Less is more

What we like:

Sleek looks

more refined than the i45 saloon

superbly equipped

practical nature

What we dislike:

Firm ride

dull steering

Singaporeans will still prefer saloons over wagons

Just like its exterior design, the i40’s interior design features the flowing lines and overlapping surfaces of Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design philosophy. The basic design of the dashboard is pretty similar to the i45’s but the i40 has been equipped with its own bespoke switchgear that cater more to European tastes. To turn on the headlamps for example, is not just a twist of the indicator stalk like in other Hyundai models but via a rotary knob on the right hand side of the dash.

Just like in the i45, the deep-set instruments are backlit in blue – the secondary dials (water temperature and fuel gauge) sit in the middle of the primary dials, giving the whole instrument panel an uncluttered feel and look. A multi-function screen that displays a wide range of info sits between the two main dials. Like in Volkswagen and Audi models, the minor switches throughout the driving environment are illuminated when the headlamps are switched on – it is small details like these that probably make Volkswagen’s top brass so bothered about Hyundai’s new offerings for Europe.

The driving position is comfortable and highly adjustable thanks to a wide variety of adjustments for the driver’s seat and the reach and rake adjustable steering column. The front seats are both electrically adjustable while storage spaces up front are plenty. With a shorter wheelbase than the i45, rear passengers have slightly less legroom in the i40 but it is still more than ample for the average sized adult to be seated very comfortably in the rear. Rear air con vents are a standard fit to cool those seated in the rear.

The practical boot is conveniently accessed by a wide opening, powered tailgate. With the rear seat backs up, the i40 offers 553 litres of trunk volume. Fold forward the rear seat backs and boot volume can be as much as 1719 litres. The boot area is not only well shaped with minimal wheel arch intrusions but very well thought out as well – there are additional storage spaces underneath the floor to store odds and ends while a floor rail load separator system, load securing net and load cover are standard.

The i40 is once again testament that the build quality and perceived luxury levels of Korean models are now right up there with the European cars. Other than the surfaces on the lower part of the dashboard and the instrument cluster top, the surfaces and materials in the cabin feel soft to the touch while the doors close with a reassuring thunk, yet another reason why the Europeans feel threatened by the Korean models.

The i40 is lavishly equipped with standard kit and luxuries like a factory fitted stereo with steering mounted controls, electrical adjustments for both front seats, trip computer, leather, keyless operation, cruise control, auto headlamps, rain sensor, self-dimming rear view mirror, electric parking brake, 18-inch alloys, HID headlamps, powered tailgate and so on.

With Europeans placing safety high on their list, Hyundai has suitably equipped the 140 with a plethora of airbags including one for the driver’s knee while active safety kit include ESP and the obligatory ABS. The i40’s five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating is proof that the Koreans have matched the European brands when it comes to safety as well.

The i40 wagon is more stylish, more practical, more refined, handles better and better equipped than its i45 saloon stable mate – it is quite possibly Hyundai’s most convincing and all-rounded model to date. It’s just a pity that Singaporean car buyers don’t usually embrace estate cars. With Hyundai models like the i40, European car makers certainly need to up their ante to keep themselves ahead in the game or the Koreans might just pounce on them at their own game.

Credits: Story and Photos by Mark Yeo