Hyundai has officially pulled the covers off the N Line version of its new-generation Tucson at the Paris Motor Show. The South Korean automaker's compact SUV stands out visually with the N Line treatment, while its mechanical underpinnings remain unchanged from the standard models.

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The sporty character is plain to see

At a time when many manufacturers are hiding their exhaust tips beneath the rear bumper, Hyundai is going the other way: the Tucson N Line features visibly mounted twin exhaust outlets. There's no extra power under the hood, but the detail reinforces the car's sporty stance.

Exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, red accents and suede-upholstered seats round out the design package.

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A broad engine lineup

For the European market, the entry point is a 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine producing 148 hp, paired with front-wheel drive and a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) transmission.

Buyers after more performance can opt for the hybrid version, which combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a 1.49 kWh battery for a total output of 242 hp, mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the hybrid N Line completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds.

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PHEV: the fastest of the bunch

At the top of the range sits the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which will join the lineup in the coming months. With a 17.1 kWh battery, this version delivers 288 hp and promises 67 kilometres of fully electric driving range on 20-inch wheels.

Equipped with a 7.2 kW on-board charger and offering a 1,910 kg towing capacity, the all-wheel-drive PHEV covers 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, making it the quickest member of the family.

Pleos Connect arrives in the cabin

The standout interior update is Hyundai's Pleos Connect infotainment system, built on Android Automotive. In the new cockpit architecture, customers can choose between a 12.9-inch or a 17-inch central touchscreen.