Test drive of the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi 185 CV 4x4 AT N-Line, a sporty and micro-hybrid SUV

The Hyunda Tucson is a genuine bestseller. The South Korean brand has managed to tap into the demand for SUVs, and the Tucson has become the choice of many drivers. To give it a sporty touch, Hyundai has introduced the N Line trim with improvements, both aesthetic and dynamic.

We had the chance to test the Hyundai Tucson with the most powerful diesel engine, at 185 CV, paired with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. With the N Line trim, it improves dynamically and gets a sportier exterior look.

Design: subtle exterior changes with a spacious and familiar interior

On the outside, the most eye-catching element is the N Line trim. The exterior design lines are familiar, although it has been slightly updated. Among its sporty additions are 19-inch alloy wheels in black, door mirror housings in glossy black, a black front grille, and a redesigned front bumper with a more sporty look.

From the side, in addition to the large wheels, it also features tinted windows, and at the rear the sport bumper stands out again, with its two exhaust outlets. As for its off-road ability, although it is an SUV, it has a fairly generous ground clearance.

Inside, the Tucson is a very spacious car, with a harmonious design that makes few concessions to avant-garde styling, but where everything is placed in a practical way. The driving position is high and comfortable, with good visibility, typical of an SUV. In addition, our test unit had the Alcantara and leather upholstery typical of this sporty trim.

The rear seats are very spacious, with more than enough room for feet and head, and they also have air vents. The boot has a capacity of 459 litres, a decent figure, although the loading lip is slightly high.

Engine and performance: a high-performance 2.0 CRDi with an ECO label

The best-selling engine in the Tucson range is not this two-litre diesel, but for those looking for an SUV with standout performance, it is an interesting alternative. The two-litre unit delivers 185 CV, paired exclusively with the eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.

This engine offers remarkable performance, making the car pick up speed quickly thanks to its 400 Nm of torque. In addition, all-wheel drive contributes to good response on bends and on difficult off-road terrain, complementing it both dynamically and off-road.

Thanks to a 48V mild-hybrid system, this SUV earns the ECO label, which is an advantage when driving in cities with traffic restrictions, as well as for the various municipal tax benefits available.

Handling: dynamism and energy

The N Line trim also gives the Tucson a firmer suspension than the rest of the versions, which is clearly noticeable in its dynamic behaviour. Some of the body roll typical of the standard version disappears in this N Line trim, and combined with a powerful engine, the result is a dynamic SUV with good cornering ability.

On the road it is a comfortable car, and thanks to all-wheel drive and its ground clearance, it allows certain liberties off the tarmac. It has hill descent control and the ability to lock the power distribution between the front and rear axles. With all of this, you can get out of situations where other SUVs without all-wheel drive or without the option to lock power distribution would struggle. Still, we are behind the wheel of an SUV, not an off-roader.

It has a Sport mode that improves response from the gearbox and accelerator. Finally, the steering feels as though it does not quite communicate everything happening at the wheels. On the other hand, the braking system performs correctly.

Fuel consumption

The consumption of this Hyundai Tucson is penalised by a powerful engine, all-wheel drive and the automatic gearbox. Even so, on the road it manages 7 litres per 100 km, while if we drive carefully we can achieve 6.5 l/100 km.

In mixed driving (including city), the figure rises to 8.5 l/100 km, settling at 7.3 litres per 100 km on the motorway.

Equipment

Our test unit is an N Line trim that adds a range of sporty elements and comes with a very complete level of equipment on top of the Style trim. Among the N Line-specific features are the following:

• 19-inch black alloy wheels
• Tinted rear windows
• Glossy black exterior mirror housings
• Black and chrome grille
• Full LED headlights
• Seats with exclusive N Line leather and Alcantara upholstery
• Integrated navigation system with touchscreen
• Rear parking camera
• Keyless entry and start system
• USB charger for rear seat occupants
• Hill start assist
• Cruise control and speed limiter
• Hill descent control
• Traffic sign recognition
• Active lane change assist

Personal opinion and price of the Hyundai Tucson N-Line

The starting price of the Hyundai Tucson is 18,300 euros, while our unit with this trim starts at 30,750 euros, and specifically with all-wheel drive and the automatic gearbox it rises to 38,965 euros.

The Tucson in general is a well-rounded product, one of those vehicles that perfectly fulfil their purpose and offer a calm and comfortable drive.

That said, this N Line trim adds an extra dose of personality, with a sportier look and a firmer, more effective suspension than the standard model. In other words, it is like an added spark to a model that, overall, meets what we expect from it very well (which is why it is one of the best sellers in the SUV segment). At the time of this test, a new generation has already been announced, which will surely mean bigger discounts on the outgoing generation.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverHyundai Tucson27 versions · from 35,525 €