Hyundai I40 vs Holden Calais
What's the difference?

Hyundai I40

$10,250 - $13,999

2018 price

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Holden Calais

$12,990 - $27,800

2018 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2018 Hyundai I40

2018 Holden Calais

By Laura Berry

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 1.7L

V6, 3.6L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.1L/100km (combined)

9.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Impressive ride and handling
Diesel engine provides plenty of oomph
Roomy

Plenty of cabin space
Safety gear on-point
Punchy V6

Dislikes

Tiny display screen
No AEB
Tyre noise

Fuel use on the high side
Four-cylinder turbo petrol unavailable
Diesel not an option

2018 Hyundai I40 Summary

A wagon and not an SUV, eh? Respect. You see, when most people now think of a new car they think of an SUV, especially when they want something with a bit of cargo space. But not you.

And for thinking outside the box you’ll be rewarded with something that’s better to drive than most SUVs – like the Hyundai i40 Tourer in the Active grade and a diesel engine we’ve road tested here.

So, what are the strengths and weaknesses of this Korean wagon, and should you wait or buy it now? Read on to find out.

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2018 Holden Calais Summary

If Holden had a dollar for every time someone had criticised the new and international flavour of Australia’s formerly home-grown hero, it would surely have more than enough spare cash to blow the dust of that vast South Australian factory and restart local Commodore production immediately.

Hell, there’d probably be enough left over to relaunch the Camira while they were at it. And maybe even knock out a new Gemini or two.

So we’re not going to do that again here. The all-new Commodore, in this case the Calais Tourer, is now here - granted having travelled further than the one it replaces - and so we’ll be playing this review with the straightest of bats.

Because the truth is, if you peel the badging - and thus the swirling emotion - off its elongated rump, then you’ll find this German-built Tourer is, really and truly, a very good thing.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Hyundai I40 2018 Holden Calais

Verdict

The i40 Tourer in the Active grade is great to drive, it’s practical, and should be low-cost to run. But you can bet the new version, due to arrive soon, will be, too. If you can wait, it's a safe bet the new i40 Tourer will have an updated look, improved safety equipment and retain all the good points of the previous model.

Verdict

A best-of-both-worlds option that should have us questioning our SUV obsession, the Calais Tourer delivers plenty of practicality perks and a higher ride height in a dynamic and car-like package. The equipment levels are spot on, including the comprehensive safety package, and it you act smartly, you'll get a hugely long warranty to boot.

It sure is thirsty, though, and we can't help but think plenty of owners would be happier with a smaller, more-efficient engine.

Hyundai I40 vs Holden Calais What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai I40 vs Holden Calais
What's the difference?