Sporty Hyundai Tucson N Line now available with hybrid powertrains

• N-Line trim borrows styling cues from ‘N’ badged models
• Features sportier styling and additional paint finish
• Standard hybrid and plug-in hybrid models now on sale, starting from £34,900

The new Hyundai Tucson N Line range has been bolstered with the arrival of the brand’s standard hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Prices start from £34,900 for the hybrid, rising to £41,250 for the plug-in hybrid in range-topping N Line S trim. Both will go on sale later this summer.

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With racy-looking SUVs proving popular, the Tucson N Line will compete directly against models like the SEAT Ateca FR, Ford Kuga ST-Line and Kia Sportage GT Line. The new trim will be available in two versions: an entry-level N Line model and in enhanced N Line S specification.

2021 Hyundai Tucson N Line: engines and performance

The Tucson N-Line is available with the same engine choices as the standard car. All use the same 1.6-litre petrol engine with varying degrees of electrification.

Opt for the entry-level car and the 1.6-litre petrol engine is only available with Hyundai’s ‘intelligent’ six-speed manual gearbox. It has 148bhp and takes 10.3 seconds to get from 0-62mph.

Buyers can also opt for this engine in two power outputs with mild-hybrid assistance and a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The front-wheel drive version still has 148bhp but gets from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds thanks to the mild-hybrid tech. Opting for the four-wheel drive model increases power to 178bhp and 0-62mph takes nine seconds. Full fuel economy and CO2 emissions details for the regular petrol variants are expected to be announced later this year.

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The Tucson’s ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrain combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine, an electric motor and a smaller battery to produce 227bhp. This powertrain is capable of pure-electric running over short distances and comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Performance is improved over the regular petrol engines, with 0-62mph taking eight seconds. CO2 emissions start at 131g/km with claimed fuel economy of up to 48.7mpg.

The range-topping plug-in hybrid model combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 13.8kWh battery and an electric motor for a total of 261bhp. The car will do 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds. Hyundai claims the PHEV can manage up to 38 miles on electric power alone and up to 201.8mpg. It also has the lowest CO2 emissions of the range, starting at 31g/km.

Interior, technology and pricing

The N Line range starts from £31,110 and comes with leather and suede sports seats, plus red stitching, aluminium pedals and black headlining. As you’d expect, there are N Line badges scattered around - you’ll find them on the seats, gear stick, steering wheel and tread plates.

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Like the rest of the standard range, technology includes a 10.25-inch digital dial cluster and an integrated infotainment touchscreen measuring the same size. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also feature along with unique N Line graphics for both display screens. Buyers also get climate control and heated front and rear seats as standard.

Opting for the Tucson N Line S costs from £32,810, and expands the standard equipment adding a heated steering wheel, three-zone climate control, an electric panoramic sunroof and a premium Krell stereo system with eight speakers. It also gets more safety features as well, with a blind spot warning system and rear cross traffic alert.

Design

The Tucson N Line trim gets several styling tweaks over the standard car, including a redesigned front bumper with deeper front air intakes, a rear diffuser with two chromed exhaust pipes and intricate 19-inch bi-colour alloy wheels. Other cosmetic additions include a redesigned front grille and a new rear spoiler.

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A black exterior pack and exclusive Shadow Grey paint also mark the N Line out from the rest of the range, and you can specify a contrasting black roof too.

For more on the Hyundai Tucson, read our in-depth review here.