Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai i40 vs rivals

Hyundai is gunning for the premium brands with its classy new i40 saloon. We test it against the VW Jetta, plus its Kia sister car

Hyundai i40 vs rivals

Gone are the days when saloons were stellar performers in the UK car market... but if you thought the humble four-door was dead and buried, think again.

Hyundai and Kia have introduced their latest family car challengers at the same time, so pitching the new i40 saloon against the Optima was an obvious thing for us to do. The cars share mechanical underpinnings and 1.7-litre diesel engines, so are evenly matched, but they’re not the only choices for family buyers.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Volkswagen Jetta debuted last year, and it brings a touch of premium class to proceedings. It’s slightly smaller than the other cars here, while VW’s BlueMotion Technology ensures the Jetta is on the pace when it comes to efficiency. Unusually for a VW, our SE model is the cheapest here, but it doesn’t have much kit. 

So the question is, can the Jetta seal yet another group test victory for VW? Or does the new Hyundai or Kia have enough Eastern promise to take the spoils?

Verdict

The i40 saloon makes a confident debut, but it didn’t bowl us over like the Tourer version did last year. Still, all three contenders were in with a shout of victory as they entered the final straight.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

ID.3

2022 Volkswagen

ID.3

28,011 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £15,300
View ID.3
DS 3 CROSSBACK

2021 DS

DS 3 CROSSBACK

23,719 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £13,100
View DS 3 CROSSBACK
A6

2021 Audi

A6

43,870 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £19,497
View A6
Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

30,362 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £20,197
View Model 3

The Jetta is the best car to drive by a distance, and has a depth of engineering that’s lacking in its rivals. It’s also the cheapest – albeit with far less standard kit – and cleanest car on test. But despite these strengths it’s hard to forgive the dull looks, and this nudges the VW down the pecking order.

The Hyundai finishes a close second but its dynamic shortcomings, small as they are, led us to prefer the more costly Kia. If you choose the efficient i40 Blue Drive model it’s arguably the best company car, but that’s not enough for victory.

The Optima is a compromise choice. Driven sensibly, it’s competent and comfortable, plus it’s great value, well equipped, spacious and good looking. It takes the win – but only just.

Winner
Kia Optima ★★★★

Jaguar-inspired looks, a spacious interior and solid dynamics all put the Optima ahead, but the margin of victory here is tiny. With a huge number of gadgets fitted as standard, low running costs and low CO2 emissions, the new Kia saloon is hard to resist in this company.

2nd
Hyundai i40 ★★★★

Make no mistake, the i40 saloon is a good car. The quality and attention to detail inside are on the money, and the less powerful Blue Drive versions produce even lower CO2 emissions. Dynamic shortcomings cost it here, but we could understand anyone who chose the i40 instead of the Kia.

3rd
VW Jetta ★★★★

With its practical interior, compact dimensions and refined driving experience, the Jetta comes close to beating the two Korean cars, yet it has to settle for third place. If you want the best driver’s car, go for the VW. But it doesn’t live up to the company’s usual high standards for interior quality and looks uninspiring inside and out.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,750
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025