Redesigned Tiburon: Big bang for the bucks

Searching for a term to make the redesigned Tiburon more intriguing than its predecessor, the braintrust at Hyundai decided ?harder edge? would be appropriate.Without the proper historical perspective, I?m not sure just how accurate that statement is concern-ing the 2003 Tiburon GT. But what can be said with some certainty about the new Tiburon is that it?s bigger than the previous model and possesses an appealing style.The South Korean auto manufacturer introduced the first-generation Tiburon in 1997. Although it didn?t sell all that well, it fit in perfectly for a company known for modestly-priced vehicles.Back on the showroom following a year of no production, the 2003 Tiburon hatchback coupe looks quite sporty, the attractive red coat our tester wore adding to its appeal. And in typical Hyundai fash-ion, the sticker price won?t leave buyers wondering how they can meet the high monthly payments. A 4-cylinder Tiburon can be had for $15,999 and the jazzier V6 Tiburon GT will run around $19,000, and includes many extras.The peppy Tiburon GT shares the same engine as Hyundai?s Sonata sedan and Santa Fe SUV: a 2.7-liter, V6 with 181 horsepower (177 torque at 4,000 rpm). Our tester came with a six-speed manual transmission, which was quite fun to drive. Although not an option, a convertible top would have been the perfect compliment to this road-ready coupe.While the new Tiburon is not a redesign model that ingested steroids, it did grow some, gaining 2.2 inches in the wheelbase, and about the same in length, while also growing a bit in height and width.While pleasurable to drive, the Tiburon doesn?t provide the smoothest ride. It can be a little bouncy at times, especially over rough surfaces. On the plus side, it does hold the road fairly well.Another strong point is the comfort it provides front seat occupants. Leg and headroom are solid for a coupe, though the sunroof may bother taller passengers a bit. Squeezing in and out of this coup can be a bit annoying.But front seat passengers should consider themselves fortunate they don?t have to be pried into the back. There?s not much in the way of comfort or room back there, and getting in and out is an un-pleasant experience.However, the Tiburon does have well-planned controls and gauges, provides adequate cargo room and the fuel economy, at 20-26 mpg, is acceptable.Among the standard features in the Tiburon are tilt steering wheel; a six-speaker stereo with CD player; rear wiper; fog lights; keyless entry; center console; power windows, doors, mirrors; front side airbags; split-folding rear seat; and more.If you are in the market for a sporty car with an affordable price, the Hyundai Tiburon is a suitable option.Weidel on Wheels is a regular weekly feature in Gold Country Motoring Staff Writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at ptsports@goldcountrymedia.com.