What happens when you design a car in Germany, install a brand new (the new Hyundai engine is called ‘NU’) engine inside, use the best of materials in the cabin, add a lot of safety features and give it a 5–year warranty? You get a class leading executive sedan called the i40. Yes, even before we dwell into the test drive review of this all new Hyundai sedan, we are ready to share with you our conclusion. Hyundai has done a very good job with the sedan (there is also a stationwagon version called the i40 Tourer).
Take a walk around the i40 and you will see the signature Hyundai Fluidic design elements used with success on all corners and along the sides. The i40 does not share with you its actual size when you stand back and look at it, but when you get inside you realize how spacious the sedan really is.
Step inside the cabin and the mix of high quality leather, metal and plastic will impress you from the dashboard to the rear deck. Classy interior design is exemplified with great build quality. There is a colour creen for your multimedia needs hooked up to a 6-speaker system. Apple and other multimedia products work easily with this system and Bluetooth connectivity is available. (pictures taken with NOKIA LUMIA 1520 Camera Phone; take amazing photos with its 20 MP PureView camera).
The front seats are electronically adjustable to get the best comfort. Memory function technology will remember the ideal seating position of the driver. A comfortable 10-way electric powered leather seat is ready for you and your front passenger. The other seats in the cabin offer ultimate comfort for 3 adults in the rear. The boot space is large enough for the golfing run with the buddies. The driver and passengers of the i40 will be protected by 9 airbags that comes as standard. This alone sets the i40 above the competition.
The 2.0-liter GDI engine drives and handles well on all surfaces. The GDI engine provides plenty of midrange pull and top end highway power. There is sufficient pace in the lower gears, but it’s once you get out of first gear that the true power of this new engine comes to life. From second gear on, this GDI produces a high torque rate up to 214Nm that translates to impressive midrange acceleration and added to this is a smooth gear to gear transition. There is plenty of power on tap for that high speed run where available.
The 6-Speed gearbox moves through the gears smoothly and allows for minimal loss of power. “Sport” mode is available, separated by longer stints in the gears, and higher on road performance. Manual gear changing is available through the use of paddle shifts which induce more fun from this executive/family sedan. Cruise control is easily activated through steering wheel controls and works pleasantly enough. The car sticks to the road when cornering (under high speeds) perfectly with only the limits of the tires holding you back. The engine purrs with a pleasant grunt of power. A nice engine growl emits from the engine through to the cabin as you travel in the lower gears. Pick up the pace and the noise becomes sweeter.
Yes, the i40 sits right between the Elantra and Sonata sedans. So, many of you might say, hmmmm….. the pricing of these 3 popular Hyundai models sit too close to each other and when you walk into a showroom, the 3 cars look almost similar and just stand apart with minor design tweaks. However, Hyundai knows that car buyers today can be so picky and this is why they want to ensure showrooms visitos drive away a new Hyundai as there will be one for every taste and need. Hyundai offers a strong 5 year warranty on all its vehicles in Malaysia.
Hyundai i40 SEDAN Specifications
Engine: Inline-4, DOHC, 16V, Dual CVVT, Gasoline Direct Injection
Capacity: 1999cc
Transmission: 6-speed auto, FWD
Max Power: 178PS @ 6,500rpm
Max Torque: 214Nm @ 4,700rpm
Price: RM155,565.50
