TEST DRIVE REPORT: Hyundai i40 1.7 CRDi

There is a funny saying in the car industry – “I hope it drives as well as it looks” – often heard at Motor Shows where gleaming new creatively shaped metal assemble for the casting eye. That thought came to mind upon seeing the new i40 Tourer recently introduced by Hyundai’s Motor Europe. This car marks new beginnings for the Korean brand as it makes a stringent effort in raising its profile and image to a higher level. An ambitious target for a car company that was seen to be pretty average all-round – average looks, quality, price, driveability etc. Now, with the i40 it is plain to see where it’s at. Thanks to the artistic talents of Chief Designer Thomas Bürkle, (who by the way came via BMW, 6 years ago), we have never seen so many curves in a car from Korea or from Asia for that matter.

From the start, Thomas and his design team based at Hyundai’s R & D Centre in Russelsheim, Germany set about to establish a new family look, which as we now know is clearly identifiable in the i40, Veloster coupe and the freshly revealed new i30. Eagle shaped eye-type headlights, along with a curvaceous grille and bonnet give the i40 a sleek, muscular look and feel to it. These shapely lines continue through to the car’s side panels and come together at the rear door of the estate. Surprisingly and impressively, this aerodynamic profile does not compromise on interior space. In fact rear seat room and access is on par, if not better than any of its competitors in the D-Segment. And HME make no bones about that it is targeting the Toyota Avensis, VW Passat and Opel Insignia for market penetration through conquest sales. Safety is not amiss either as this i40 has been awarded 5 stars in the Euro NCAP Crash Tests. The authorities gave the i40 maximum points in the side impact test and 86% in the Child Occupant category.

Inside, Thomas threw out the tired conventional plainness of the preceding Hyundais. In comes a freshness with spaciousness in abundance. His curvaceous streak continues here as there isn’t a straight line to be seen anywhere in the i40’s interior. The driver is cocooned into a position that is comfortable, informative through the various displays on the dash and entertained through the various audio fittings on board. There is a high quality feel to the dash and seating areas and all one has to do is sit in and drive without any complication. From the high-specified versions driven around Frankfurt recently, the new i40 fits into Hyundai’s newly termed ‘modern premium’ category with ease. Hyundai Car Ireland continues this theme by offering spec levels expected in premium class cars but at standard D-Segment price brackets.

Two transmission variants of the i40’s 1.7 litre 136 bhp CRDi diesel engine were driven. The 6-speed manual (which boasts CO₂ rating of just 113g/km) turned out well with the power spread evenly up through the box. To be straight, the version with the new 6-speed auto box impressed the most. While both drivetrains were smooth and silent, the automatic just elevated the i40 to a true premium level car. As a fan of estate cars (through family tradition more than anything else), the i40 Tourer is head over heels more attractive than the saloon type soon to arrive here and seen in the recent Frankfurt Motor Show. At the moment it is priced at just under €25,000 but will rise €1,000 once the saloon goes on sale and which will then retail at €25,000. New i40 will certainly change your perception of the Hyundai, all you have to do is to take a test drive to be immediately won over.

by Jarlath Sweeney - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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