Hyundai SA has a wide variety of SUVs on offer. From the small, entry-level Venue all the way up to the luxurious Palisade, it has the bases covered. In the middle of the stack is the Tucson, a nameplate that South Africans are quite familiar with. The local subsidiary has just added a Tucson N Line to the portfolio. 

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Warming Up

In Hyundai speak you get regular models, N Line and full-fat N derivatives. The N Line versions of any range boast upgraded styling but not the more powerful engines or focused suspension set-ups of the high-performance versions. Think of it as Hyundai’s AMG Line or M Performance versions.

Bespoke Appearance

With that in mind the new addition to the range is somewhat different in appearance from its siblings. There are restyled bumpers front and rear, a pair of tailpipes poke out from the latter. The central air intake between the headlamps is also darker in appearance, though not easy to spot. 

The body-coloured lower mouldings (usually found in contrasting black) are among the more evident exterior changes. N Line-specific 19-inch alloys with a intricate, spider-web design and black (as opposed to body colour) mirror caps are other giveaways. Oh, and there is a smattering of N Line badges in case you miss any of the other cues.

New Look Interior, too

The N Line treatment continues into the cabin. N logos on the front chairs greet occupants as they alight the cabin. The seats themselves are finished in a sporty black suede and leather covering with contrasting red stitching. The door trim and gear lever have the same treatment. The driver gets N Line aluminium pedals as well as an N Line steering.

Standard Kit

Hyundai SA keeps things pretty simple when it comes to buying one of its cars: buy it, as is. There isn’t an extensive list of extras that can ramp up the pricing to astronomical levels as some of its rivals are wont to do.

The Tucson N Line has a pretty extensive standard features list. Among the items are heated and cooled seats, dual-zone climate control and a heated steering (can you tell it’s winter in CT?). There is also wireless mobile phone charging and wireless Android Auto mood lighting and a powered tailgate, among others. 

Under the Hood

As mentioned, N Line versions aren’t packing any more power than usual. The Tucson N Line has the same 2,0-litre turbodiesel mill found elsewhere in the range. This engine produces 137 kW of power along with 416 N.m of torque. 

The engine is coupled with the same eight-speed transmission as other derivatives. However, power is sent to all four wheels. This makes the N Line the only all-wheel-drive version in the family. 

A Quick Drive

We got to experience the Tucson N Line at its media presentation held in the Western Cape. The motor is one we are used to, so there are no real surprises there. The steering action is nice and meaty, befitting a car with a sporty badge. On a sopping wet day the AWD version held its own on the byways and gravel tracks of the Overberg region (just mind the sneaky, water-filled potholes…).

Summary

An extensive standard equipment list, all-wheel-drive and bespoke appearance add appeal to the Tucson. The N Line is bound to find new homes to add to the already 2 000-odd units sold since the model’s introduction locally. 

Pricing

Hyundai Tucson N Line – R799 900