Hyundai i40 wagon 2012 review

Not so long ago you would have been considered daft to compare a car made in Korea with one made in Europe. Not any more.

Price and models

The Hyundai i40 Tourer has the latest fuel-efficient engines, and a range of affordable prices. With the i40 Tourer, released late last year ahead of the i40 sedan out in June this year, even the most expensive of the eight models is well under $50,000.

The Active petrol costs $32,490 (auto $34,490), the Active turbo diesel costs $34,490 (auto $36,490), the Elite petrol auto $39,490, the Elite diesel auto $41,490, the Premium petrol auto $44,490 and the Premium auto diesel $46,490. 

The same trim levels are available in the $2500 cheaper i40 sedan. We drove the 1.7 litre, which has an output of 100kW and 320Nm (330Nm in the manual) and combined fuel use is 5.6l/100km that, when combined with a 70-litre fuel tank, gives a range of up to 1200km.

Standard features are six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, a rear camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, a single CD audio with MP3, iPod, USB and Bluetooth, cruise control with speed limiter, adaptive front lights, day lights, electric park brake, paddle shifts and a sequential mode on the automatic, and a five-year warranty.

The Elite adds a six-CD premium sound system, 17-inch alloy wheels, luggage rails and front and rear parking sensors. The Premium adds a panoramic sunroof, rear-view camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, automatic demisting, a load net and privacy glass.

Design

Styling is sleek and swoopy from its chiselled eagle-eyed front to its sculptured flanks and tapered tail. And the interior has a stylish layout, quality trim, easy controls, copious storage and snug seats front and rear. More a sports wagon than a load lugger, the big cargo area includes a full-size spare tyre.

Safety

Standard safety features are nine airbags, stability control with emergency brake system and cornering brake control,

Driving

On test, the turbo diesel proved to be frugal and willing. It accelerates smoothly, has respectable mid-range thrust and cruises quietly. If you could drive Hyundai's i40 blindfolded you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a premium European car. It's not surprising considering it was designed in Germany. Gripes are few. The high waistline and small rear window impair rear vision, the base model needs rear parking sensors, and there's no sat-nav.

Verdict

The i40 has that secure, warm and inviting feel expected of a Euro brand and has a smooth ride and confident handling.