Meet the Hyundai estate that means business. The i40 hopes to tap into the crucial company car market dominated by the Ford Mondeo and VW Passat.
In Issue 1,160, we drove the 136bhp 1.7-litre diesel, but this 175bhp 2.0 direct-injection petrol has clear benefits, as it’s virtually inaudible at low revs. However, it doesn’t offer the in-gear shove of the oil-burner – even though it’s quicker, with the 0-62mph sprint taking 9.7 seconds – while its 42mpg fuel economy also trails.
Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Hyundai i40 Tourer
We sampled two suspension set-ups, as engineers were still finalising the UK spec. It’s now likely that the softer system will be used as standard, while the stiffer springs will be available as an option.
Inside, the cabin is stylish with good-quality materials. It can’t quite match the finish of rivals such as the Passat, while the VW is more practical, too, with a larger, 577-litre boot. However, the Hyundai’s is still the class’s third biggest, and the car has clever reclining rear seats, too.
As ever, the brand’s big draw is value for money – and our high-spec version came with plenty of gadgets, including cruise control, sat-nav, auto screen demisting and heated seats. All this for a starting price of around £18,000, which undercuts most rivals!
So the i40 will be difficult to ignore whether you’re a company car driver, family buyer or both.
For an alternative review of the latest Hyundai i40 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
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I started looking at the pictures, but had to stop because I felt sick.
You felt sick ? ,maybe you work in a ford/vw/vauxhall dealer and are seeing a loss of sales coming
Yep!!..... probably felt sick to the stomach trying to come up with excuses on justifying why the Ford and vauxhall have less for more money and how you can get a Bmer for similar money..... its about time a company started driving the price of cars in this sector down...... this is the family car sector - familys cant afford cars like this anymore, unless company funded.
Is it not time to consider how we use the word "premium" in car reviews ? This term perhaps should embrace build quality and reliability, not just the type of plastic used for the dashboard. Why is it that some unreliable models are classed as premium when value for money, well-built and dependable cars are looked down upon ? Many motorists who have to shell out themselves for their motoring would love to see the end of this silly snobbery !!
I am looking forward to the saloon as it could be ideal to replace our Coupe and Getz. The price seems reasonable and I know Hyundai's are reliable, better than Fords we have had in the past.
If I was still on the road I would happily have one of these. I loved my Mondeos but Fords are becoming very expensive. This is a handsome looking car and I have a humble Hyundai Matrix which is well screwed together and has been reliable so far so Hyundai is a brand to be reckoned with
Kia started the trend of more square metre of car for your money, and Hyundai follow. But what of the substance? One word, HOLLOW! Anyone who experiences the european designed and manufactured cars, will instantly take exception to the dullards offered by the asian companies. It may be a continent away, but it is a world apart. A price worth paying!
@ CyprusYid
The i40 was DESIGNED, ENGINEERED and is MANUFACTURED in EUROPE.
The car is from the SAME CONTINENT AS EUROPE.
Know your facts before you start posting misleading information.
I drive a Renault Laguna Sports tourer top of the range nowt but expensive problems electrical that need mrenault to fix because they have to clear diagnostic errors to allow the car to start. Turbo blew at not these day sconsidered to be high mileage 98k. My wifes car is a Kia took it to south of France this year not quite as luxurious as the Laguna but I knew it would get there and back which it did and decent fuel economy as well. i welcome this addition to the Hyundai range and will definately give it a good chance on my list certainly won't trust Renault again. Ford and Vauxhall just same old same old at expensive prices and the germans need to remember that they arn't as good as they used to be and prices for parts are dreadful only good for fleet use these days. Hyundai/Kia are giving the car market a well needed kick up the ...... hopefully will wake up the industry and reduce prices and improve quality and customer care.
With every new model, Hyundai is moving upmarket – and the i40 is the latest, and best, example of this progress. The stylish design, solid interior and mature driving experience characterise a car that’s set to be a real contender in this fiercely fought segment. This petrol model is refined, smooth and punchy, but if you’re doing high mileages, the diesel is probably still the better bet.