Earlier this month, Hyundai confirmed that a high-performance Kona N was on its way. It will become the first crossover in the company's portfolio to get the high-performance N treatment. While it's expected that full-fat N versions of Hyundai's other SUVs will follow suit, these are supposed to be practical family vehicles, so perhaps Hyundai's less hardcore N Line - mostly featuring sporty aesthetic add-ons - would be a better fit.

With all that in mind, Hyundai has just taken the covers off of the Tucson N Line. First teased last year, the N Line enhances the already daring design of the latest Tucson. While the N Line shares distinctive styling elements with lesser Tucson models like the cleverly integrated daytime running lights within that geometric grille, there are numerous changes.

The grille itself is said to be positioned taller and wider than on the regular model, while the grille elements have new edges that create more dramatic reflections. The lower air intake has grown in size, black bezels surround the headlamps, and the N Line badge has been incorporated into the front grille.

As with many performance-inspired models, the more liberal use of black trim is noticeable. The wing mirrors are finished in Phantom Black while a so-called daylight opening (DLO) along the sides gets a glossy black finish. New alloy wheels measure 19-inches in size and boast parametric patterns that complement other aspects of the SUV's design.

At the back, there is a new aerodynamic spoiler that is longer than on the standard Tucson, while a lower diffuser and red reflector band add to the sporty look. Twin tip muffler exhaust outlets complete the view from the back. A choice of seven exterior colors includes the N Line-exclusive Shadow Grey which can be paired with an available roof in Phantom Black.

In the stylish cabin, N-branded sport seats are finished in a blend of black suede, leather, and red stitching. Other touches are a new N steering wheel, a black headliner, and metal pedals, while more subtle N logos are dotted around the interior.

The Tucson N Line shares the regular N Line's selection of powertrains, besides the less powerful diesel. The most powerful of these is the 1.6-liter T-GDI plug-in hybrid with 261 horsepower. If you want more power from your Tucson, you'll need to hope that the 340-hp Tucson N gets the green light. However, Hyundai has made some effort to differentiate the Tucson N Line on the dynamic front. The Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) has been uniquely tuned for this variant, with enhanced responses in Sport mode and improved steering feel.

In Europe, the Tucson N Line will be available in spring 2021, although hybrid/PHEV versions will only follow in the summer. A US release date has yet to be announced and the same goes for pricing.