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Hyundai Tucson N-Line | Test Drive
HYUNDAI TUCSON N-LINE
Words Matteo Lavazza / Photos Richard Montagner
The fourth generation Tucson overturns every belief according to which a car with overall compact dimensions and a base price within the reach of us common portals must necessarily meets compromises of all sorts. If you then analyze the N-Line version like the one of our test, it is very likely that the respect you already had for the Korean brand will further increase. I may have spoiled any kind of surprise by now, dispelling any doubts about the exceptional product we got here, but I am almost completely sure that you already imagined it, also because it does not happen everyday to find an SUV capable of boasting such a refined look. There is no corner, no edge, no surface that has been left to chance and the aesthetic exuberance of the new Tucson enjoys a cosmetic surplus thanks to the N-Line sports spec, which implements numerous details that do not let it pass unnoticed, not even next to more famous and expensive models.
But Hyundai is not just about style, given that one of the strengths of the brand is the overall consistency of its models. The Tucson has always been a reference in terms of SUVs, with dimensions in the order of 4.5 meters in length, 1.87 in width and 1.65 in height, making it practical in an urban context but perfectly adequate if you intend to leave for a trip with five people and luggage on board. The test model is a 48V light hybrid – called Mild Hybrid – powered by a 1.6 petrol engine that delivers 150 horsepower on the front axle alone. The absence of all-wheel drive could turn up some nose, but this lack at the same time allows to keep the overall weight at just 1,566 kg, a value that will benefit a surprising mileage with a full tank of fuel, without regretting the extra juice of the 265 horsepower 1.6-liter PHEV, available with all-wheel drive.
Compact, yet you would not think so, given that the angular shapes and the countless stylistic charms seem to dilate the sides made even more fluid by the N-Line box that introduces wheel arches in the same color of the body and dedicated 19-inch wheels. The front is undoubtedly the portion that most distinguishes the new generation, with LED daytime running lights that are integrated – literally – into the gigantic grille. Tense and rounded lines that run along the sides and culminate in a raised tail, with sporty-cut headlights and a double exhaust which is a real thing. Wow, I’m just falling in love. Once on board, the you breathe premium quality from every pore of the dashboard, with a prevalence of soft materials, almost flawless assembly and two large 10.25″ digital screens, one in front of the driver’s eyes and the other – configurable to your liking – located above the climate controls, perfectly integrated as if it were all a single console.
The large 7-speed automatic gearshift lever emphasizes the sporty nature of the N-Line, which despite having no intention of cannibalizing a mountain road, plays on a torque of 250 Nm which makes the Tucson agile in any situation, especially if set in Sport mode, available in addition to the inevitable Eco and Normal, all very well balanced. At the end of the weeks of testing we obtained a satisfactory 13km/l, a more than positive figure, especially taking into account the fact we’ve mainly used the car in urban and hilly contexts and traveling always with the air conditioner on. There was also time for a pleasant trip on a mountain road still buried in snow and not even in this context our Tucson showed indecisions, coming out as one of the most convincing cars to walk in front of our office’s door.
However, since this is a car that aims more at the mind than at the heart, it is good to talk about prices. Hyundai has good news, as the Tucson starts at € 30,100 with the 150 horsepower 1.6 Mild Hybrid, moving to our N-Line with additional € 5,000 (€ 36,100). The diesel range resists in the price list and starts at € 31,650 (1.6 with 116 hp) and ranges from € 33,400 to € 39,400 for the 136 horsepower Mild Hybrid diesel. Back to petrol we then have – between € 34,000 and € 40,000 – a 230 horsepower Full Hybrid unit, also available with all-wheel drive, while the top of the range belongs to the 265 hp Plug-In Hybrid, only 4X4 and with prices that range between € 45,400 and € 47,300. The latter are important figures, which however go hand in hand with an even more excellent mechanical package than the already remarkable best seller we have tested.
HYUNDAI TUCSON N-LINE 1.6 TGDI 48V 150CV DCT
Engine 4 cylinder Mild Hybrid, 1.598 cc Power 150 hp @ 5.500 rpm Torque 250 Nm @ 1.750 rpm
Traction Front-Wheel-Drive Transmission 7-Speed Automatic Gearbox Weight 1.566 kg
0-100 kph 9,6 sec Top Speed 189 kph Price from €36.100
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