Hyundai has launched the new Tucson N Line in South Africa, taking its place as the flagship of the series.
The new model has a starting price of R799,900, putting it in the same territory as sister-brand Kia’s range-topping Sportage GT Line, which retails for R768,995.
Both cars are positioned as premium SUVs with sporty flair and performance, making for a natural comparison between the two Korean brands.
Features
As the range-topping units of their respective ranges, both the Hyundai and Kia are packed to the brim with exciting features.
This includes automatic LED headlights and daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, electronically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation functions, a heated multifunction steering wheel, aluminium pedals, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, an electric tailgate, leather and suede upholstery, a digital driver display, and an infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Both cars also have assistance offerings in the form of front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, hill assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning.
Looking at their unique attributes, the Sportage comes with stop-start technology, lumbar support for the driver’s seat, paddle shifters, a 12.3-inch media screen, and a 12-inch driver’s monitor.
The Tucson, in comparison, has a smaller 10.2-inch instrument screen and 8-inch entertainment unit, but adds rear-cross traffic alert, driver alert monitoring, and N-themed cosmetic items, including a twin exhaust, and a black and red interior with N branding.
Engine
The Hyundai is powered by a 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine with an output of 137kW and 416Nm. It uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox resulting in a combined fuel consumption of 7.4l/100km.
Sprinting from 0-100km/h takes 9.4 seconds, and its top speed caps out at 201km/h.
The N Line also has an all-wheel-drive layout and comes with terrain settings for Snow, Mud, and Sand.
In contrast, the Kia is fitted with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol plant with a similar power output of 132kW, but a lower torque figure of 265Nm.
It is front-wheel drive and links to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, giving it a more frugal consumption of 6.5l/100km.
It also boasts a faster 0-100km/h time of 8.8 seconds but ends up having the same 201km/h top speed as its rival.
Both cars also have four driving modes for Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Smart.
Pricing
The Hyundai Tucson 2.0D AWD N Line has a South African starting price of R799,900.
This includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty, an additional 2-year/50,000km powertrain warranty, a 7-year/150,000km roadside assistance plan, and a 6-year/90,000km service plan.
The Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line S has a local starting price of R768,995.
Each purchase comes with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, a 6-year/90,000km service plan, and a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance plan.
Hyundai Tucson N Line
Kia Sportage GT Line
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