Hyundai Tucson gets N Line treatment

The New Tucson is Hyundai‘s first SUV to be given the sporty N Line trim. In the UK it is available with two powertrain variants, both 2WD.

The first is a familiar one; a 1.6-litre T-GDi. This turbocharged petrol unit puts out 177PS, and will be the quicker of the two. It’s a reasonably competent engine when coupled to the 7-speed DCT gearbox.

The second powertrain is somewhat new. The 1.6-litre CRDi diesel is familiar, but this one gets 48V Mild Hybrid technology.

It has no external charging capability, nor does it have a pure-electric drive mode. However is can ‘assist’ the diesel engine and activate the start/stop feature before the car comes to a complete halt.

Tucson N Line will build on the success of the i30 N Line, launched last year. “With the New Tucson N Line, Hyundai now provides the sporty feeling to customers who also want the versatility and comfort of an SUV,” says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe.

“Tucson is our best-selling model in Europe and it is positioned right at the heart of our brand, so we are excited to introduce the N Line character to our customers in this segment.”

The Tucson N Line certainly looks the part. More aggressively-styled bumpers and a dark mesh-pattern grille framed by dark chrome provide a strong first impression.

Darker 19-inch alloy wheels and mirrors, and a gloss black rear spoiler, emphasize the car’s sporting attitude.

Black-bezel headlamps, unique daytime running lights and LED design and darkened window frames in combination with body-coloured door handles also create a more dynamic look for the Tucson N Line.

Inside the car, N-branded leather-suede sport seats are a nice centrepiece. With red stitching on the steering wheel and seats, the cabin has a sporty feel.

Alloy pedals and a leather-wrapped, red-accented N gear shift lever are also part of the N Line enhancements.

Full pricing and specification details are expected within a couple of months, so keep an eye out on the Hyundai website for more.