Hyundai Tucson N Line 1.6 T-GDI - the best embodiment of the bestseller
The N Line version is more than just looks. Hyundai Tucson got something else with this styling package.
Almost every manufacturer offers customers visual packages, the name of which is decorated with letters associated with the strongest and fastest cars in the brand's portfolio. Not so long ago, Koreans joined this group with their Hyundai i30 N Line and My Tucson – N Line, however, in addition to changes in appearance, they prepared a number of improvements for the body.
Hyundai Tucson is the best-selling model of the Korean manufacturer in Europe. To maintain interest in this car, a version after a delicate facelift was shown in 2018, and with it, in addition to the appearance of a “mild hybrid”, it also debuted grade N Linedesigned to complete the range for those who are looking for something more expressive.
Visually, it seems that the car has at least 300 horses under the hood. The changes associated with the styling package are not to be missed - here we have a different painted front bumper with a powerful grille that has received a different filling than other versions of the Tucson. At the rear, two oval tailpipes were added, and the whole thing was completed with several emblems and numerous accessories finished in black piano lacquer.
The interior also gained clarity and character. The first violin here is played by heavily accented red stitching on the chairs and some other elements of the board. To add even more style Hyundai I tried to change the automatic transmission lever, added thicker leather for the steering wheel, which additionally gained perforation. On the other hand, on the seats we find suede upholstery with leather elements and discreet N emblems. All this creates a really pleasant sporty atmosphere.
Besides, it's an interior like any other Tucson – with plenty of room for passengers, both front and rear, and very ergonomic. There are plenty of compartments here, functionality is at a high level, trunk volume is still 513 liters, and there is no reason to complain about the quality of plastic and its assembly.
but Tucson N Line is more than just looks. These are, first of all, changes in the chassis, which Hyundai approached very seriously. The greatest attention was paid to the steering system, thanks to which the car responds much more energetically to the handles supplied by the driver and, above all, in corners, more precisely and more communicatively. The Tucson turns a lot of fun and you need to put in a little more effort to turn the steering wheel. Regardless, the Hyundai is still a great long-distance companion.
Another element improved for the N Line variant is the suspension. Ground clearance has been slightly lowered and the springs have been stiffened up a bit - 8% at the front and 5% at the rear. Theoretically, these changes are contrary to the philosophy of an SUV, but Hyundai turned out to be almost perfect, because just like with the steering system, we do not lose an ounce of comfort and gain more confidence and accuracy when cornering. The Tucson N Line comes standard with 19-inch wheels.which in no way interfere with the suspension in a quiet mode and a good choice of bumps.
The sample we tested was equipped with a 1.6 T-GDI petrol turbo engine with 177 hp. and a torque of 265 Nm. This engine fits very well with the character of the N Line variety - it is dynamic (accelerates from the first hundred in 8,9 seconds) and pleasantly subdued, but it definitely lacked all-wheel drive. The lack of traction was felt mainly when starting off, even on dry pavement, as well as when accelerating from about 30 km / h. Luckily, all-wheel drive is available as an option, which requires an additional PLN 7000. I recommend that you remember to select it when setting up your Tucson. You should also consider buying a 7-speed dual clutch DCT automatic transmission which works very efficiently. The individual gears engage quickly and smoothly, and throttle response is almost instantaneous.
A slight disappointment is the fuel consumption of this power unit. In the city there is no way to go below 10 liters. If you like to flex and move faster from the headlights from time to time, then get ready for combustion results of even about 12 liters. On the road, the appetite for unleaded gasoline dropped to about 7,5 liters, and at highway speeds, the Tucson needed 9,6 liters for every 100 kilometers.
Hyundai Tucson price in N Line variant starts at PLN 119 for a version with a naturally aspirated 300 GDI engine with 1.6 hp, manual transmission and front-wheel drive. If you're looking at a turbocharged 132 T-GDI unit, you should be prepared to leave a minimum of PLN 1.6 in the cabin. The cheapest diesel in the N Line variant is a 137 CRDI unit with a capacity of 400 hp. in combination with a dual-clutch automatic - its price is PLN 1.6. If we want to compare the N Line with other trim levels, the Style version is the closest. The equipment in both of these variants is almost identical, so we can assume that the surcharge for a more interesting appearance and much more pleasant driving is 136 PLN.
As for me The variety of N Line is by far the most interesting thing in Tucson's offer.. It makes a very good car even better, giving us great driving performance without compromising usability or practicality.
