Hyundai has launched a Series II version of its i40 mid-sized sedan and station wagon. It has a number of changes including eye-catching frontal styling, minor engine tweaks, a new double-clutch automatic transmission and enhanced driving dynamics. As we’re almost coming to take for granted in these competitive times, there’s extra equipment and, best of all, price reductions.
Size-wise Hyundai i40 sits between the small-medium Elantra and the medium/family Sonata (or i45 as it was called between 2010 and 2015). While Sonata is only available as a sedan, i40 also comes as a wagon; Sonata is petrol-only, i40 is petrol or diesel.
Two i40 variants are available, Active and Premium, the previous mid-spec Elite having been discontinued. The prices of the Active models are down $1500 from the Series I, with the Premium reduced by $3600.
The most noticeable change to the appearance of the i40 is the large, open grille, one that’s progressively being introduced across the Hyundai range. Matt-black horizontal slats and chrome surround add to the distinctive front of the car, as do new projector-beam headlights and LED foglamps. The LED taillights also have been restyled.
The two variants get different designs of alloy wheels, those on the Active are 16-inch while the Premium’s are 17-inch.
The Premium also gets a black glass full-length sunroof.
Engine options remain as a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine (the 2.0-litre Sonata engine is turbocharged) and 1.7-litre turbo-diesel. The petrol is marginally down on both power (121 kW from 130 kW) and torque (203 Nm from 213 Nm) compared with the outgoing model.
By contrast the diesel increases in power from 100 kW to 104 kW as well as in torque from 320 Nm to 340 Nm. The peak torque also starts lower down the tachometer, at 1750 rpm compared with the previous 2000. That peak runs through to 2500 revs.
The previous six-speed conventional automatic has been replaced by a new seven-speed dual-clutch auto (DCT) with the diesel engine. The petrol unit retains the old six-speed auto.
Fuel consumption with the petrol engine is rated at 7.5 litres per 100 km on the combined cycle and the diesel at 5.1 L/100 km.
Under the surface the major change to the Series II i40 is a more advanced power steering system which enabled Hyundai Australia’s chassis engineers to improve the car’s suspension, ride and handling for local conditions.
Safety levels are outstanding beginning with nine airbags – we’ve only ever seen that previously in much more expensive vehicles. Both variants also have electronic stability control; traction control; ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist; vehicle stability management; automatic dusk-sensing headlights; emergency stop signal; LED daytime running lights; hill-start assist; front and rear parking sensors; and reversing camera.
Premium adds lane-keeping assist; LED front fog lights; smart parking assist; and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.
Both variants use an electronic parking brake. The Premier Tourer wagon also get a luggage rail and Smart tailgate for hands-free opening.
The i40 Active uses a 4.3-inch screen and gets a six-speaker audio system with MP3 capability, media ripping and storage, and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. The USB and Aux sockets are located at the back of a compartment at the base of the front console that’s large enough to store a smartphone. It has has a sliding door for extra security.
The i40 Premium gets a 7.0-inch screen to cater for satellite navigation that comes with three years HERE MapCare. There’s also an enhanced sound system with an extra speaker.
We were able to drive the i40 Series II diesel sedan and wagon during the car’s local launch between Sydney and the NSW Central Coast. The arrival of the petrol models had been delayed – we’ll do our usual week-long test in a few months.
There’s good leg and headroom front and rear although taller front seat occupants in the Premium may need to push back the sunroof blind to avoid brushing against the roof.
Once underway we were immediately impressed by the solid feel and refinement of the car, something that we’ve come to expect from contemporary Korean vehicles.
The suspension copes well with Australian road conditions, including some surfaces that weren’t as good as they should have been. There’s a nice balance between firmness and comfort from the revised suspension and the i40 holds on securely through corners. On the long straight stretches of the motorway it cruised comfortably at 110 km/h with outside noise well suppressed.
Despite its small capacity the diesel is a modern design with strong torque and minimal turbo lag. Although we only carried two people during our test it certainly feels like it could handle a full load without any trouble, including 506 litres of luggage in the well-shaped and easy to load boot.
A five-year unlimited warranty and the Hyundai’s iCare program are standard. The latter provides a free first service at 1500 km, capped price service for the first three years, free roadside assist for the first year; and a dedicated customer care centre.
MODEL RANGE
i40 Active 1.7-litre turbo-diesel four-door sedan: $33,090 (7-speed DCT automatic)
i40 Premium 1.7-litre turbo-diesel four-door sedan: $41,990 (7-speed DCT automatic)
i40 Active Tourer 2.0-litre petrol five-door wagon: $32,490 (6-speed automatic)
i40 Premium Tourer 2.0-litre petrol five-door wagon: $41,390 (6-speed automatic)
i40 Active Tourer 1.7-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $35,090 (7-speed DCT automatic)
i40 Premium Tourer 1.7-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $43,990 (7-speed DCT automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.
