First pictures and details of Hyundai's new i40

17 Feb 2011

The wraps officially come off Hyundai's brand new Mondeo-size i40 Tourer at the Geneva Motor Show next month, but we've already had the chance to give it the once-over at the firm's European headquarters in Frankfurt.

And buyers won't have to wait too long before they can take a look for themselves, as it's on sale in July, intitally as a distinctive Tourer and followed by a yet-to-be-unveiled saloon in the autumn.

Initial impressions are good. So good in fact that we think it's a car that could re-shape the way that buyers look at large Hyundais, which have have in the past suffered from a dowdy image and had uncompetitive petrol and diesel engines. This European-designed car changes all that and there are several key reasons why.

Emissions are low. Remarkably low. The chain-cam 1.7-litre diesel emits just 113g/km CO2, placing it in road tax band C (£30 per year) and alongside the very cleanest cars of this size. If list prices are sensible (they're yet to be announced), it should make sense as a company car - something that hasn't previously been the case.

In total, there will be three Euro V engines at launch, from 115bhp to 177bhp. The range kicks-off with that 1.7-litre diesel developing 115bhp or 136bhp and that's the one that is set to be the most popular engine. The company'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.

The interior is also impressive. It looks good and is functional, sharing much with the popular ix35 crossover, and is packed with kit. The dash has a Toyota-like feel about it, while the cheap-looking plastics of the old Sonata are nowhere to be seen. As well as the standard kit you'd expect on a car that's competing with the Avensis, Mondeo and Insignia, the i40 will be available with a self-park function, a heated steering wheel, heated and reclining rear seats and ventilated front seats- specification details that could really appeal to on-the-fence buyers.

Load space is good, too, with full fold-flat seats in the back. That means there's 553 litres with the seats up, or up to 1719 litres with the seats folded flat. The rear appears to offer good levels of head and legroom.

Plus, as with all new Hyundais, it comes with the firm's five year ‘Triple Care' package. That means a five year warranty, five years of breakdown cover and five years of vehicle health checks - something that's won the hearts and mind of buyers from everything from the i10 city car to the ix35 crossover.

Technical Specifications

Diesel engines 

1.7-litre 115 ps

Type / capacity                U-II, DOHC, four-cylinder, with dual CVVT / 1685 cc

Power / torque                 115 ps (85 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm (26.5kgm) @ 1250-2750 rpm

Emissions                       122 g/km (113 g/km when fitted with ISG)

1.7-litre 136 ps

Type / capacity                  U-II, DOHC, four-cylinder, with dual CVVT / 1685 cc

Power / torque                   136 ps (100 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 325 Nm (32,0kgm) @ 2000-2500 rpm

Emissions                          124 g/km (119 g/km when fitted with ISG)

Petrol engines

1.6-litre 135 ps

Type / capacity                  Gamma GDI, four-cylinder, with dual CVVT / 1591 cc

Power / torque                    135 ps (99 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 164 Nm (16,8kgm) @ 4850 rpm

Emissions                          149 g/km (138 g/km when fitted with ISG)

2.0-litre 177 ps

Type / capacity                Theta GDI, four-cylinder, with dual CVVT / 1999 cc

Power / torque                 177 ps (130 kW) @ 6500 rpm / 208 Nm (21,7kgm) @ 4700 rpm

Emissions                        156 g/km

Suspension & Damping

Front                                          Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.

Rear                                            Fully independent subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled ASD shock absorbers.

Steering

Type                                      MPDS (Motor Driven Power Steering)

Gearing                                2.88 turns lock-to-lock

Turning circle                     5.46 metres

Brakes

Front                                     320 mm ventilated discs

Rear                                       300 mm solid discs

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior

Overall length                    4770

Overall width                     1815 (excluding door mirrors)

Overall height                    1470

Wheelbase                         2770

Front overhang                 920

Rear overhang                  1080

Front track                          1591

Rear track                            1597  

Interior                                                 Front                     Rear

Head room                         1025                       985

Leg room                             1170                       850

Shoulder room                  1455                       1420

Capacities

Fuel tank (litres)                               70 liters

Luggage                               553 / 1719 liters (rear seats up / folded down)

Weights*  (manual transmission)

                                                1.7 / 115               1.7 / 136               1.6 / 135               2.0 / 177

Minimum curb (kg)         TBC                       1485                       1385                       1410

Maximum (kg)                  TBC                        1610                       1510                       1540

Performance*  (manual transmission)

                                                1.7 / 115               1.7 / 136               1.6 / 135               2.0 / 177

Top speed (kph)               190                         198                         195                         210

0-to-130 kph (sec)           21,3                        18.4                        19,5                        15,3

Economy  (manual transmission)

                                                1.7 / 115               1.7 / 136               1.6 / 135               2.0 / 177

Litres / 100 km**             4,3                          TBC                        TBC                        TBC

CO₂ (g/km)                         122                         124                         149                         156

CO₂ (g/km) with ISG       113                         119                         138                         ----

* Figures stated are manufacturer's estimates

** Combined cycle

Full coverage of the Geneva Motor Show 2011