusable back seat, harsh noisy ride, and no graceful way to enter or exit the vehicle. But for relatively cheap, all-out driving fun, this may be one of the best deals out there, even in four-cylinder configuration. While lacking the V6’s aggressive acceleration, the 2.0-litre remains a zippy little machine that, in base but well-equipped form, comes in just over 20 grand. With the demise of the Toyota Celica, the Tiburon has this spot pretty much all to itself.