Hyundai i40 Tourer revealed

Meet the new Hyundai i40 Tourer, the Korean carmaker's stylish estate that's aimed squarely at the Toyota Avensis. The all-new model makes its global debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show but Auto Express has been given early, behind-the-scenes access at Hyundai's European R&D headquarters in Russelheim. 

The new i40 is being described by Hyundai's Senior Vice President Allan Rushforth as "the most significant new Hyundai in several years." The latest model to carry the 'i' prefix is another advocate of Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design language. 

The family hexagonal grille is still there, but there's also day time LED headlights, a chrome-edged window graphic plus a strong crease line that rises along the side of the car. The result is an estate that's stylish as well as deeply practical, thanks to 553-litres of boot space that increases to 1,719-litres with the (nearly) fold-flat rear seats down. 

Inside is similarly stylish with a sweeping dash and plenty of soft-touch plastics. The prototype we sat in felt well put together and came fitted with a panoramic glass roof. 

Hyundai wants to become a 'modern premium' brand offering high-end technology at surprisingly low price points, and the i40 is a serious statement of intent. In addition to a standard equipment list that includes Bluetooth, sat nav, lane-keeping assist and adaptive lighting, the i40 Tourer also boasts a heated steering wheel, heated reclining rear seats and an auto-defog system. Every i40 will also get nine airbags as standard, including driver's knee airbag, and comes with Hyundai's five-year Triple Care Warranty. 

Two petrol and two diesel engines will be available from launch; the biggest seller expected to be the more powerful 134bhp 1.7-litre diesel. When fitted with the eco-conscious BlueDrive pack that includes Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) and 16-inch rolling resistance tyres, it emits 119/km of CO2. The 114bhp diesel with ISG emits performs even better, emitting just 113g/km of CO2 and averaging 66mpg on the combined cycle. 

Prices for the i40 Tourer are expected to start from around £20k when it hits UK showrooms in July. A saloon version of the i40 will follow in October.

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