Not like the complete N therapy, Hyundai’s N Line packaging focuses on beauty enhancements to a specific mannequin line-up, geared toward broadening the enchantment of the vary in query. An ever-popular mannequin for this Korean model, the fourth-generation Tucson SUV is the most recent product to obtain an N Line improve. We’ve been behind the wheel.
What are we driving?
Significantly nicely in tune with its impressively broad buyer base, in 2017 Hyundai South Africa supplemented the absence of an official N Line model of the earlier technology Tucson with a locally-conceptualised Tucson Sport spinoff. Full with an imposing-looking physique package, 4 giant exhaust tailpipes and Tiger Wheel and Tyre-supplied alloy wheels, the success of this “homegrown” mannequin would have gone a great distance in direction of securing allocation of different performance-focused fashions, together with the i30 N.
Why is the brand new Hyundai Tucson N Line important?
Beauty upgrades apart, the numerous information right here is the introduction of all-wheel drive to this technology of Tucson. Launched in March 2022, up to now, every of the 4 derivatives out there inside this larger-in-every-dimension vary have been front-wheel pushed, completely. The latest member of the household not solely seems to be the half, however provides a welcome stage of adventure-focused poise to the vary.
Positioned above the earlier range-topping Elite 2,0D spinoff, the brand new N Line makes use of the identical 137 kW/416 N.m, 2,0-litre “SmartStream” turbodiesel engine and 8-speed computerized transmission as this mannequin. Full with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive setup, when left to its personal gadgets the brand new flagship Tucson’s drivetrain will favour an front-wheel drive setup till such time as a break in traction or slippery floor is detected, after which torque might be delivered to the rear wheels, too. Through a choice of preset modes (snow; mud; sand), this technique can be locked into whichever distribution of torque, entrance to rear, most accurately fits the prevailing driving circumstances.
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What’s new on the Hyundai Tucson N Line?
On this styling entrance, the N Line is distinguishable by way of bespoke N Line 19-inch alloy wheels, a darkened grille with acceptable N Line badging, and deep-set entrance lighting. Not fairly as excessive because the earlier Tucson Sport, the latest N Line mannequin contains a twin exhaust tailpipe association accommodated inside a purposeful-looking rear diffuser. An prolonged roof-mounted spoiler completes the look. This mannequin is out there in a selection of 4 exterior colors, together with Titan Gray and signature Crimson Purple.
The N Line additionally features an electronically-operated tailgate.
Inside, the brand new flagship Tucson features heated and ventilated, N-branded sports activities seats completed in a mixture of suede and leather-based, in addition to pink stitching to enhance the assorted trim accents in the identical racy color scattered across the cabin. A brand new sports activities steering wheel and metallic driving pedals provides to the sense of event.
4 driving modes, Regular, Sport, Eco and Sensible (intuitive) supply the motive force a seamless transmission between the driving character of the car. Every mode is launched by way of a devoted cabin theme, together with this mannequin’s “Temper Lamp” inside lighting and by way of the automobile’s 10.2-inch infotainment show.
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What does the Hyundai Tucson N Line value?
Full with added specification, upgraded supplies and, after all, the newfound sense of event supplied by the automobile’s exterior styling enhancements, the flagship Tucson is bought for R799 900. This value features a 5 12 months/150 000 km car guarantee, 7 12 months/200 000 km drivetrain guarantee and 6 12 months/90 000 km service plan.
What are the Hyundai Tucson N Line’s rivals?
- Mazda CX-5 2,2L DE Akera AWD: R 777 500
- VW Tiguan 2,0 TDI R-Line 4MOTION 130 kW: R818 600
Verdict.
Designed to imitate the success of Volkswagen’s R-Line portfolio, in addition to sister model Kia’s respective GT-Line upgrades, the introduction of a sportier-looking Tucson spinoff to enhance an in any other case broadly-specced vary is a masterstroke by Hyundai South Africa. The truth that this new flagship mannequin provides improved normal specification, as nicely all-wheel drive can solely add to the recognition of this SUV inside its aggressive section.
We’re completely satisfied to report that the Tucson’s in any other case spectacular experience high quality hasn’t been too noticeably impacted by the fitment of 19-inch wheels and corresponding low-profile rubber, whereas the enchantment of Hyundai’s confirmed 2,0 turbodeisel engine stays each its spectacular ranges of general refinement, and corresponding effectivity. On the wettest day that the Western Cape has been skilled this 12 months, and masking a launch route that included loads of in any other case surefooted gravel driving, we have been impressed to see a returned gas consumption of simply 6,8 L/100 km, not far off Hyundai’s declare (6,5 L/100 km).
Hyundai Tucson 2,0 D N Line Quick Information
Value: R799 900
Engine: front-mounted, turbodiesel, 1 998cc, inline-four
Transmission: 8-speed computerized
Energy: 137 kW @ 4 000 r/min
Torque: 416 N.m @ 2 000 r/min
Pushed wheels: All
0-100 km/h: 9,2 sec
High pace: 201 km/h
Gasoline consumption: 6,5 L/100km (claimed)
CO2 emissions: 169 g/km
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