2008 Hyundai Tiburon

NEW FOR 2008:

- New low rear spoiler on GS Sport, GT and GTP

- GT Limited renamed GTP

- Exterior colours: Blue replaces Ice Blue; White offered in limited quantities

For 2008, the Hyundai Tiburon is virtually unchanged.

The Tiburon is offered with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the GS and GS with Sport Package, and a 2.7-litre V6 in the GT and GTP. The GS uses a five-speed manual, while the GS with Sport and GT use the five-speed or optional four-speed automatic with manual shift mode. The GTP comes with the four-speed automatic, but can be optioned to a six-speed manual at extra cost.

Features on the GS include 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, power windows, power locks, fog lamps, CD/MP3 stereo, rear wiper, heated mirrors and floor mats.

The GS with Sport Package adds air conditioning, keyless entry with alarm system, cruise control, power sunroof, leather-wrapped wheel and rear spoiler.

The GT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, metal grain interior trim, lumbar support, and heated cloth and leather seats.

The GTP adds leather seats, anti-lock brakes, metal pedals, automatic climate control, trim computer and side airbags.

A powerhouse for its price and configuration when introduced, the Tiburon is showing its age in terms of content, with no available curtain airbags or stability control, and ABS and side airbags included only with the top-line GTP and not available on other models. Better stereos and auxiliary jacks are also becoming de rigueur among younger buyers in this bracket, which the Tiburon lacks. In its favour, the four-cylinder is zippy and the V6 has throaty and aggressive acceleration, there's a long warranty, and the six-speed manual version still comes in under the $30,000 mark.