New features in 2014 Hyundai i40 include a powered tailgate
South Korean maker Hyundai continues to advance into the field of European technology, with several features in the just announced 2014 Hyundai i40 sedan and wagon being borrowed from the upmarket German marques.
Chief amongst these is a smart tailgate that allows hands-free operation of the tailgate. This automatically opens the powered tailgate when someone with the car’s smart key enters the ‘detection zone’ (500 to 1000 mm behind the tailgate) and remains there for at least three seconds. So that no one is taken by surprise by the automatically opening tailgate a buzzer sounds and the vehicle’s hazard lights flash prior to the ‘gate opening.
Operation of the Hyundai Smart Tailgate function can be cancelled at any time by pressing any button on the proximity smart key. Or it can be permanently turned off if you’re not keen on it.
Features like Smart Parking Assist and Lane Departure Warning and Assist were already standard on the Hyundai i40 and this new tailgate opening system adds to the technology package.
All 2014 models Hyundai i40 now have an all-new Drive Mode Select system that lets the driver to choose from Normal, Eco, or Sports mode to customise the drive ‘feel’ to best meet the environment.
As the name suggests, ‘Normal’ mode is most suited for day-to-day driving, ‘Eco’ mode reprograms automatic transmission shift points to achieve optimum fuel economy, whilst ‘Sports’ mode delays automatic transmission shift points and reduces steering assistance to achieve a sportier driving experience.
Styling changes are minimal as the i40 is still relative new, but there are revisions to the look of the front. There’s a Euro style ‘shark fin’ antenna on i40 Tourer Elite and Premium models, as well as new allow wheel designs. The 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, on the i40 Elite and Premium variants respectively, now have a dark silver metallic finish.
All i40 models have Bluetooth connectivity including audio streaming, as well as auxiliary and USB sockets. The Hyundai i40 Active has a single CD player, Elite and Premium have a six-disc changer with a more advanced audio system. Both systems can play MP3 and WMA discs. Elite and Premium models also use a proximity key with push button start/stop.
Engine options are a 2.0-litre petrol or 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine. The diesel is proving particularly popular, with peak power of 100 kW, and torque of 320 Nm between 2000 and 2500 rpm.
The petrol engine has up to 130 kW of power, its torque peak of 213 Nm is a sky-high 4700 rpm, but it does have a good spread of grunt from about 2000 upwards performance is good.
The entry-level Hyundai i40 Active is offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; the i40 Elite and i40 Premium only come with the automatic.
Hyundai’s iCare program minimises running cost: the first service, at 1500 km, is free, there’s capped price service for the first three years, a five-year unlimited distance warranty. Roadside assist is free for the first year on new vehicles. There’s even an owners’ website, a magazine and customer events.
The complete 2014 Hyundai i40 range is:
Active GDI 2.0-litre petrol four-door sedan: $29,990 (manual), $31,990 (automatic)
Active CRDi 1.7-litre diesel four-door sedan: $32,590 (manual), $34,590 (automatic)
Active GDI Tourer 2.0-litre petrol five-door wagon: $31,990 (manual), $33,990 (automatic)
Active CRDi Tourer 1.7-litre diesel five-door wagon: $34,590 (manual), $36,590 (automatic)
Elite GDI 2.0-litre petrol four-door sedan: $36,990 (automatic)
Elite CRDi 1.7-litre diesel four-door sedan: $39,590 (automatic)
Elite GDI Tourer 2.0-litre petrol five-door wagon: $38,990 (automatic)
Elite CRDi Tourer 1.7-litre diesel five-door wagon: $41,590 (automatic)
Premium GDI 2.0-litre petrol four-door sedan: $42,990 (automatic)
Premium CRDi 1.7-litre diesel four-door sedan: $45,590 (automatic)
Premium GDI Tourer 2.0-litre petrol five-door wagon: $44,990 (automatic)
Premium CRDi Tourer 1.7-litre diesel five-door wagon: $47,590 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for driveaway prices.
