Hyundai Tucson updates revealed

N-Line treatment tops NZ-bound refresh for four-year-old design.

REVEAL of mid-life detail changes to one of Hyundai NZ’s sales staples has been completed.

Having earlier this week shown off the updated Tucson in its mainstream form, Hyundai in Seoul has today also shown off the N-Line treatment that has also resonated strongly with Kiwi buyers.

Hyundai NZ has yet to make comment on the car or timing of it launch planning, though it has previously indicated it expects to have it here next year.

The revisions present as a mid-life refresh for the five-seater sports utility and most of the refit occurs within.

The exterior design comes in for only minor tweaks, with the overall ‘parametric dynamics’ look introduced with the current, fourth-generation car in 2020 retained.

In N-Line, as seen here, the design revisions include a squared-off shape for the grille and daytime running lights, as well as redesigned bumpers and alloy wheels.

As before, the N Line doesn't get any additional power, but its new styling adds optional new lightweight 19-inch wheels and an aluminium four-piston monoblock brake caliper design up front, wrapping a "large-diameter" disc.

Also incorporated into the refresh is a new dashboard, similar to that in the latest Santa Fe, which is launching here in early 2024, so ahead of the Tucson.

The incorporation of the Hyundai Group’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen into one big module.

Specifications released out of South Korea speak to a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. The new infotainment system also allows for over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and will offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Beyond infotainment and display upgrades, the new Tucson sports a redesigned dashboard, new steering wheel design, and a new climate control pod with rotary temperature dials and more physical switchgear.

The gear selector shifter has also been moved from the centre console to the steering column, a revision also found on latest Kona and the new Santa Fe.