Hyundai has begun teasing a new variant of their popular Tucson crossover SUV which will be the second car in their portfolio after the i30 hatch to offer the sportier N-Line trim. The timing of all this leads us to believe a debut at the Geneva Motor Show in early March is possible, particularly since there are rumours abound that suggest it will arrive with a new mid-hybrid powertrain option.
The 48-volt electrical architecture will allow the South Korean high-rider to support fuel sipping features such as an integrated electric generator and starter motor as well as, conceivably, an electric compressor to complement the conventional turbocharger at lower engine RPMs.
Make no mistake, though, while this new variant will likely be the range-topping Tucson for the foreseeable future, the N-Line trim level should be more widely available with other engine and transmission options, lending it a sportier vibe both inside and out.
While the confirmed alterations are few, we no doubt can expect to see plenty of red stitching, black leather upholstery, and ’N’ logos adorning the cabin. Meanwhile, each Tucson N-Line will receive a new set of alloy wheels and a L-shaped daytime running lights located at the lower half of the front bumper.
There are also reports indicating Hyundai’s high-performance division is planning a full-fledged sports SUV called the Tucson N, allegedly equipped with the same twin-turbocharged V6 that slots into the Stinger GT. If we’re lucky, the company might use the more intense spotlight at Geneva to shed some light into that project.
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