More than an old car #219: Hyundai Tiburon

Hyundai has come a very long way over the years: from being looked down on to being respected with the big boys, especially with its WRC finishes and the revolutionary N Vision 74 concept. This 1999 Hyundai Tiburon/Coupe (RD2) was from the days where Hyundai was still finding its feet...

First released in 1996, it took several deisgn cues from the "HCD-II Epoch" concept that debuted at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. In Singapore, it was known simply as the Coupe while it was branded as the Tiburon (Spanish for shark) in the wider international market - the exterior design was said to be reminiscent of a shark.

The RD2 facelift in 1999 (with a sub-name of Turbulence) gave the Tiburon a sharper, more aggressive look compared to its predecessor. Featuring the twin circular headlight design, it was controversially noted to resemble the 6th-gen Toyota Celica. Other than that, the Tiburon still maintained a low-slung stance and sculpted body lines, giving the visual appeal of a much more expensive sports car. Its styling elements were inspired by European coupes, giving it a distinct character that turned heads wherever it went. The turn signals were changed to orange in 2000.

Inside, the Tiburon RD2 offered a driver-focused cockpit with sporty bucket seats and a well-laid-out dashboard. While the materials used were not luxurious, the cabin was practical and comfortable for daily use. Features such as air conditioning, a sunroof, and power windows were available, making the Tiburon a well-equipped coupe for its time.

This unit was powered by a 1599 cc Hyundai Beta i4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 193 km/h with an acceleration of 10.5 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 4345 mm long and weighed 1137 kg, with a fuel consumption of 8.3 litres / 100 km. Interestingly, the Korean market only featured 1.8 and 2-litre engines, along with an automatic transmission option. Units sold in Singapore were only available in a 5-speed manual.

Production of the Tiburon RD2 ended in 2001 where it was replaced by the GK series, known as the Tuscani in Singapore. The Coupe was sold here in 1997, with the RD2 series in 1999 where it retailed for $100,500. Local reviews were not encouraging about the design, though they noted stronger brakes, decent performance and a very attractive pricing. 

Although it never achieved the cult status of competitors like the Honda Prelude or Toyota Celica, the Hyundai Tiburon RD2 remains a unique and affordable entry into the world of sporty coupes (if you can find them). It paved the way for future Hyundai sports cars, such as the Veloster N.

This unit should be the last one in Singapore and I have seen it driven a few times by an old couple. The fact that the owner continues to hold on to this unique vehicle is a testament to sentimental value, especially when parts for old Hyundais are not that easy to find. However, it is precisely of such cars that make our roads a lot more interesting. Hopefully, you may be able to catch a sight of this lone survivor some day!

More than an old car #218: Alfa Romeo Alfasud

While I did not post much on my blog, I was still going around spotting cars. As luck would have it, I chanced upon this 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Ti 1.3 by accident: it was something that I had not seen before and naturally it grabbed my attention for the rest of the day.

Launched in 1971, the Alfasud was the result of Alfa Romeo's work in building a smaller front wheel drive car. It was manufactured at a new factory at Pomigliano d'Arco in southern Italy, hence the car's name, Alfa Sud (Alfa South). However, unlike many economy cars of its era, the Alfasud was engineered with a keen focus on driving dynamics. Its engine allowed a low hood/bonnet line, leading to an aerodynamic profile, a low center of gravity, and noteworthy road-holding and handling.

Initially available as a saloon, the hatchback and a 3-door estate (Giardinetta) followed soon after. A 3-door coupe known as the Alfasud Sprint was released in 1976. 1980 saw a facelift with a new instrument panels, headlights and plastic bumpers. The Ti (Turismo Internazionale) model added a sporty touch to the lineup, featuring a more aggressive front end, additional aerodynamic tweaks, and a set of stylish alloy wheels. The 1.3 Ti was powered by a 1351 cc Boxer H4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 170 km/h with an acceleration of 11.4 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It weighed 895 kg and was 3995 mm long, with a fuel consumption of 8.2 litres / 100 km.

Unfortunately, Alfasuds were plagued by rust due to improper maintenance and storage of the car bodies (given that the factory was quite close to the sea). Production of Alfasud hatchbacks ended in 1983 while the Sprint lasted till 1986. Of the 1 million made, about 37,000 were the 1.3 Ti hatchbacks. 

Alfasuds were sold in Singapore back in 1974 where it retailed at S$15,000; this was noted to be more expensive than other cars in the 1001-1200 cc range. Interestingly, Alfasud assembly existed in Malaysia but all were in the 4-door bodywork. I was also aware of an original Singapore unit that was scrapped a few years back. This particular unit has been imported from the UK, still sporting its former dealer's decal Roger Simpson of Highworth. While the Alfasud may not be the most famous Alfa, it is certainly one of the most underrated; for the owner to even be aware of this car's existence and bring it is no mean feat. Hopefully you will be able to see it on our roads some day!