Used Hyundai i45 review: 2010-2012

Who would have thought that an Asian carmaker could produce a car as elegant as the Hyundai i45? Not, I'm guessing, anyone who has been witness to the steady stream of clunky-looking models that have come from that part of the world in the past. But if it were going to happen it was more likely it would be a Korean carmaker like Hyundai doing it.

NEW

Hyundai has made massive strides in all areas in recent times, styling being one of the most important, and the i45 is right on the money when it comes to looks. With its sweeping silhouette and handsome proportions it could easily have come out of Europe.

It's hard to imagine that the i45 replaced the Sonata, the rather stodgy mid-sized sedan that had little appeal apart from price. The i45 is a different kettle of fish, with stunning looks, roomy cabin, smooth ride and willing, fuel-efficient engine, as well as an attractive price. Cut through the award-winning lines and you found a four-door sedan with spacious and comfortable accommodation for five, and a decent boot.

Two engines were offered, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that was introduced in 2011 as the entry engine in the Active base model, and a 2.4-litre four-cylinder that was also available in the Active, and was the only engine of offer to buyers of the mid-range Elite and top-of-the-line Premium. Both were smooth and responsive, and at the same time delivered impressive fuel consumption with road testers reporting real world figures in the range of 6.5L/100km.

The base model, the Active, could be had with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed auto, but the auto was the only transmission available for Elite or Premium buyers. On the road the i45 impressed with its willing performance and smooth automatic transmission, but its lack of composure when it came to ride and handling let it down.

NOW

Just as it has improved on other fronts Hyundai has also made great strides in build quality and reliability. It's no longer a case of pot luck when it comes to reliability, the Korean carmaker's cars are now quite sound and generally give little trouble. There has been no recalls of the i45 backing the impression of reliability. Further support for that belief is a lack of complaints received at Carsguide about the i45, always a good indicator of owner satisfaction.

While owner satisfaction seems to be high it's important that the i45 is properly serviced according to the book, wherever the servicing is done. Check your chosen car's service book to confirm it has been serviced according to Hyundai's recommendation, and that a creditable service agent has done it.

Also check the exterior bodywork for crash damage, looking mostly for bumps and scrapes. If you see mismatching colours on adjacent panels look deeper for evidence of a crash, and walk away if you suspect it has been in a fender-bender. There are plenty of other cars out there to choose from, so don't get stuck with a lemon.

SMITHY SAYS

Stylish sedan with spacious cabin, smooth, fuel-efficient engine, but it could be better on the road.

Hyundai i45
Price new: $30,990 to $37,990
Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cyl, 121kW/198Nm; 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, 148kW/250Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto, 6-speed man, FWD
Economy: 7.6 L/100 km (2.0), 8.0 L/100 km (2.4)
Body: 4-door sedan
Variants: Active, Elite, Premium
Safety: 5-star ANCAP