Hyundai i40 2015 review

Hyundai is giving its newly arrived Sonata sedan more breathing space by ditching the petrol version of its similarly sized i40 sedan.

The maker remains committed to two different nameplates in the mid-size segment but has widened the price gap between the pair.

The get-in price for the new diesel-only i40 is now $33,090 — up from $31,990 for the old petrol model but down $1500 on the previous diesel variant. The Sonata starts at $29,990.

Those wanting the wagon version of the i40 can have a petrol version for $32,490.

Hyundai says the diesel sedan, matched to a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, will "better complement" the Sonata range.

Apart from the much better fuel consumption — the i40 uses just 5.1L/100km, compared with 8.3L for the petrol Sonata — the model has a tempting equipment list for those willing to stretch their budget.

That list includes nine airbags, new reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, electronic parking brake, daytime running lights and dusk-sensing headlights.

The $41,990 Premium model (there are now just two equipment grades) gets bigger wheels, satnav, dual-zone climate control aircon, power/ heated front seats, leather trim and rain-sensing wipers.

The Premium model gets an even bigger price cut of up to $3600.

Added driver assistance includes self-parking and lane departure warning. What's more, it gets an even bigger price cut of up to $3600.

The new transmission improves fuel consumption over the old model by 9 per cent, while updates to the suspension and steering are designed to make it more responsive and better controlled over mid-corner bumps and corrugations. The company says it tested more than 30 suspension settings on local roads.

Exterior changes are minimal. The i40 adopts the company's new signature grille and now has projector beam headlights and new design LED daytime running lights.

Inside, there is a bigger centre screen with the now-standard reversing camera.

Driving

The i40 feels comfortable and composed on the open road. The steering is well weighted and precise, and the car seems well balanced and eager to turn in through twisting sections of road.

The diesel lacks the grunt of some competitors but it is well-matched to the seven-speeder

The 1.7-litre diesel has had a mild tweak to deliver 4kW more power and 20Nm more torque. It lacks the grunt of some competitors but it is well-matched to the seven-speeder, which makes the most of its mid-range torque.

Overall, the i40 is a tempting alternative to the Sonata. The interior trim presents as more upmarket, the diesel engine in the sedan is punchier and more economical and the car feels sportier to drive.