Hyundai i40 updated for 2015

Hyundai's mid-sized i40 sedan and wagon models have been tweaked and refined for the new model year.

A light facelift signals the inclusion of a reversing camera as standard, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission coupled to the 1.7-litre diesel engine, and new suspension settings calibrated locally by Hyundai's in-house engineers.

The new model can be picked from its predecessor by restyled front bumper, a new grille design and a combination of projector-beam headlights with new style LED daytime running lights and revised tail lights. Additionally, the alloy wheels measuring 16-inch (Active) and 17-inch (Premium) diameter have been redesigned.

Added equipment for the update model comprises a reversing camera as standard across the range, plus a new 4.3-inch touch screen for the infotainment system. The previous analogue connectivity for iPod is now digital. In the rear armrest there's an extra storage receptacle.

Both the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and the 32-bit processor for the electrically-assisted steering are new for the i40 and have already been seen in the Series II update of the company's Veloster sports hatch.

Of the two new features, it's the revised steering that complements the suspension, which has been especially tuned for the Australian driving environment. Hyundai's local engineering team tested 30 separate suspension configurations to achieve the optimal result across a wide range of conditions and in computer modelling.

"We eventually settled on a combination which used a smaller front stabiliser bar to help deliver better road feedback and steering feel," said Hyundai Australia's General Manager Product Engineering, Hee Loong Wong.

"At the same time we were able to improve the ride of both Sedan and Tourer i40 Series II variants over undulating surfaces and handling on challenging surfaces, including those with mid-corner bumps."

Other technical changes include the direct-injected petrol engine's improved fuel economy. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder is now rated at 121kW and 203Nm, which is lower than before (131kW and 214Nm), but with the compensation of 7.5L/100km – a three per cent fuel consumption saving.

Hyundai has dropped the petrol engine option in the sedan, leaving it exclusively available in the Tourer (wagon) variants – mated to the six-speed automatic transmission carried over from the previous model.

Diesel variants of the i40 feature a new seven-speed unit that is claimed to deliver better fuel economy (down to 5.1L/100km from 5.6) and improved performance, with the 1.7-litre diesel now developing 104kW and 340Nm (from 100kW/320N before).

Standard safety items for all models include nine airbags, stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Management.

The entry-level i40 Active variants come equipped with 16-inch alloys, full-size spare, auto-on/off headlights, emergency stop signal, Hill Start Assist, front/rear parking sensors with acoustic guidance, reversing camera and keyless entry.

Other comfort and convenience features fitted are: 4.3-inch infotainment touch screen, six-speaker MP3-compatible audio with media storage, Bluetooth with audio streaming, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, electronic parking brake, electric windows (driver's auto-up/down), heated exterior mirrors, height-adjustable driver's seat, premium gear knob/steering wheel rim, shift paddles, reach/rake steering column adjustment, trip computer, cloth upholstery, manual air conditioning and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

Topping the range is the i40 Premium replete with 17-inch alloys, LED front fog lights, seven-inch touch screen, satellite navigation, seven-speaker audio, dual-zone climate control, electrochromatic mirror, electrically-adjusted driver's seats, heated front seats, Lane Keeping Assist, one-touch electric windows, panoramic glass sunroof, keyless entry/start, rain-sensing wipers, intelligent parking system, privacy glass, colour LCD in instrument binnacle, alloy pedals, upgraded interior trim (alloy-look/brushed aluminium), luggage net, leather upholstery and hands-free electric tailgate.

Hyundai has simplified the i40 model range with the introduction of the updated model. Gone is the mid-range Elite level, and prices have been adjusted to suit, with i40 Active coming down $1500 in price, and i40 Premium dropping by $3600.