12:07 am, November 16, 2011
On paper Hyundai has got a new stylish and well-equipped d-segment car. But is it any good? JAMES BATCHELOR finds out
WHAT IS IT?
The i40 has an enormous task on its hands. Not only is the Korean firm pitching it against established D-segment cars like the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall’s Insignia, but also the i40 is the car that is showcasing Hyundai’s new design and identity direction for a good few years to come. A total of 3,000 i40s are expected to be sold in a full year, with fleet companies snapping up 60 per cent.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Two petrols and one diesel in two different power outputs. The 133bhp, 1.6-litre ‘Blue’ petrol is satisfactory at cruising speeds but it’s loud and boomy in all other environments, and a 2.0-litre petrol arrives later. The eco ‘Blue’ badge is also attached to the low-output 114bhp 1.7-litre diesel while the high output 134bhp will be the top-seller. The 114bhp is the best all-rounder.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
In-line with the i10, i20 and i30, the i40 comes with very decent levels of standard kit. Even the entry-level 1.6-litre Classic comes with 16-inch alloys, air con, Bluetooth with voice recognition, heated door mirrors and electronic parking brake – priced at £18,395. Prices top out at £25,895 for the 134bhp 1.7-litre Premium, but the best-seller is expected to be the 1.7-litre Style.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Our overriding impression of the i40 is one of refinement. The cabin is full of neatly-styled, good-quality plastics, and coupled with good sound-proofing the i40 is a relaxing car to pilot. The nicely-damped chassis does introduce body roll but the car never feels flustered and is rather sure- footed. We feel the Blue model is the best all-rounder with decent power and excellent fuel economy.
WHAT DO THE PRESS SAY?
Auto Trader said it’s ‘a smart and reliable estate, with high equipment levels and a comfortable ride’. Autocar felt it sits in the ‘upper half of the class’ but the car’s dynamics let it down a bit. Meanwhile Honest John believed the i40 shows how far Hyundai has come in the last 10 years adding ‘it looks a winner’. The Independent said they ‘can’t see how it can possibly fail’.
WHAT DO WE THINK OF IT?
Hyundai have had a crack at the D- segment before – remember the Sonata? – but with generally poor outcomes. The i40 shows the Korean firm is really beginning to understand the wishes of European buyers. It’s no Mondeo beater in the handling department, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the i40 steals sales away from Renault, Citroen and Vauxhall.
CLICK HERE TO READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH HYUNDAI MD, TONY WHITEHORN
