Hyundai’s sexy SUV benefits the N treatment, AWD
Hyundai’s Tucson has been boxing out of its boots for a while already. Long before this latest shape arrived, in fact. The previous version was always a most compelling consideration. Then this new shape took it to the next level. Now Hyundai has taken another couple of steps to really stand it out. Meet the new all-wheel drive Hyundai Tucson N-line…
This latest Tucson already blended sharp angles and dynamic proportions to strike a muscular and imposing stance. Its depicts forward momentum through that pronounced bonnet, sleek cab-forward stance, and flat roofline on a long wheelbase with short overhangs. Hyundai says this motorsport-inspired N Line flagship now combines dynamic design, comfort and advanced features with newfound style and attitude.
Tucson N Line looks even more the part
Well, it certainly looks the part. Even more elaborate parametric jewel patterns welcome that new N Line badge to the grille. Taller bumpers bring a larger vent and bright skid plates to enhance that sporty look up front. Black headlamp surround bezels add to the effect, while body colour side skirts and phantom black wing mirrors strike an even sexier poise.
Tucson N Line also steps up to bolder new 19-inch alloy wheels nesting in body colour wheel arches. The rear end gets more a aggressive rear spoiler now with fins too, above a red reflector band and a diffusor between twin exhaust tips. All of which really popped on our Crimson Red sampler.
Tucson is also all pretty stylish inside beneath the panoramic glass sunroof. It’s a bit cluttered and plastic rich in places, but that’s offset by more than enough premium soft-touch materials and neutral tones. N Line also spruces the cabin up with sporty N-branded red stitched black suede and leather seats and upholstery.
N Line kit adds cockpit sexy too
An exclusive N badged steering wheel, leather gear knob, metallic pedals and doorstep inserts, and a black headliner add to the sporty feel. Packed with high tech, the wireless CarPlay and Auto 8-inch Display Audio has a charging pad up front. Plus front and rear USB ports and premium sound. 10.25-inch digital gauges mimic their mechanical ancestors’ look behind the capable multifunction steering wheel
Tucson’s Audiovisual Navigation touchscreen does away with physical knobs and buttons. Oh dear! Hopefully the likes of JD Power’s shocking feedback on this kind of thing will help Hyundai to also follow Volkswagen back to common sense. Knobs and buttons are essential in cars. Even if you can also adjust all that by touchscreen too. Now it is patently clear that we are not alone in this growing concern…
Hidden Multi-Air three-zone climate control addresses the cabin’s overall volume of moving air to cater for all aboard. Indirect air vents flow to the centre console. Those up front are even treated with ventilated and heated power chairs.
You feel the other Tucson N Line novelty
Safety includes six front, side, and curtain airbags and ISOFIX child protection points. Add full Hyundai SmartSense with Blind-spot and Forward Collision, Rear Cross-traffic, and Collision, Lane Keeping and Follow, Smart Cruise, Driver Fatigue and High Beam Assistants.
You cannot see Tucson N-Line’s other major improvement. But you certainly do feel it. The advanced new multi-mode HTRAC all-wheel drive transmission runs an electronic, variable torque-split clutch. The car tracks its speed and road conditions to optimally apportion torque between the front and rear axles, while also controlling braking between the left and right side wheels.
Driver-selectable Normal, Eco, Sport and Smart modes apply specific HTRAC torque distribution settings to ensure confident control in all conditions, while a Terrain Mode takes care of gravel road driving. The driver can also choose between three Snow, Mud and Sand settings.
Adds a significant dose of sass & sexy
Press the Start button and our top end Tucson 2.0D Elite burbles to life with a distant diesel rattle. The punchy 137 kW and healthy 416 Nm 2-litre turbodiesel supplies the HTRAC all-wheel drive it’s grunt via an efficient quick-shifting eight-speed automatic. MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and a stiffer shell add to that newfound AWD agility and surefootedness to deliver a most sophisticated drive.
Tucson N Line performs impressively. It may be half a second slower to 100 than the front drive sibling, but that’s a welcome offset considering the converse safety, stability and surefooted advantages the HTRAC all-wheel drive brings. It also matches its similarly packed premium German rivals. Tucson N Line is also frugal and clean burning at 7.4 litres per 100 km. And dare we say, better looking than any of the Hun!
We already raved about the similarly endowed front-wheel drive Tucson when we tested it late last year. Now not only does this premier N Line add a significant dose of sassy and sexy, but its new HTRAC all-wheel drive transforms the car into a truly worthy rival to its obvious European rivals. Even if this feisty Korean now comes at quite a premium itself. – Michele Lupini
Images & Testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Hyundai Tucson 2.0D AWD N Line Engine: 137 kW 416 Nm 2-litre turbodiesel I4 Drive: 8-speed automatic AWD TESTED: 0-60km/h: 3.75 sec 0-100km/h: 8.63 sec 0-120 km/h: 12.03 sec 0-160km/h: 23.30 sec 400m: 16.1 sec @ 138 km/h 80-120km/h: 6.14 sec 120-160km/h: 11.27 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 201 km/h Fuel: 7.4 l/100km CO2: 169 g/km Range: 725 km Warranty/Service: 7y 200K/6y 90K km LIST PRICE: R799K RATED: 9
