Sharp looks got sharper with this new N Line variant of the new Tucson
Hyundai has stepped up its design game significantly over the last few years. Their new products look absolutely stunning in pictures and in the metal. Their latest Tucson does too. It was shown in September of last year and definitely was a step forward for the nameplate. However, just like many of Hyundai’s other models, they’re offering the Tucson with a slightly sportier N Line variant. This was just shown on the European-spec Tucson today.
Summary of Improvements
The Hyundai Tucson N Line is less than a separate model, but more than a mere grade variant. It’s a sportier trim level that incorporates more aggressive, motorsport-inspired styling as well as some functional changes that make the car just a tad sportier versus the vanilla Hyundai Tucson. It’s a bit like how BMW specifies most of their ‘M Sport’ cars.
N Line Performance Enhancements
The powertrain is shared with the standard Tucson, but on the N-Line model, the diesel engine is not an option. You get the 4-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, either in pure petrol form (150PS), mild hybrid form (150 OR 180PS), full hybrid form (230PS) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle form (265PS). Not exactly a full Hyundai N product, but not too bad still.
Where the real performance change can be found is with the suspension. The Tucson N Line was developed and tested by the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre. It has a specifically-tuned optional Electronically Controlled Suspension with adaptive damping. This reduces roll, pitch and vertical motion for better ride and handling characteristics.
Other very minor performance upgrades are the larger air intake on the grille, a larger aerodynamic finned spoiler, a diffuser and stronger 19″ alloy wheels. We’re not sure exactly if any of this truly impacts performance, but there’s probably some marginal improvement in there somewhere if you look.
N Line Cosmetic Upgrade
Well, there’s quite a bit done here and it shows. The Tucson N Line is positively aggressive-looking here. The front grille is taller and wider than standard, with a different parametric jewel pattern and an N Line badge on it. There’s a rectangular bumper and the headlamps are now framed by black bezels. Around the side, the windows are framed in a glossy black finish and so are the side mirrors. At the rear, there’s that longer spoiler we mentioned, as well as the diffuser. This is also joined by a red reflector band and an aggressive twin tip muffler exhaust.
The Tucson N Line is the only variant that can be optioned in the Shadow Grey colour you see pictured. Not only that, but you can add on a Phantom Black-finished roof for that two-toned look.
Inside Hyundai have given this N Line model its own exclusive colour pack, N-branded sports seats covered in black suede and leather. Red stitching is found on the upholstery. There’s an N Steering wheel, with N branding on the leather gear shift knob too. A black headliner and metal finished pedals, foot rest and door steps complete the interior.
We think this is a pretty awesome looking SUV, especially considering its price won’t be at a significant premium. Let’s hope Hyundai Sime Darby bring it over at the right price, though a CKD programme for the new Tucson is unlikely.
