Hyundai has brought back the Tucson Sport model in South Africa and this time the automaker has made it available with a diesel engine as well.
Unveiled as the range-topping model of the facelifted Tucson lineup, the Sport version features a bold body kit that makes Europe’s Tucson N Line look a bit tame in comparison. It certainly looks a lot meaner than America’s Tucson Sport, that’s for sure.
At the front, the bumper gets a spoiler lip, while the rear gains a faux diffuser and an uprated exhaust system with quad tailpipes. Viewed from the side, the sill extensions and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels help give the SUV a meaner appearance. Still, it’s pretty obvious that all these accessories are add-on parts, as they give off a clear aftermarket vibe.
The Tucson Sport offers two engine choices, a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline unit and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Both send 204 PS (201 hp) to the front wheels but use different transmissions. The gasoline unit is linked to a seven-speed DCT while the diesel uses an eight-speed automatic. Peak torque differs as well: 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) for the petrol and 460 Nm (339 lb-ft) for the oil burner.
Also read: Hyundai Said To Be Working On 340PS Tucson N
The Tucson Sport is based on the Elite trim level of the facelifted Tucson and includes standard features such as LED headlights, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, a 7-inch infotainment system, reversing camera, and blind-spot detection.
Prices start from 654,900 rand (approximately $42,250) for the 1.6T and 664,900 rand ($46,950) for the 2.0D.