This week’s review puts me in the driving seat of the Hyundai Tucson N Line, a vehicle that I hope will tick all the boxes for many.
Power and efficiency
Fitted with a 1,598cc CRDi diesel engine with 136PS @ 4,000rpm and 320Nm of torque @ 2,000 - 2,250rpm. 0-62mph is around 11.2sec, and fuel consumption is a decent 48.7 mpg combined with a top speed of 112mph.
Now, I know from having many conversations with many people that everyone thinks the word ‘diesel’ is a dirty word. Well, I’m here to tell you it’s not. I’m here to tell you it’s ok to buy a ‘diesel’ vehicle. Why would it not be?
Also, its a mild-hybrid meaning it’s playing its part in moving with the times as well as saving you some money. So, what’s the 48v system there for? Well, it’s there to be on hand to help acceleration at key moments for optimum performance. It does this by recouping the energy under breaking – which it then stores away for use when you need it most. To simplify that – it makes a little extra bhp when you need it most - which I hope helps the Tucson stand out as a decent mild-hybrid.
On the road
It’s pretty nimble for such a large car – and in a way, it could be classed as ‘frisky’. Also, take the Tucson out on the open road, and you soon begin to feel just how well it grips. The chassis and the suspension also felt well-honed to what the wheels at each corner are doing – which makes for a thrilling ride for the driver as well as a solid performer out on the open road for someone looking for something a little bit ‘sportier’.
Design & technology
The Tucson is in my book pretty good looking, and in N Line trim it’s even more dashing. So, no worries in the looks department. The swooping lines and that well designed front end does show off just how good it looks. I was also in the supermarket car park the other day and a gentleman came up to me and said I love your new Jaguar. I responded with – ‘you are very kind, but it’s actually a Hyundai’. He still loved it all the same. To be honest – I don’t blame him.
Standard equipment on the Tucson N Line starts with; 19” alloy wheels, N Line badging, N Line exclusive front & rear bumpers, N Line grill, N Line leather & suede seats, dual-zone climate control, auto headlights with dusk sensors, parking sensors front & rear, parking system rear camera, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB digital radio with 6 speakers, 8” touchscreen navigation, ABS, AEB, BAS, DBC (Downhill Brake Control) ESP, ESS, HAC, LKA (Lane Keep Assist) and VSM (Vehicle Stability Management).
To sum up
What can I say? The Tucson is a great drive and perfect for someone who wants a vehicle that comes with a large amount of space and many extras for a reasonable amount of money. Hopefully, you will now go out and give it a test drive and see for yourself what the Tucson has to offer.
Price: from £28,010 (price as tested).
By Tony Yates
