Hyundai teases sporty-looking Tucson N-Line

HYUNDAI released two teaser images of its new Tucson N-Line this week, with the brand’s local wing revealing that it is keen to import the uprated mid-size SUV to Australia.

“We've made no secret of the fact our focus is on building an N performance family, and so we will, of course, be studying the business case for any new product that should become available," said Hyundai Motor Company spokesperson Guido Schenken said. “We have big plans for the N range in Australia.”

The N-Line moniker suggests that the upcoming Tucson will have sportier touches like unique wheels, bumpers and a re-calibrated steering and transmission tune, rather than a bump to powertrain performance.

This marks the first time a Hyundai SUV has been given the N-Line treatment, which has most recently been added to the i30 range, sitting below the N hot hatch.

An exterior shot shows a more aggressive front bumper than the standard Tucson, and an interior photograph shows off the N-Line-badged gear selector and red-stitched leather upholstery.

The teaser images are too dark to confirm, although a flat-bottomed steering wheel, alloy pedals and sports seats are likely to feature.

European markets will soon have access to a 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain, but it is unclear which engine options will be made available with the N-Line grade.

The local Tuscon range currently offers a 130kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 136kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel until with front- and all-wheel driveline options.

Pricing opens up at $28,150 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Go and stretches to $48,800 for the Highlander diesel.

Noteworthy features on the range-topping Tucson include 19-inch alloys, an 8.0-inch display with sat-nav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, eight-speaker audio, LED headlights and tail-lights, front parking sensors, wireless phone charging, a panoramic glass sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a power-operated tailgate and a 4.2-inch multi-function cluster display.

If the N-Line is positioned atop the range, expect it to be equipped with the aforementioned features – and more.

Hyundai sold 19,261 Tucson units in 2018, making it the fourth best-selling mid-size SUV behind the Nissan X-Trail (21,192), Toyota Rav4 (22,165) and top-selling Mazda CX-5 (26,173).