2015 Hyundai Tucson range could expand to include N performance model, seven-seater
The all-new 2015 Hyundai Tucson may have only just been revealed, but the brand is hard at work on expanding the range to encompass more model derivatives, including an N Performance model.
The new-generation Hyundai Tucson - which will replace the successful Hyundai ix35 in the third quarter of this year in Australia - retains the existing five-seat setup of the current car, with a new range of petrol and diesel engines on offer.
In Europe the Tucson will be sold with five different engine choices and both AWD and FWD.
The two petrol engines include the 1.6-litre GDI (99kW and six-speed manual only) and the 1.6-litre T-GDI (130kW with six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT). The three diesels include the 1.7-litre (85kW and six-speed manual only), the 2.0-litre standard power (100kW with six-speed manual or six-speed auto) and the 2.0-litre high power (135kW with six-speed manual or six-speed auto).
That 130kW, 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder could form the basis for a retuned version with more power - and it could be the first Hyundai SUV to bear the brand's N Performance branding, according to chief designer Nicola Danza.
"We've looked at a seven-seat model," Danza said. "We've also looked at the option of a high-performance 'N' model.
"That is the most likely next step for the Tucson globally," he said, indicating the car could have up to 150kW of power (similar to the turbocharged Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo).
"That power level sounds about right for this kind of car," he said.