This is our first look at the i40, Hyundai’s new Mondeo rival. The South Korean car maker is taking the slightly unusual step of releasing the estate version first – it’ll go on sale in July – with a saloon model following later in the year.
At launch, a 1.7 litre turbodiesel with 113 or 134bhp will be offered, along with a 138bhp 1.6 litre diesel. An ultra-efficient Blue Drive version that returns 65.7mpg will be available soon after.
Hyundai’s ambition when developing the i40 was to offer Audi-like interior quality. As such, high-quality soft touch materials are used throughout.
The lengthy list of standard equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, park assist, lane assist and an electric handbrake, while options include heated reclining front seats, bi-xenon headlights and a glass roof. The estate version has a load capacity of 553 litres rising to 1790 litres with all the rear seats folded flat.
The i40 is gunning for the Mondeo, VW Passat and Mazda 6. As such, prices will start at just under £20,000 but the standard car should come with a longer standard equipment list than the opposition.
