Hyundai Tucson gets a sporty look
IT’S all about the look with Hyundai’s new Tucson N-line which is unashamedly aimed at drivers who want to stand out from the crowd with a sportier looking SUV.
The powertrains remain pretty much the same with petrol and diesel options, two wheel drive and the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed, dualclutch auto transmission. The previous diesel engine is, however, replaced by a 48-volt mild hybrid diesel and the steering and suspension of the petrol version benefit from minor tweaks.
But there are a host of sporty cosmetic changes inside and out which take inspiration from the Korean maker’s N range of highperformance models.
As such, the Tucson N-line gets bespoke front and rear bumpers, a dark mesh-pattern grille with a dark chrome surround, with 19-inch alloy wheels, door mirror housings and rear spoiler all finished in glossy black. Black-bezel headlamps, unique LED daytime running lights and darkened window frames add to the more dynamic look.
Interior changes include N-branded leather-suede sport seats with red accent stitching while the leatherwrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever get the same treatment. Alloy pedals complete the package.
On top of that, there’s a comprehensive package of comfort, convenience and driver assistance features including an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated and height adjustable front seats, electrically adjustable driver’s lumbar support, keyless entry with start/stop button, black cloth headlining, climate control, automatic dimming rear view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, electric parking brake and
privacy glass. Active safety is wellcatered for too with lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, downhill brake control, hill start and trailer stability assist, speed limit information and a tyre pressure monitoring system The N-line models go on sale at the end of May with prices starting from £25,995 for the petrol-engined 1.6 T-GDI manual and rising to £29,050 for the diesel hybrid auto. The new diesel hybrid power unit also becomes available on Tucson SE Nav, Premium and Premium SE models with prices starting at £26,450.