After the recently tested i30 Fastback N Line model, here we have another representative of this attractive category, in which the Hyundai car company enriches its basic models and gives them a dynamic style and sporty character.
The Tucson model, which is the first SUV to come with N Line equipment, has currently passed our test. The tested unit had a turbocharged 16-liter gasoline engine, a seven-speed DCT automatic and all-wheel drive.
Sharper features mainly for the front part
I have long liked the Tucson model for its robustness and quite dynamic style. This is doubly true for the N Line version. On the front side, let's focus mainly on the bumper and grille. The bumper has sharper features and a dynamic line for daytime running lights. The radiator grille is then black and has a dark chrome frame.
Other distinctive black accessories of the N Line version are the exterior mirrors, the rear spoiler or the black inner surfaces of the front headlights. The overall sporty impression is underlined by the decent black "nineteen-inch" wheels, which are shod with 245 / 45 R19 tires.
In terms of exterior design, the Hyundai Tucson N Line is another great piece, the currently tested red-black combination suited it perfectly and made a quite original piece out of an ordinary car commonly seen on Czech roads.
The interior continues to offer space and quality workmanship
The interior of the Tucson N Line looks very elegant. The combination of black and red gradually moved from the exterior to the interior. Subtle red is represented here in the stitching of the steering wheel, the dashboard, or the sports seats themselves. These are sides of the material in a combination of leather and suede. The automatic transmission selector also has a red line and the "N" logo. Sports aluminum pedals are a matter of course.
The dashboard, as well as the central tunnel, has a clear arrangement of individual controls. Its center of gravity is the on-board infotainment display, which has an eight-inch diagonal. Display and display response work very well, in addition to navigation or radio, you can choose to display individual cameras here, as well as display in 360-degree format.
Hyundai Tucson N Line will offer 488 liters of luggage space, 1478 liters with the rear seat backrest folded down, both if a full-size spare wheel is present.
For me, the interior of the Hyundai Tucson is ergonomically well-designed, well-made and, in the N Line version, complete with individual pleasing details.
Motorization
The range of engines offered is, in the case of the Tucson N Line, twofold. There is a turbocharged 16-litre petrol engine available, which is combined with either an automatic or a manual, and there is a choice of either only front-wheel drive or both axles. Another variant is a diesel turbocharged two-liter, which is available with either a manual or an eight-speed automatic, but always with drive on both axles. However, it is also available with Mild-Hybrid technology, which, like the classic two-liter diesel, has already passed our editorial test.
But back to the tested version of the N Line, which had a petrol turbocharged 1.6 T-GDi 130 kW 1.6 T-GDi 130 kW, which was quite adequate for the car's sporty character, which worked with a seven-speed dual-clutch DCT automatic and was equipped with HTRAC all-wheel drive.
This system of driving both axles then works with the distribution of the torque to the individual axles completely automatically based on the current traction. With the fact that in extreme conditions it is able to transfer up to 50% of the torque to the rear axle. Tucson informs you about the current distribution of forces, which you practically do not feel, on the display located between the alarm clocks in the instrument cluster.
The cooperation of the tested engine and gearbox is pleasant, very user-friendly. The motorization offers a refined and quiet operation, but it surprised me with its considerable appetite, to some extent perhaps caused by its rawness, however, the consumption of the tested car was around 10 liters during the weekly test.
The chassis and steering have received some optimization in the N Line version. Specifically, the electric power steering MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) and improved chassis settings. Coil springs are, according to the manufacturer, 5% stiffer at the rear and 8% stiffer at the front. And the stiffer chassis is really noticeable in its driving performance. The combination of wide and tall tires can sometimes be quite an unpleasant surprise, because the car is quite prone to sudden changes in direction due to ruts in the road.
N Line and its rating
Let's start the evaluation with its purchase price. For comparison, you can get a classic Tucson in basic equipment with a petrol sixteen-cylinder engine (1.6 GDi 97 kW), manual six-speed gearbox and front-axle drive only with a current discount starting from CZK 449,990 including VAT.
The N Line version, again with a discounted purchase price, starts at CZK 659,990 including VAT, with a turbocharged petrol six-cylinder ( 1.6 T-GDi 130 kW ), a six-speed manual and front-axle drive only.
If I focus on the specific tested piece, here you have to pay an extra 90,000 CZK for the automatic transmission and AWD drive, and 40,000 CZK for the PREMIUM package (with electrically and contactless controlled 5th door, Krell audio system and 360 degree camera system) , 25,000 CZK for a panoramic roof window, and all at once you are on the amount of 814,990 CZK including VAT.
The brand's pricing policy offers interesting purchase prices for basic versions, unfortunately the subsequent surcharges for "better" engines, transmissions or AWD drive are quite significant and significantly delay the final price from the basic one.
In general, however, I have to evaluate this model, which is very successful in terms of sales, only positively. It offers a fairly moderate, yet handsome external appearance, a spacious and well-crafted interior and a reasonable basic purchase price .
The dynamic N Line equipment adds another dimension to this model in the form of sportier driving characteristics, and especially in the form of a pleasant and dynamic exterior concept.
