Toeing the Line
Anew flagship Hyundai Tucson with even more attitude – fitted with all-wheel-drive and sporty and distinctive N-line exterior design features and differentiating interior details – is now available in South Africa. However, the new Tucson N-line is not merely a derivative with a new look, no, it is a unique combination of a family SUV and N-inspired sportiness.
In this sense, it toes the line perfectly, as the dynamic design features of the N-line are complemented by adjusted suspension settings – five percent greater rigidity at the rear and eight percent more in the front – while software changes on the motor driven power steering (MDPS) give a slightly more direct, linear feel at the wheel.
As with the standard Tucson, the N-line trim features prominent geometric patterns known as “parametric jewels”, displayed elaborately on the grille (with N-line symbol), which sits taller and is wider than on the other derivatives. A rectangular shaped bumper and bigger air intake gives the N-line a sportier look and works harmoniously with the bright silver skid plates,
At the side, the N-line is characterised by an energetic-looking side moulding in body colour and stylish Phantom Black side mirrors. An aerodynamic spoiler garnished with fins emphasises the sporty appearance at the rear, further underlined by aggressive twin tip muffler exhausts, sportier 19-inch alloy wheels, and body colour wheel arches.
The spacious interior features sporty N-branded seats with black suede and leather seat coverings, and red stitching (also woven on the door trim and armrest), while the grey cloth crash pad is garnished with red accents. Other N-design elements are to be found on the steering wheel and leather gear knob, enhanced by metal foot pedals and doorstep inserts.
Instrumentation (a digital 10.25-inch open cluster and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen is similar to the normal Tucson models, but the N-line features Multi-air Mode technology, consisting of a combination of direct and indirect air vents for air conditioning and heating, and threezone climate control caters to passengers in
the rear seats as well. Ventilated and heated seats in the front provide further comfort for the driver and passenger alike.
ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE
It may look faster and sportier, but the N-line uses the same 2.0-litre CRDI turbodiesel engine than its lesser siblings, delivering 137 kw at 4 000 rpm and 416 Nm of torque between 2 000 rpm and 2 750 rpm. However, the engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and HTRAC All-wheel-drive (AWD) system – and this is the unique selling point for the N-line.
The bespoke drivetrain moves the Tucson N-line to a top speed of 201 km/h and it can accelerate in 9.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, whilst still maintaining good consumption figures (6.5 l/100 km, according to Hyundai). This is aided by the HTRAC AWD system optimally apportioning torque between the front and rear axles and controlling braking between left and right wheels.
In conjunction with the driver-selectable Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart drive modes (the N-line is particularly gutsy in Sport mode) the new flagship Tucson feels agile, confident, and competent in high-speed corners and during acceleration.
Additionally, the system possesses Terrain Mode, enabling safer driving on challenging untarred or gravel roads as it allows you to choose between three settings: Snow, Mud, and Sand. Its advanced and allencompassing driver-assistance and active safety package makes it one of the safest SUVS on the market.
However, with all this kit and AWD the new Tucson R2.0 N-line is quite expensive compared to some of its sportier SUV rivals, with a suggested retail price of R799 900. However, the price includes a seven-year/200 000 km warranty (a fiveyear/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty supplemented by a two-year/50 000 km manufacturer’s powertrain warranty), a sixyear/90 000 km service plan, and sevenyear/150 000 km roadside assistance.