Hyundai i40 gets a fresh look for 2015
Hyundai’s i40 gets updated styling, revised chassis and engines, and the latest in-car tech
Hyundai has revealed a mid-life makeover for its i40 saloon and estate range which brings an updated design inside and out, improvements to engines and dynamic tweaks. A new cabin and safety technology complete the 2015 revisions.
The i40 was the first large Hyundai saloon to be considered a credible rival to class leaders, but that was back in 2011. This facelift is an endeavour to bring it back into line with talented family cars newcomers such as the new Ford Mondeo and new Volkswagen Passat.
Changes to the styling of the i40 and i40 Tourer follow in a similar vein to the Korean firm’s recently announced i30 hatchback facelift. There's a hexagonal grille designed to accentuate the brand’s fresh family face, along with new alloy wheels and paint finishes.
Updates to the interior bring fresher materials all-round, as well as a redesigned navigation system with a more responsive seven-inch colour touchscreen. A DAB radio is available for the first time across the range, and there’s a new LCD information display between the dials.
The concise engine lineup of just one diesel engine, in two power outputs, receives minor tweaks. The higher-power 1.7-litre CRDI now has 139bhp, a small increase of 3bhp, although torque jumps up by 15Nm and is accessible from lower down the rev range. The base 113bhp version remains identical in terms of power, but both should see fuel economy and CO2 emissions improve thanks to the addition of stop/start, low rolling-resistance tyres, a high-tech alternator and an active air flap in the front grille.
Chassis tweaks are limited to a new Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC) system, which mimics the behaviour of a limited-slip diff for better traction and stability. The Tourer also gets adaptable rear suspension for heavier loads.
New active safety additions to the i40 equipment list include improved Lane Keeping Assist which also adds the ability to automatically dip the high beam when it detects approaching traffic. A Speed Limit Identification system checks road signs and displays speed limits to the driver.
The revised i40 range is expected to go on sale in early 2015, while prices and specs will appear nearer the launch date.
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