Hyundai i40 2015 Review

So punchy is the Hyundai i40 Premium CRDi’s 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbocharged motor that I have to double check the specification. Somehow, the 100kW/320Nm donk hauls the 1626kg i40 with such conviction that I wonder if the Santa Fe’s 2.2-litre unit has been shoved under the sedan’s snout while no-one was looking.

Okay, there’s some diesel chatter and drone, and it lacks the smoothness of its bigger brother at a cruise, but the small-capacity diesel is impressive; not so ragged that the inside-front wheel is tortured, but with enough grunt to manage the everyday with ease.

Just don’t look too hard at the fuel gauge, which never dropped below 8.0L/100km in my time with the car, despite most of it spent on the highway.

Another solid aspect of the i40 Premium CRDi drive experience is the torque converter six-speed automatic transmission. For me at least, in this type of vehicle, the traditional-style auto is far superior in shift smoothness and off-the-lights response than a dual-clutch transmission, and doesn’t frustrate like a CVT under hard acceleration.

Overall, then, the driveline impresses. How about the chassis?

With Hyundai there’s often an artificial tinge to the electronically-assisted steering. There’s a small dead-patch off-centre, followed by a quick catch-up.

The heft is also altered greatly via Hyundai’s multi-mode system. Interestingly, the i40’s default steering mode is responsive and reasonably-weighted, bringing cornering confidence. From that point, the 18-inch alloys (with full-size spare in this top-range Premium) and 225/45-series tyres bring solid grip, the chassis also responding well, with both better ride and response over the company’s sporty i30 SR.

Moving beyond the nice-to-have dynamic repertoire to the more practical needs buyers of medium sedans seek, you’ll be pleased to know that the i40 has you covered off, particularly in premium form.

The boot opens wide and digs deep, with a simple, single level load area (and 505 litres). There’s 60:40 split-fold rear seats and ISOFIX child anchorage points augmenting the traditional child seat hook points.

The i40 Premium specification gains self-levelling HID headlights with a washer system and adaptive lighting, which tilts with the car as it corners for maximum visibility.

It shares an electro-chromatic mirror, 7.0-inch screen (that also functions as a rear-view camera and satellite navigation display) with the mid-spec Elite (the entry-level specification is known as Active), though curiously in this example the navigation system continually failed to work; something to keep an eye on, especially if considering a used example.

Premium also gains smart park assist and lane-departure warning system as standard, as well as a panoramic glass sunroof and electrically-folding mirrors. It’s another example of Hyundai adding value as standard, rather than following a keen entry price with expansive and expensive options listings.

Inside, the leather-appointed chairs are heated and ventilated for front passengers. They are also electrically-adjustable for driver and passenger.

Cup holders abound, in the centre console and rear centre arm rest, and there are front seat back pockets, which is something of a novelty in this day and age, as is the rear console cooling vents for the dual-zone climate control system.

The audio system only packs four speakers, though there are two tweeters as well as an external amplifier and woofer. Bluetooth phone and audio are simple connection propositions and auxiliary and USB inputs offer digital iPod capability. The system also plays MP3s.

While there is a lot of specification in the $45,590 (plus on-road costs) Hyundai i40 Premium CRDi, the fact remains that in practice, there’s a lot of not especially nice dark textured plastic inside, broken up by the occasional chrome-look trim fillet. If you’re the type that seeks tactility and quality, the i40 may not impress as much as a Volkswagen Passat... but that will come at a cost.

What the Hyundai will do is look after you post-sale. Through iCare the i40 offers a complimentary 1500km service and lifetime capped-price servicing. There’s also a five-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty and three years of free map updates for the navigation system.

Roadside assist is also complimentary for the first year of ownership, extended for up to 10 years with each capped-price dealer service. Nobody does aftersales better. Service intervals are placed at 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

The 15,000km fixed diesel service cost is $339, compared to $259 for the 2.0-litre petrol.

When considered against its other competition, the i40 is better equipped than the ubiquitous Camry for the money, though it does lack all-wheel drive and the slightly upmarket ambience of a Subaru Liberty. Finally, the Mazda6 has it licked for its all-round combination of styling, specification and drive experience.

2015 Hyundai i40 Premium CRDi pricing and specifications:
Price: $45,590 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 100kW/320Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 159g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP