Though their model numbers give the suggestion the Hyundai i40 and i45 are similar in size, they are quite widely differentiated. So potential buyers are likely to find their individual choices easy to make.
In an interesting marketing move, the Hyundai i40 was initially sold only as a station wagon when it arrived in Australia in October 2011. A four-door sedan didn’t reach us for a further eight months.
The Hyundai i40 sedan is the subject of this week’s review and we’ve had a chance to drive it extensively. One business trip had us in endless traffic jams of Sydney. Then we drove a different i40 in Brisbane, around the Gold Coast, and in the hinterland behind our home on the Gold Coast. Now that’s variety for you!
Interior space in the Hyundai i40 has good-sized seats for those in the front. Rear seat passengers will be short on knee room unless those in the front are willing to give up a little of their legroom.
Three model variants are offered in the new i40 range: Active, Elite and Premium.
All i40 models have Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, as well as auxiliary and USB sockets. Each model comes with the option of a 2.0-litre petrol or 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine. Our test vehicle in Sydney was fitted with the diesel. It has peak power of 100 kW, and torque of 320 Nm between 2000 and 2500rpm.
The vehicle unit we used in our home grounds had the petrol engine with up to 130 kW of power. It doesn’t reach its torque peak of 213 Nm until it’s at 4700 rpm. Many drivers will never rev the engine to these heights, but it does have a good spread of grunt from about 2000 upwards.
The entry-level i40 Active is offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; the Elite and Premium only come with the automatic. Both our cars had the automatic transmission.
The diesel may be small in capacity but it’s a modern design and we were impressed by its strong torque. As with all Hyundai models, the new i40 sedan has a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. There’s free roadside assist for the same period provided the car is serviced by a Hyundai dealer.
