Hyundai i40 (2012 – 2019) Review

Hyundai i40 (2012 – 2019) At A Glance

3/5

+Quality look and feel inside. Neatly styled. Low CO2 engines. Well equipped and good value.

-Some criticism of steering feel. More practical Tourer version makes more sense.

Insurance Groups are between 12–20
On average it achieves 76% of the official MPG figure

Hyundai showed first images of its new i40 saloon which gets its world premiere at the Barcelona motor show on 12 May 2011. The unveiling follows on from the i40 Tourer which was debuted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier in 2011 and received a very positive response.

Although we've yet to drive it, we've already been impressed by the design and quality of the forthcoming i40 Tourer. In fact it's so good we reckon the Mondeo-sized i40 will really change the way buyers look at large Hyundais.

Like its estate counterpart, the i40 saloon has been designed in Europe for European tastes using Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design which can be seen in the ix35 and ix20. We think creates a neat and distinctive style. It's certainly a big step forward from previous large Hyundai's such as the uninspiring Sonata.

Hyundai says the i40 saloon with have 'best in class' dimensions for front head room, shoulder room and legroom plus you can be sure it will come well equipped as standard. The engine line-up will be the same as the i40 Tourer  so in total, there will be three Euro V engines ranging in power from 115bhp to 177bhp.

The range will start with a 1.7-litre diesel developing 115bhp or 136bhp - the latter likely to be the most popular choice. Hyundai's new 136bhp 2.0-litre GDI unit from the ‘Theta' family makes its debut in the i40, which is said to bring 'exceptional levels of performance matched with excellent fuel efficiency.' Finally, there's a 2.0-litre petrol which develops 177bhp.

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a Hyundai i40 (2012 – 2019)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

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Real MPG average for a Hyundai i40 (2012 – 2019)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

76%

Real MPG

31–59 mpg

MPGs submitted

194

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

What's the best car for motorway commuting?

"Can you tell me the best cars to do a 100-mile commute up the motorway and back? I'm looking for five-door, reliable, economical and no smaller than a Fiesta. My budget it up to £8,500. If it has cruise control and DAB that would be a bonus."
A Kia Cee'd would be a very sensible choice. They're generally very well equipped (a 2015 or later model in '2' trim or above will have your desired DAB radio and cruise control), while you should be able to get one with the remainder of Kia's seven-year warranty in budget. Look for one with the frugal 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine. Also consider the very similar Hyundai i30 or bigger i40.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Would you be concerned about buying a high mileage 2014 Jaguar XF?

"I'm about to spend some money my grandparents left me, but I'm worried that I might waste it. I need a secondhand car for my family and I've always wanted a Jaguar. I've found a 2014 Jaguar XF D V6 with 113,020 miles on the clock, but I'm concerned about the high mileage. Would I be better getting a 2016 Hyundai i40 CRDI SE with average mileage for a little less money? "
I, too, would be concerned about the mileage on this Jag. Will be getting to the point where the DPF fills up with ash and needs a new timing belt, tensioner, waterpump and aux belt. Probably some other things. The i40 makes more sense and will still be under Hyundai warranty for another four years.
Answered by Honest John

Is a disparity in the amount of wear on my brake pads indicative of a fault?

"My dealer-maintained Hyundai i40 CRDi urgently needs replacement front discs due to 70 per cent wear on one side and 30 per cent on the other. Surely this would indicate a fault on a carefully driven car at 48,000 miles. Needles to say I could do with some encouraging points to argue that this cannot be normal wear and tear."
The 30 per cent - 70 per cent disparity isn't normal. The calipers on one side must be sticking on their pins. A blast with an airline might clean them up.
Answered by Honest John

Should I purchase my company car at the end of its lease?

"I have a company car, a 2012 Hyundai i40, 1.7 diesel estate. I am coming to the end of the lease and am wondering whether I should buy the car? I have done 121,000 miles and have been given a price to purchase by the lease company of £6500, including VAT. In the time I have had the car it has needed some work doing to it, although generally speaking it has been a good car. It has heated leather electric seats, navigation, cruise control, etc, although I am trying to not let these influence my decision. I only have until 20 January 2017 to make a decision. If you advise not to purchase, what would you suggest is a good equivalent alternative for £6500? "
Because the car has been owned by the leasing company it is VAT qualifying, which means they have claimed the original input VAT on it back from HMRC. To sell the car, they have to charge VAT on it and as a non-VAT registered individual you can't claim it back. My advice is to offer £5000 including VAT and if they won't take it look for something else with lower mileage.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Hyundai i40 (2012 – 2019) cost?