HYUNDAI: The best one yet

WE convinced Hyundai to liberate one of its new i40 Tourers for an extended loan and straight away, we like what we see.

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.

We saw the fuel number dip into the fives on the freeway - something you won’t see in the Sportwagon, might see in the Skoda.

And it has a 70 litre tank which gives a theoretical range of nearly 1500km.

That’s a mighty sore bum - or not - because the seats inside the Premium i40 are comfy, well shaped and multi-adjustable.

The vehicle itself offers plenty of room for five and a large load space expandable with folded rear seats.

SAFETY

With nine airbags, stability control and a host of other safety kit it’s hardly surprising that the i40 Tourer gets a five star crash rating. But there’s other handy safety stuff like the reverse camera built into the rear view mirror, front and rear park sensors, see around corner lights and bixenon headlights to name just a few.

DESIGN

Though following the current Hyundai design language, the i40 has a distinct European flavour thanks in part to being designed in Germany. It is a handsome looking car from all angles and definitely stands out in a crowd - inside and out.

UNDER THE BONNET.

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 an 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.

ON THE ROAD

Handing and ride are comfortable and controlled, good brakes, slightly remote feel to the steering.

It has minimal noise intrusion and offers strong mid-range acceleration.

GOODIES

This model scores the whole kit and caboodle.

Premium diesel, most expensive model in range and sells from $46,490.

You’re money buys you premium audio, dual zone aircon, and a speed limiter.

There’s also leather, full size alloy spare.

Multi-media connectivity, Bluetooth phone and audio, panoramic sunroof, electric park brake and comprehensive trip computer.

VERDICT

There’s little room for criticism that we can see with this car. It’s the best Hyundai yet.

 

Courtesy of News Community Media