Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai previews new i40 Estate

Ford Mondeo-rivalling Hyundai i40 arrives as an estate first, set to feature impressive space, downsized engines and lots of equipment.

Korean brand Hyundai is aiming high with its new family car. The Korean firm is set to take on the VW Passat and Ford Mondeo from next year with this, the new i40.

The newcomer has been developed by Hyundai’s German R&D centre in Russelsheim specifically with European buyers in mind. So in order to coax people from cars like the VW Passat and Toyota Avensis, the i40 will debut as an estate first, with Hyundai claiming the car offers more space for passengers and luggage that its key rivals.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The i40 debuts at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The estate arrives in the UK in May, and the saloon follows in November. Underneath, Hyundai has borrowed the front and rear of two different platforms, the Elantra and Sonata respectively, to create a chassis which the firm hopes has what it takes to beat the competition, both in terms of cornering and ride comfort.

The engine range all come equipped with stop-and-start technology, which cut the engine in stationary traffic to help reduce emissions, and is very much in keeping with the current downsizing trend towards smaller size engines.

There’s just one petrol, an all-new 2.0-litre direct injection unit which develops 174bhp and emits 156g/km of CO2. However, the big sellers will be its 1.7-litre diesels. Two versions will be offered at first. Both are single turbocharged, with 114bhp and 134bhp respectively, while a twin-turbo flagship will arrive in 2012.

On the inside, Hyundai promises an upmarket interior made using high quality materials. Car Buyer has been able to see it, and can confirm that the swooping dash design is much like that of the Vauxhall Insignia, and features a wealth of soft-touch plastics and plenty of storage space.

Technological highlights include adaptive headlights and a self-parking system. Hyundai is yet to confirm prices or trim levels, but it will be specced competitively and will include the firm’s impressive five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
29 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door
BMW M235 Gran Coupe front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades
2025 Toyota Yaris front quarter
News
29 Nov 2024

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024