2006 Hyundai Tiburon Tuscani Road Test

2006 Hyundai Tiburon Tuscani (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

This Tiburon has excellent road manners, as it carves into twisties with sure-footed confidence. The 17-inch tires offer a good level of grip, and the traction control steps in when the time is right; a slight amount of wheelspin is allowed.

What I find peculiar about the Tuscani is its distinctive badge on the hood and rump of the car. In fact, Hyundai logos are nowhere to be found on the outside of the car, like if the Tuscani was ashamed of admitting its Korean roots. It certainly contributed in getting people to ask questions about the car, however. Here's my wild prediction: The Tuscani badge could find its way on a long-rumored rear-wheel drive luxury coupe that, according to a recent discussion with a Hyundai product planner, would be introduced alongside the Tiburon instead of replacing it.

Prelude, Celica, 240SX, MX-6, Probe, Integra, Camaro, Firebird, Daytona, Avenger, Cougar, Talon, Laser, XT, Scirocco, Corrado. All affordable sports

2006 Hyundai Tiburon Tuscani (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

coupes that have come and gone. What's left for under $30,000? Not much, but the Mitsubishi Eclipse, which starts from $25,998, is probably the most direct competitor for this Hyundai.

The 2006 Tiburon Tuscani with the automatic transmission costs $28,475. That's not bad for a leather-lined sports coupe that drives well and looks great. In addition, the base model with a 5-speed transmission costs only $20,675. The current-generation model will soldier on for a few more years, with redesigned front and rear fascias coming up for 2007. That's not bad news at all, since this Tiburon is a great car that deserves to strut its stuff a while longer.

2006 Hyundai Tiburon Tuscani (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

What I like:
Exterior looks
Nice cockpit
Good handling

What I don't like:
Not much headroom, front or back
Fuel economy could be better
Automatic reluctant to downshift