Hyundai Tucson N looks set to be the next Hyundai ‘N’ Performance model

[nggallery id=2368 template=customlinks]

As the new Hyundai i30 N nears its debut, attention turns to what will be the next N Performance model from Hyundai. And it looks like the Tucson is the target.

Hyundai has been heading towards performance models for a few years now, with its WTCC outings developing the knowledge to turn Hyundai’s family cars in to proper performance models.

The arrival at Hyundai of Albert Biermann – former boss at BMW’s M Brand – made Hyundais’ intent even clearer, and now we’re close the the arrival of the first Hyundai N model, with the new i30 N blatting round the UK looking for rotten roads as Hyundai work to make sure it works as well on road as it does on track.

Of course, Hyundai are not spending all this time and money to develop just a single N Performance car, so the question, now the i30 N is almost here, is what will be the next N Performance car?

If we ignore the almost certain probability that the i30 N won’t be the only performance model in the i30 range – the planned i30 Fastback from Hyundai is the perfect extension for N Performance – it looks pretty certain Hyundai will be looking to make performance SUVs with an N badge, and the Tucson looks the primary candidate.

Talking to Australia’s drive, Albert Biermann has confirmed the i30 N is just the first of many N models to come, and he looks to be firmly suggesting the Tucson N as the next step.

Biermann said:

We started with the i30 and the Fastback will follow and we are already working on some other concepts for the B segment and SUV also.

If you look at the Tucson today it is very relaxed, very comfortable to drive, but to have an N version requires a lot of power, nice transmission, nice handling, sportier tyres and lowered body.

The cars are out there and we can have a very good business with SUVs. We have a good platform with the Tucson to make a high-performance SUV.

So that seems to pretty much confirm the i30 N Fastback will extend the i30 N family, and that the Hyundai Tucson will be heading for Hyundai’s N workshop very soon as Hyundai’s firts N Performance SUV.

Could that be followed by an N version of the soon to arrive Kona SUV too? Sounds likely.