2012 Hyundai I40 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Hyundai i40 as a used buy. The Hyundai i40 was initially sold only as a station wagon, called the Tourer, when it arrived in Australia in October 2011. With the Tourer Hyundai Australia was chasing potential buyers of crossover SUVs, offering a more

SUVs march unrelentingly through the suburbs at a pace that has left rival vehicle types in the shade.Two questions: Do you need all that space? And aren't SUVs becoming a bit passe?The answer may be the humble wagon. Now freed of the additive "station'' -- implying expansive grazing lands and lazy windmills -- the wagon has matured to cleverly blend leisure with some family duties. Even better, thanks to their popularity in Europe, they are stylish and many share the enthusiastic engines of their sedan counterparts.Wagons are on an equal footing with their sedan sisters in equipment, safety and performance. The Skoda Octavia wagon here, for example, has the same high-output turbo-petrol engine as its sports-oriented RS sedan model -- itself a reskinned Volkswagen Golf GTI. Wagons also share the handling, agility and performance acumen of their sedan equivalents.But the wagon has a more flexible load area and the ability to haul a range of awkward-sized cargo thanks to split and fold-down rear seats. In comparison to an SUV, the wagon also retains the less cumbersome style of the sedan, in effect offering the best of both worlds.Find a good sedan and if there's a wagon equivalent, then generally it will share any of the sedan's advantages and disadvantages. These three examples are very different in origins and execution. All are current models -- though the Holden and Skoda are poised for replacement -- and will have relatively low mileage.The Skoda is the sports model and is more expensive than its rivals, though has more equipment and has a turbocharged petrol engine with a dual-clutch automatic transmission -- all quite expensive stuff.Resale values are strong for the Hyundai (50 per cent retained after three years) and Skoda (49 per cent) but weak for the Holden (41 per cent), indicating that seeking a near-new used model can be more advantageous for the Holden buyer. TOP TIPSWagons are made for work -- but check to see if it hasn't been abused. You may save big fuel money by choosing a smaller engine. A cargo net or barrier is a wise investment2012 Skoda Octavia RS 147TSI Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrolTransmission: 6-speed dual-clutch autoThirst: 7.9L/100CARSGUIDE SAYS"These wagons boast an incredible amount of storage space -- there's even an extra cubby hole beneath the boot floor. Skoda makes durable cars and though the Octavia is rather plain in appearance, it has a lot of features and is well built. The RS version adds sporty equipment and gets the upmarket 147kW engine and DSG transmission. There are paddle shifters for manual-mode gearchanges, 18-inch alloy wheels, satnav, sports seats and daylight running LEDs. The car has all the safety equipment including six airbags and electronic stability and traction2011 Hyundai i40 PREMIUMEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 7.7L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYS"Hyundai has confirmed the i40 range will continue after it drops the similar i45 models, ensuring the i40 has a strong future. This is a 2.0-litre petrol-engined model -- there is also a 1.7-litre turbo diesel which is better suited to shorter duties such as in the city and suburbs. The Premium model gets a big list of standard equipment including 18-inch alloy wheels, satnav and Bluetooth, cruise control, sunroof and leather seats. There are split-fold rear seats though the available cargo space isn't as generous as the Skoda. Hyundai has a capped-price service schedule and a five-year warranty, which is reassuring for used-car buyers.2012 Holden Commodore SV6Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrolTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 9.8L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYS"The Australian is a strong workhorse with plenty of style and ability. It's also a reliable and easy-to-fix wagon. The SV6 version is a more upmarket model that retains the 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission but adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and a sports body kit. Standard equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, a reverse camera, airconditioning and cruise control. It also has a capped-price service schedule and buyers have a portion of the three-year warranty still intact. 

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 have had a chance to drive it extensively as two different business trips saw us in the seemingly endless traffic jams of Sydney then in a different i40 in Brisbane, around the Gold Coast during the V8 Supercars race and in the hinterland behind our home on the Gold Coast. Now that’s variety for you.Three model variants are offered in the new Hyundai i40 range: Active, Elite and Premium. 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.All i40 models have Bluetooth connectivity including audio streaming, as well as auxiliary and USB sockets. The Hyundai i40 Active has a single CD player, Elite and Premium have a six-disc changer with a more advanced audio system. Both systems can play MP3 and WMA discs. Elite and Premium models also use a proximity key with push button start/stop.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. Despite the sleek roofline, headroom is good front and rear, even with a sunroof fitted.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 2500 rpm.The vehicle unit we used in our home grounds of south-east Queensland had the petrol engine that has 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 so we didn’t find it lacking.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.Standard safety features in all i40 models, sedan and wagon, are ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce assistance and brake assist. The system automatically activates the hazard lights when high brake pressures are applied. Active safety features include cornering brake control, vehicle stability management system and swivelling headlights.Additionally, the Hyundai i40 Elite and Premium have front and rear parking sensors, supplemented in the Premium with a reversing camera. Nine airbags are the biggest feature of the passive safety items.The diesel may be small in capacity but it’s a modern design and we were impressed by its strong torque and the fact that turbo lag is kept to a minimum. The added smoothness of the petrol is attractive, as is the absence of the smell of diesel.Ride and handling are both good, with a sensible balance between firmness and comfort. Cornering is nothing to get excited about, but the Hyundai i40 holds on securely and is well within its limits when driven in the manner likely to be used by the typical buyer.We would probably lean towards the petrol if it was our money, but the final decision is up to you the potential buyer.

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?This is the sedan version of Hyundai's striking, German-designed i40. It joins handsome i40 wagon that's been around for a while now but there's a new generation diesel (also petrol) under the bonnet. Premium model drive is top of the range.Price is $44,590 but it's jammed with goodies; premium audio, premium SUNA satnav, leather, full glass panoramic roof.Plenty, top of the range Mazda6, Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Peugeot 508, Accord.The diesel is a 1.7-litre unit with variable geometry turbo and twin cams. It is good for 100kW/320Nm and is generation II of this particular engine.Really well with plenty of acceleration across a wide rev range, super quiet and smooth running, can't hear or feel a thing most of the time.Rated at 6.0/100km. We achieved 5.0 without really trying.Yes, Passes Euro 5Yes gets a five star rating and has a raft of primary and secondary safety systems and features — nine air bags, stability control and plenty more.Like being in a BMW. Heated seats front and rear. Soft leather, attractive styling inside and out, premium audio, dual zone climate control, rear view camera (crystal clear image), bending headlights, ECO indicator. Get the picture?Really enjoyed it. Did some long distance work and commuting. Easy to spend a long time in the car without fatigue. Sporty feel to the localised dynamics, Sachs German suspension, grippy rubber, responsive electric steering.Like the paddle shift too. High beam a bit dull. Audio system refused to accept chosen set up for speakers and sound.Yes, even though it's at the upper end of the i40 spectrum. Ticks nearly all of the luxury boxes in a right size package. Fixed price servicing and unbeatable warranty are icing on the cake.Would definitely look at one against other offerings in the segment. The diesel engine holds strong appeal for economy and performance. Six speed auto is standard. Honestly, we'd be looking at the mid range Elite at five grand less.

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.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.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.Standard safety features are nine airbags, stability control with emergency brake system and cornering brake control,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.The i40 has that secure, warm and inviting feel expected of a Euro brand and has a smooth ride and confident handling.

Fuel prices have edged higher in the past week and that's the direction they'll keep going for now.This week the Australian Institute of Petroleum fuel price report shows the national average for unleaded petrol rose by 1.5 cents a litre in the past week to 137.7 cents.The metropolitan average rose by 1.8 cents to 136.3 cents, while the regional average rose by 0.9 cents to 140.5 cents.CommSec chief economist Craig James says: "The bottom line is that motorists should expect petrol prices to edge their way higher if the positive mood on financial markets continues.Filling up the car with petrol is the single biggest weekly purchase for most households, so the future course of petrol prices will be keenly watched by any consumer-dependent business."But surely not so closely as they're being watched by you. With that in mind, we've found the cars that on current prices can be fuelled for about $1000 in a 15,000km driving year.These cars get Carsguide's Triple-F rating - they are all family and fuel friendly. We've used the manufacturers' claims for combined conditions, so if you're driving is mainly urban you'll go north of these numbers; if there's a good open road component it will be south.We've taken broad averages to arrive at our round figures (see below) but they are indicative of what you can achieve with judicious driving and making your visits to the bowser on the days of the lowest pricing.ANNUAL JUICE USE TAKES INTO ACCOUNT:National average price in the 12 months up to Friday July 27 according to Australian Institute of Petroleum15,000km annual averageManufacturer's claim for combined fuel useULP: 134.7 centsDiesel: 137.9 centsFAMILY SEDANToyota Camry HybridPrice: from $34,990Thirst: 5.2L/100km unleadedAnnual juice use: $1068.60If Toyota is synonymous with sci-fi looking hybrids, its best one is cloaked in anonymity. Indeed it doesn't get much more anonymous than a Camry, the Hybrid version of which looks exactly like the common or garden petrol version.It shares the good bits - seven airbags, five-star crash rating and a full-size spare wheel - but its economy is staggering: 5.2L/100km versus 7.8L/100km for the petrol Camry.  It's also quieter. In addition to using one-third less fuel, it costs $130 for each of the five services for the first four years or 75,000km.The price premium - $1,500 more than an equivalent petrol-only model - might pay off but the Hybrid model can tow only 300kg and the boot is slightly smaller. The top version, with near-Lexus levels of luxury, costs $41,490.FAMILY WAGONHyundai i40 Tourer dieselPrice: From $34,490Thirst: 4.7L/100km dieselAnnual juice use: $1,001.10In contrast with the gormless i45, Hyundai has done a great deal of local adaptation work on the i40 sedan. Even if the wagon does not yet have its specially-adapted-for-Oz suspension settings, it is a much better proposition than the i45.That miraculous fuel figure is for the manual, the action of which is a bit like stirring a stick though thick mud. Yet while the auto is claimed to use almost a litre more per 100km, on open road run between Sydney and Brisbane Carsguide recorded only 4.4L/100km.In any case, the sheer driveability of a diesel combined with a good auto makes it preferable. In solely city duty, the i40 is more likely to use above 8.0L, which is surely still worth it given the diesel's open road flair.SMALL SEDANHonda Civic HybridPrice: $35,990Thirst: 4.4L/100km unleadedAnnual juice use: $937.20Honda does a couple of obvious hybrids and one that's far less so. And the Civic version is arguably the best of its breed. The new Civic is a big jump from its distinctly average predecessor. It is up on quality and is simply far better to drive.It uses two power sources - petrol engine and electric motor - but unlike the Camry (and Prius) which can separate the two when needed, in the Civic Hybrid they work in tandem.This is technically simpler but returns higher fuel figures. The Civic Hybrid gets 4.4L/100km against the Prius's 3.9. Still, it's more spacious than the old model and needs smaller batteries so the boot is bigger.The rear seats don't fold down to increase luggage space. It gets a five-star crash rating, electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and six airbags, but a space-saver spare.SMALL HATCHVolkswagen Golf BluemotionPrice: $28,990Thirst: 3.8L/100km dieselUnlinkAnnual juice use: $809.40Golf can be played in a range of colours but the most efficient is blue. In VW-speak, it's BlueMotion, the in-house term for those selected models tuned for maximum economy and minimum emissions.The Golf BlueMotion costs $28,990 $1000 more than the Golf 77TDI that it replaced but comes only with a manual gearbox. But you're prepared the shift for yourself in order to save the planet, aren't you?A plethora of fuel-miser tech here  low-rolling resistance tyres,  stop-start system, brake energy recuperation, slippery aerodynamics, tall gear ratios and a gearshift prompt indicator  are added to the already frugal 1.6-litre turbo-diesel. It's also a brisk performer with Golf's usual excellent handling and ride comfort. It works as well in city traffic as it does loping along a country road.COMPACT SUVMazda CX-5 Maxx Sport dieselPrice: from $39,040Thirst: 5.7L/100km dieselAnnual juice use: $1,214.10This slips us well over the grand mark, but torque isn't always cheap especially not 420Nm of it. CX-5s are selling like cold beers at the cricket because they are at least in diesel form very lively, economical and practical wagons.There's no doubt the CX-5's success is due to it enlarging in the appeal of the Mazda3 hatchback. But it's a better vehicle thanks to the SkyActiv tech that covers body, engine, transmission, suspension and platform. The bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine has class leading economy via its six-speed auto, despite the added weight of all-wheel-drive. Compact enough for comfort in city traffic, it's also very roomy with excellent rear seat leg and head space. The cabin could be a bit more stylish, but it’s simple and the controls are easy to operate. The rear seats split and fold flat. On the road the diesel version slaughters the petrol model.CITY CARFord Fiesta TDCiPrice: from $21,490Thirst: 4.4L/100km dieselAnnual juice use:  $937.10In any guise the Fiesta is well made, affordable and a driver's delight. As a diesel it's also lean running. Made in Thailand, it's big on value. The 88kW/200Nm make this lightweight city car something of a hot hatch, with steering and handling to match.As with other diesels originally derived from Europe, you have to change gear for yourself, though with the arrival of the next EcoBoost petrol engines next year, Ford's excellent twin clutch automatic could become available. Sedan and hatch are identically priced.Though the five door brings the extra load flexibility of its ilk, the sedan's boot approaches that of the next class up in terms of capacity. It'll swallow a monthly grocery shop all right. The diesel is specially calibrated for maximum fuel efficiency and features a coated particulate filter to keep emissions low. The Zetec spec, at $23,490, is worth the extra spend.

There's basically only one thing we don't like about the Hyundai i40 Premium diesel wagon and that's the hokey chimes it plays when you switch off the ignition or turn it on after getting in the car. It's tacky. But as for the rest, the car itself is a cracker - albeit at the top of the scale in the i40 wagon range.This is the top of the tree Premium diesel i40 selling for $46,490 which puts this medium size wagon in some exalted and bigger company. You can get a Holden Sportswagon SV6 for similar money or a diesel Skoda Superb Ambiente wagon.But we reckon you get more for your dosh with the i40 as the Premium model is crammed with practical, luxury and safety goodies to say nothing of the exceptionally frugal 1.7-litre turbodiesel mated to a six-speed auto.Though following the current Hyundai design language, the i40 has a distinct European flavour thanks in part being designed in Germany. It is a handsome looking car from all angles and definitely stands out in a crowd - inside and out. It pretty much ticks all the boxes in terms of specs although it has crazy LED front daytime running lights that really stand out to the point of rendering headlight use for safety in the day unnecessary. It has decent audio, satnav, plenty of luxury kit and a stylish dash greet front seat passengers. Everyone notices the i40 on the road from the front, and the sides and the rear - it's a stand-out looker, especially for a wagon. People don't know what it is thinking it's something out of Europe but that's OK because it puts plenty of similar size cars to shame in the style department. And it's practical. The five seater test car has a load restraint system that adjusts to suit different cargo holding it firmly in place. Easy to use too. The load space is a decent size expandable to large proportions by folding the rear seats -a simple operation that can be done by kids if necessary.The 1.7-litre turbodiesel is a willing worker kicking out some 100kW/320Nm in an unobtrusive manner. Some noise is audible under full acceleration but it's nearly silent in cruise mode. Fuel economy is and excellent 6.0-litres/100km which is good for a car this size and weight - 1659kg. Performance is strong, particularly around the 2-3000rpm mark. The paddle shift is easy to use and effective. Hyundai's six speed auto is smooth and well suited to the 1.7 turbodiesel engine.The i40 scores a five star crash rating and as such, boasts a bevy of safety equipment including multiple air bags and stability control. The test car has security tint on the rear side windows and at the rear. It keeps out prying eyes and hot sun.We like the drive experience too especially the roll-on acceleration readily accessible and also the smoothness at all engine revs. It's uncanny to be whizzing along the freeway at 110kmh with about 1800rpm ticking over on the rev counter. The i40 engine is relaxed and frugal with a mere 6.0-litre/100km average showing on the trip computer. That translates into a range of up around 1000km without trying too hard. The memory drivers seat is handy and the leather interior is comfortable and looks classy. Little room for criticism that we can see. It's the best Hyundai yet.

Wagons are getting more interesting. Better styling and clever packaging have squashed the stereotype of basic family haulers. They’re not about to replace the lust-have status of the exotic supercars, but these days they can at least turn heads.So we shouldn’t have been startled when a city cafe owner asked if our test car was the latest BMW -- or surprised when his interest didn’t wane on learning it was a Hyundai i40. The mid-sized wagon is handsomely styled, and the Korean brand has worked hard on building a reputation for mainstream quality.  The i40 Tourer in Elite spec mates the petrol engine with a faux-manual auto transmission for is $39,490, with the kit list including shift paddles on a premium steering wheel, daytime running lights, ‘bending’ headlights, Bluetooth, cruise control, 17-in alloys wheels, alloy pedals, foglights, front and rear park assist, powered driver’s seat and rain-sensing wipers.Ford’s rival is the 2.3-litre petrol Mondeo, which has a reasonable equipment list for about $6000 less than the i40, but misses out on those extras that add to the Hyundai’s appeal.The cabin looks and feels more Spartan, too - but some buyers will see that as a good thing.The petrol Mazda6 is also a prospect at about $4500 less, and matches a bit more equipment than the Mondeo (plus a bit more leather than the i40) but again misses out on those couple of the higher-end touches. You can’t ignore the Skoda Octavia wagons, with the 118TSI coming in $3500 under the i40 and giving you turbocharged zip and decent equipment - including a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission - but only four-star safety. And it looks staid.You can step up to the prettier-faced $42,290 Octavia RS and get quite a bit of dressed-up fit-out. Plus more performance from a 147kW turbo 2.0-litre. But while you might be overtaking everybody with ease, they’re still going to notice you’ve got an unshapely bum.Perhaps LEDS are the new chrome. We’ve tried really hard to let the curvilinear running lights grow on us. But our design compass keeps turning away from them. They let you recognise the car from a postcode away, but the new body styling would have been enough by itself. And better by itself.Apart from those lights, the front of the car looks great. But to keep it that way you’ll have to keep it away from savage driveway crossings, where the front fascia is at serious risk of harm.The interior has strong hints of premium German brands – not surprising, since it was designed in the brand’s Frankfurt studio  - and is well-stacked with equipment. But it was also overdone by a host of vodka-bar blue lights twinkling across the dash and steering wheel. The petrol engine is an all-new direct-injection 2.0-litre developing 130kW of power and 213Nm of torque, with the official fuel figure for our auto claimed at 7.7 l/100km. We did just under 9L, but that included several hard runs back and forth over hills. Hyundai had its in-house engineers work on the calibration for the electrically-driven power steering and MacPherson strut front/ multi-link rear suspension - aiming to get both right for Aussie conditions. The i40 has earned a five-star ANCAP crash rating, and has a solid safety kit list that includes nine airbags, stability and traction control, and anti-skid brakes with brakeforce distribution to compensate for uneven loading and brake assist to add extra effort for panic stops.The work done on the suspension has managed to chart a decent mid-course between ride comfort and controlled handling. There’s not quite a military tautness on corners, but it’s drilling in a scout’s uniform. The downside is that on extended runs over seamed or patchy surfaces it felt like it needed to relax a little more.While the steering is reasonably-weighted and accurate, there’s less feeling of connection than most simulators. But that’s unlikely to worry the city driver crawling through the treacle of peak hour.Nor is the petrol engine’s target market looking for spirited performance – for that extra effort, they’ll need to shell out for the diesel’s extra torque. If you want a bit of sparkle from the petrol engine, you can over-ride the economy focus of the transmission with the steering wheel’s shift paddles. That will up the fuel bill a bit, but it can also up the noise more than a bit if you’ve loaded the cabin. \It’s a looker, but in petrol form not a dynamo driver. If you want a mid-sized family wagon that isn’t styled for the bowling club, the fit-out and packaging make it worth a test drive. But if you want more dash for your cash, your time is better spent testing the diesel.

INDIANS are adept at packing their expansive families within the confines of their small cars.There seems to be no end to the variations on human sardines but for economical reasons, the preference of vehicles is a hatchback. Like a Hyundai i20 which is as popular in downtown Delhi as it is in central Sydney.But if you have the big family, why not treat them to a bit of space? Like the i20 times two, the i40, which is as expansive as an Aussie wagon yet almost as cheap to run as a cramped hatchback.Hyundai sells on value for money and the i40 doesn't disappoint. There's a big eight-model selection of petrol and diesel engines, manual and auto transmissions and tiers of features that will propel the wagon from $32,490 to $46,490.The Active turbo-diesel with auto trans tested here costs $36,490 which i s $5500 cheaper than the base Commodore Sportwagon. Priceless is the massive five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Standard kit is excellent, including nine airbags, Bluetooth, electric park brake, trip computer and front-rear airconditioning.Long and with a few bits of curved panel creases and a tapered glass profile, it looks European - it was designed there - and roomy. The shape returns a long cargo area and excellent rear leg and headroom, though the flowing lines impairs the dr iver's ability to judge its corners when parking.The cabin is generally well executed and even criticism of the complex dash shape is diluted by its distinctive lines. Some switchgear is poorly placed - the vent's fan control is on the passenger side of the console - but the electric parkbrake makes some amends.The big news is .. oh, there's no big news. The i40 gets Hyundai-Kia's strong little 1.7-litre oiler that bolts to a six-speed automatic with sequential shift. It hauls 1659 kg dry which is perhaps a big ask - and a reason why the tow rating is a low-ish 1800kg - so acceleration is leisurely until it hits strength around 2200rpm.Hyundai doesn't disappoint with a comprehensive audio set-up and safety list.Nine airbags, the full kit and kaboodle of electronic stuff - corner braking, stability and traction control, brake assist, brakeforce distribution and a hillholder - add to a five-star crash rating and a full-size spare wheel.European designed i ndicates a lean towards a sporty drive. Nup. This may be penned in Germany but the Korean-built wagon is soft underfoot and made for comfort. And in that regard, it succeeds. It is a very good tourer and settles solid on the road - though the electric steering has no feel - and returns brilliant economy.One traffic-rich city-suburban route over 120km returned a very low 6.7 L/100km. The diesel calls on all six cogs to maximise its narrow-band power delivery and even when pushed, the drivetrain is composed and fuss-free. It's only downfall in the city is its body shape that hides its corners and can make parking difficult.