Hyundai i40 Estate 2.0 GDi

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.

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

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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.