Hyundai i40 sedan breaks cover

Boasting a range of high-tech and luxury features, Hyundai's latest mid-sized sedan is setting its sights on the European prestige brands
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Hot on the heels of the i45, the latest mid-sized sedan from Hyundai was unveiled today in Spain. Showing off a smooth new design, the i40 sedan was styled at Hyundai's European R&D facility in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

While the i40 wagon has already been confirmed for Australia, scheduled for a late 2011 arrival, the sedan has not yet been green-lit for local consumption, as it would potentially cannibalise i45 sales.

Hyundai Australia has previously stated it would make a decision on the i40 sedan's local release later in the year, once a full business plan has been analysed.

Engine types and features have been confirmed for European-market i40 sedans, but it's the modern exterior design that will help the Korean car maker sell cars in the EU.

Unveiled at the Barcelona motor show, the i40 sedan's "fluidic design" ethos has been employed to great effect, and Hyundai has delivered a contemporary look that it hopes will provide a stronger foothold in the mid-sized sedan market in Europe.

"We have used very strong, fluid lines from front to rear to give i40 a distinctive appearance," commented Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre. "We wanted to move away from the typical three-box sedan and create a car that was in keeping with the sporty nature of the i40 wagon. By sculpting a low, elongated roof line, we've given the i40 sedan a striking coupe-like silhouette."

A total of four engine types have already been confirmed for the European market, starting with a pair of 1.7-litre turbodiesel powerplants tailored for the region. The entry-level 1.7 oiler outputs 85kW/260Nm and is being touted as the most efficient vehicle in its class, with an average fuel consumption figure of 4.3L/100km and CO2 emissions of 113g/km.

The high output version of the same 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel unit produces 100kW/325Nm.

The petrol engine range consists of naturally aspirated four-cylinder GDI (direct injection) engines, starting with the 1.6-litre 99kW/164Nm unit, and topped off with the 2.0-litre 130kW/213Nm engine.

All models can be optioned with Hyundai's Blue Drive eco-program, which adds Integrated Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling-resistance tyres and an alternator management system (AMS).

Hyundai will offer two transmissions across the range: auto and manual both with six ratios. It claims the i40 sedan will be one of the greenest models in its class, with CO2 emissions outputs of between 113g/km and 156g/km.

Some of the technology features that were confirmed for the i40 sedan at the Barcelona motor show event included lane-keeping assist  and smart-parking assist systems. As per the rest of the Hyundai range, Bluetooth connectivity is standard, while things like voice recognition, a rear view camera and satellite navigation will be optional.

Other stand out features on the table include an electric park brake, ventilated front seats, and even reclining rear seats. Hyundai can claim a few firsts for the segment as well, with prestige car-rivalling systems such as an automated defogging windscreen system, LCD instrument display and a heated steering wheel.

Day time LED running lights and Xenon headlamps will be offered as well, and nine airbags, ESP, ABS and vehicle stability management have also been confirmed.

Let us know in the comments section below if you think Hyundai should consider the high-tech i40 sedan for the Australian market.


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