Hyundai bolsters Tucson range with sporty-looking N-Line

Hyundai has added a new N-Line trim level to its mid-sized crossover, the Tucson.

Following on from existing N-Line versions of the i30, the Tucson takes a similar approach – pairing conventional powertrains with a few suspension tweaks and a sporty bodykit. It aims to provide some of the glamour and driving composure of Hyundai’s flagship N performance models for drivers who don’t want to commit to a full hot hatchback.

Hyundai has upgraded the Tucson’s driving dynamics with more rigidly-sprung suspension and adjusted the steering for greater feel.

The Tucson N-Line gives us some idea of how the full-fat Tucson N will look when it arrives in the next couple of years. A sporty bodykit brings redesigned bumpers and a dark mesh for the grille, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels finished in black. Black trim also features on the rear spoiler and side mirror housings.

The new front end features low-set, angular LED daytime running lights below the Tucson’s sharp-edged headlight units.

The interior hasn’t escaped a makeover, either – it gets N-branded sports seats finished in leather and suede, plus red stitching across the steering wheel, seats and gear shift.

Hyundai will offer the Tucson N-Line with a choice of two powertrains – one diesel and one petrol. New to the range is a 1.6-litre CRDi diesel with 134bhp, which now features 48V mild hybrid technology to improve fuel economy.

Sitting above this is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol with 175bhp. Other markets get a 2.0-litre diesel with 182bhp, but that powertrain won’t be available on UK N-Lines – it’ll remain exclusive to Premium and Premium SE trims.

Hyundai hasn’t yet revealed pricing for the Tucson N-Line, but expect it to go on sale later this year.