Hyundai i40 Tourer estate (2011 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

First previewed by the Genus concept car at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006, the Hyundai i40 Tourer continues the ‘fluidic’ design style first seen in the makeup of the Hyundai ix35 4×4. It is designed and built in Europe and looks contemporary and sleek. Daytime running lights feature across the range and help make it stand out in the car park.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

While Hyundai’s interiors were once blighted by cheap and nasty plastic, the i40’s cabin can stand toe to toe with the quality of the Ford Mondeo Estate, Peugeot 508 SW and Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer. There are some surprising features for the class, including a heated steering wheel and cooling ventilated seats with the optional Comfort Pack. Premium models get an enhanced instrument cluster with attractive colour displays for the trip computer and vehicle information. The top model also gets leather upholstery and a one-touch operation panoramic sunroof. We particularly liked the opening cubby at the base of the centre console, which is big enough to plug in, store and conceal your portable music player or phone.

Our rating: 4

3. Practicality

Despite appearing fairly compact from the outside, the i40 has best-in-class space for front seat occupants. The boot is similarly expansive, with 533-litres in normal use and 1,719 with the rear seats folded down. There are some well thought out touches too, with room for a laptop and other valuables in spaces under the boot floor. Style and Premium models are equipped with useful front and rear parking sensors, while a rear parking camera and auto-pilot parking are available with the optional Assist pack.

Our rating: 4

4. Ride and handling

We were happy to hear the i40 has been tested in the UK and specifically tuned for our uniquely British roads. The result is that Hyundai’s engineers have fitted i40s bound for our shores with softer suspension than cars sold in Western Europe, where the tarmac is generally much smoother. Pot holes are soaked up without jarring occupants and poor road surfaces rarely vibrate through the cabin. It’s not as involving to drive as a BMW 3 Series Touring, or even a Mondeo Estate, but it’s much more relaxed.

Our rating: 3

5. Performance

With 113 or 134bhp the 1.7-litre CRDi i40 Tourer is a little down on power compared with its rivals – the diesel Mondeo Estate having between 115 and 200bhp, while the Passat Estate has as much as 170bhp. The lower powered version does struggle in some situations, reducing confidence in overtaking. With 240lb/ft of pulling power the 134bhp diesel feels significantly more willing. A 1.6-litre GDi petrol with 133bhp and a 2-litre with 175bhp are also available. We tested the smaller petrol unit and found its need for higher revs less suited to the nature of the i40 Tourer than either diesel engine.

Our rating: 3

6. Running costs

Low emission and fuel consumption versions are badged Blue Drive and feature low rolling resistance tyres, improved aerodynamics and stop and start. The 113bhp Blue Drive diesel emits 113g/km of CO2 and manages 65.7mpg, while the 134bhp Blue Drive model isn’t much higher with 119g/km and 62.8mpg. Without Blue Drive this figure goes up to 134g/km. The petrol engines emit 140g/km and 169g/km.

Our rating: 5

7. Reliability

Hyundai is gaining an excellent reputation for both owner satisfaction and reliability, gaining a score of 83 per cent for brand satisfaction from customers in a 2011 survey by Which? Car. The recent Hyundai ix35 was also named most reliable 4×4, with a score of 95 per cent. The i40 Tourer comes with a five year/unlimited mileage triple care warranty, which includes road side assistance and car health checks.

Our rating: 5

8. Safety

Every i40 Tourer is fitted with anti-lock brakes, an electronic stability programme, hill assist and seven airbags. A lane departure system is available with the optional Assist Pack, which automatically steers the car if it wanders out of its lane.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

Standard features with the Active trim level include 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth with voice recognition, leather steering wheel, heated door mirrors, electric windows and an electric parking brake with auto hold. Style trim adds touch-screen sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and dual-zone climate control. Premium i40s get leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and supervision instruments. Three optional packs are available; Vision, Comfort and Assist.

Our rating: 5

10. Why buy?

The Hyundai i40 Tourer is a smart and reliable estate, with high equipment levels and a comfortable ride. Hyundai expects a high proportion of business buyers, but there’s no reason private customers shouldn’t fall for the i40’s charms as well.

Our rating: 4