Hyundai I40 Reviews

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.

Volkswagen Passat 125TDI and Hyundai i40 Premium go head-to-head in this comparative review.

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.

As luck would have it, Hyundai Australia is able to source models designed for Europe and from Korea, meaning some doubling up in certain segments. Buyers stand to benefit with a rich selection, all with more improvements, features, safety and style.Latest cab of the rank is the i40 Tourer, a medium size wagon designed in Germany and built in Korea. It's slightly smaller scale than i45 sedan but more handsome and thanks to local development, better mannered and a better drive.The i40 Tourer is so good in this department as to rate the best ride/handling vehicle in the current local Hyundai lineup.Three variants are offered; Active, Elite and Premium with ascending levels of specification. There are two engine choices - a new direct injection 2.0-litre petrol four cylinder and a new 1.7-litre turbodiesel. They are matched to a choice of six-speed transmissions in manual and auto. But manual is only available on the entry Active model.VALUEActive petrol manual starts at $32,490 with diesel attracting a two grand premium and auto another two grand. Elite auto is $39,490 and Premium auto is $44,490 WHAT YOU GET All score alloy wheels, nine air bags, active safety systems and cornering lights. All have a five star crash rating.Cornering brake control is standard as are LED front driving lights, air conditioning, remote central locking, a full size spare, electric parking brake and multi media connectivity with Bluetooth phone and audio. Upscale models get more with, get this, air conditioning to the seats featured on the top variants. Premium gains leather, premium audio, 18-inch alloys, button start, front and rear park sensors, panoramic sunroof and reversing camera.All are well equipped.ENGINESBoth engines are new to Hyundai and will flow into other models in some form or other. The diesel is good for 100kW/320/330Nm (auto/manual) and as little as 4.7-litres/100km. The petrol is good for 130kW/213Nm and as little as 6.8-litres/100km. The engines rate 3.5-5.0 in the government's Green Car ratings.With 70 litres aboard, Hyundai reckons the diesel manual has a range of 1489km an astonishing distance for a car selling in the mid 30 grand price range. The six-speed auto is generic in Hyundai and Kia's lineup and offers paddle shift and sports mode right down to the entry model.DESIGNComing out of Hyundai's German design studio, the swoopy looking i40 Tourer is one of the better looking wagons on the market right now. It follows through with a family Hyundai look to the front complete with a hexagonal grille and eagle eye headlights. The interior is modern, stylish and functional leaving many Japanese contenders in its wake.DRIVINGWe got to drive the Active turbodiesel auto and the Premium petrol and frankly, prefer the base model Active diesel though both are impressive. Hyundai has totally nailed the ride/handling in i40 which offers sporty but controlled handling, responsive stering and feels well tied down.The diesel's luscious torque is a strong point over its petrol stablemate, plus the fact that it is super economical. It doesn't feel like a wagon when pushing hard on a winding, undulating road and scoots along smoothly and quietly on the highway.The interior is comfortable providing luxurious rear seat room and comfy seats. The diesel is noisier than the petrol but only under hard acceleration.VERDICTBest in Hyundai's lineup. Eclipses many Japanese (and European) competitors at less money. Striking looks. Unbeatable warranty.HYUNDAI i40 TOURERPrice: from $32,490 - $46,490Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kmResale: N/AService: 15,000km/12mthsThirst: 6.8-7.7L/100km, 91RON, CO2 159g/km; 4.7-6.0L/100km diesel CO2 124g/kmSafety equipment: 9 airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, traction control, stability controlCrash rating: N/AEngines: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol 130kW/213Nm; 1.7-litre turbodiesel 100kW/325NmTransmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto with paddle-shifters, FWDBody: 4-door sedan, 5 seatsDimensions: Length 4770mm, width 1815mm, height 1470mmWheelbase: 2770mm, tracks front/rear 1591mm/1597mmWeight: 1420-1514kgTyres: 16x7.0; 17x7.5; 18x8Spare: Full-size alloy.

Korean brand Hyundai is steadily pushing away from its downmarket history, and the i40 Tourer - station wagon in Aussie - is the next step on that road.There's not a huge amount of choice if you're looking for an affordable mid-sized wagon, so the arrival of another contender was always going to be welcome. And with the i40, Hyundai is launching the range here with the wagon this month. It will be joined by a sedan by the end of the year in overseas markets, but i40 Tourer will serve here as the wagon complement to the brand's i45 in the mid-size field.VALUEThe i40 Tourer is available in three trim levels - Active, Elite and Premium. Prices start at $32,490 for the manual petrol drivetrain in Active trim with standard kit including daytime running lights and 'static bending' headlamps, electronic park brake, Bluetooth, cruise control, 16-in alloys wheels, full-size spare and premium steering wheel with audio and phone controls.Adding $2000 gets you the automatic transmission, and a further $2000 swaps the petrol engine for the diesel across the range.The auto-only Elite spec is $39,490 for the petrol, and includes premium audio, 17-in alloy wheels, larger disc brakes, alloy pedals, foglights, front and rear park assist, powered driver's seat and rain-sensing wipers.The same drivetrain in Premium spec is $44,490, and includes 18-in wheels, heated/cooled leather seats front and rear, adaptive cornering high-intensity headlights, reversing camera, panoramic glass roof and extra cosmetic garnish.With Toyota's Camry wagon having exited, the i40's main rivals are the Ford Mondeo, Mazda6 and Subaru Liberty wagons. But while it's priced and equipped to nip at their sales, it could be in trouble if people ever stop ignoring the great drivetrains and fit-out of the even better-priced Skoda Octavia.DESIGNThe signature for this car is bound to become the arabesque LED running lights. It's a startling feature but some people are going to find the curvilinear accent too fussy. The body is a sharply-penned translation of Hyundai's 'fluidic' design language, and every panel seems to be creased, folded and curved.The car sits low - which lends a sporty hint to the looks but means the front fascia is in danger of scraping over deep driveways - while a large roof spoiler and elongated light clusters add a sense of attitude.The stylish cabin relies mainly on the sculpted surfaces and lines of the dash flowing through onto the doors, picked up with metallised accents in the Premium spec. At this level you also get top-flight finishes and well-matched perforated leather for the heated/cooled seats front and rear. The centre console wouldn't look out of place in a German premium brand, but the steep angle means a lot of the digital information is unreadable in bright light.Hyundai has gone big on a vast array of blue-lit dials and instruments - 14 lights on the steering wheel alone - transforming the cockpit into an uber-tech display, but it risks attracting a queue of dazzled nightclubbers if you stray into the wrong postcode.TECHNOLOGYThe i40 Tourer range arrives with just two engines. The petrol unit is an all-new direct-injection 2.0-litre developing 130kW of power and 213Nm of torque.Official fuel figures for the petrol engine are posted as 6.8 l/100km when it's mated with the six-speed manual (in base model Active spec only) and 7.7 l/100km when it's joined to the six-speed auto.The turbodiesel engine is a 1.7-litre four-cylinder that develops 100kW of power and 320Nm of torque when mated to the auto transmission, giving a fuel figure of 5.6-6.0L/100km, while going for the manual gives you an extra 10Nm of torque while improving economy to 4.7L/100km.Like the i45 sedan it joins, the i40 Tourer's suspension set-up is MacPherson struts for the front and multi-link for the rear. However, after the poor reception to the i45's dynamics - which resulted in Hyundai recalibrating the sedan's suspension and steering - the Australian HQ's in-house engineers have reworked the wagon to bring it more in line with local driving styles and conditions.SAFETYIt has just a five-star ANCAP crash rating, with the local body awarding the stars based on the results of the i40's European NCAP test. The car has a standard list that includes nine airbags, stability and traction control, and anti-skid brakes with brakeforce distribution to counter uneven loading and brake assist to give extra 'boot' for panic stops.DRIVINGThe work done to 'Australianise' the steering and suspension shows, with a noticeable improvement on the revised i45. The steering is accurate and has much better-considered weight, although it's still on the light side. There's still nothing in the way of feel, but that's not out of order for buyers of a family wagon. They'll be similarly satisfied with the reasonably compliant ride and safe, dependable cornering, but it's not a car for the hard-driving enthusiast.We tested both engines with the six-speed auto, and found while the petrol unit is very quick from standstill, the torque doesn't keep tipping in as you climb.  You can use the paddles for quick-think changes to pre-empt what the economy-focused transmission will do, but otherwise it's responsive enough without being spectacular.Our pick is the diesel, which isn't as zippy off the line, but delivers comfortably as you climb the rev range above 2000rpm, and never sounds agricultural on the job. It's the heavier unit, but you don't notice the difference.While the sharply angled front and rear windscreens enhance the looks, they undermine the visibility - compounded in the top spec by the larger rearview mirror, which includes a reversing camera to help you see out the back but leaves you a slot to peer underneath out the front.VERDICTWhile the i40 Tourer loses to some its rivals dynamically, it's a practical family package. It's well-priced against the competition, and better-styled than most of them. The fit-out is excellent at all levels, but the base model is especially good value - it leaves you wondering why you'd spend the extra to cram in any more features and garnish.HYUNDAI i40 TOURERPrice: from $32,490 - $46,490Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kmResale: N/AService: 15,000km/12mthsThirst: 6.8-7.7L/100km, 91RON, CO2 159g/km; 4.7-6.0L/100km diesel CO2 124g/kmSafety equipment: 9 airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, traction control, stability controlCrash rating: N/AEngines: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol 130kW/213Nm; 1.7-litre turbodiesel 100kW/325NmTransmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto with paddle-shifters, FWDBody: 4-door sedan, 5 seatsDimensions: Length 4770mm, width 1815mm, height 1470mmWheelbase: 2770mm, tracks front/rear 1591mm/1597mmWeight: 1420-1514kgTyres: 16x7.0; 17x7.5; 18x8Spare: Full-size alloy