Remember, Hyundai’s high-performance N Line? The one responsible for the the i30 N and the available-in-the-Philippines Veloster N? Well, they’ve given their compact SUV, the Tucson the very same treatment: welcome to the Tucson N Line.
Okay, not to be mistaken for those two N models, the Tucson N Line doesn’t carry an extremely massaged powertrain or anything. Instead, it builds on the existing Tucson (notably Hyundai’s best-selling model in Europe) and simply adds more style and handling chops.
Based off the regular Tucson, the Tucson N Line is available with three engine options and in both two- and four-wheel drive variants. The “base” Tucson N Line gets a 1.6-liter CRDi making 136 horsepower while moving to the 1.6-liter T-GDI ups the output to 177 horsepower. The range-topper is the 2.0-liter CRDi with 185 horsepower. Interestingly, both diesel variants use Hyundai’s new 48-volt mild hybrid technology which should make the Tucson N Line even more efficient (up to 11 percent better) and responsive.
The Tucson N Line features a re-tweaked Motor Driven Power Steering System and adjusted suspension settings for a more sporting drive. Hyundai says this particular Tucson variant has 5 percent greater rigidity at the back and 8 percent more in the front, while the steering’s software change should make for a more direct, more linear feel.
Communicating the newfound sportiness are redesigned bumpers and a dark mesh-pattern grille framed by dark chrome provide a strong first impression. Furthermore, dark 19-inch alloy wheels as well as side mirror housings and a rear spoiler in glossy black emphasize the car’s sporting attitude. Black-bezel headlamps, unique daytime running lights and LED design and darkened window frames in combination with body-colored door handles also create a more dynamic look for the Tucson N Line.
Inside the car, consumers can enjoy N-branded leather-suede sport seats and red accent stitching on the steering wheel and seats. Alloy pedals and the leather-wrapped, red-accented N gear shift lever are also part of the N Line enhancements.
Currently, the Hyundai Tucson N Line is destined only for Europe, but given the Tucson’s popularity elsewhere, don’t be surprised to see it in other markets as well, albeit with a different powertrain configuration.
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