the new i40

Ralph1 · **Reply #30: August 28, 2011, 01:46:05**

If they bought this model to OZ I would buy one, it's a nice looking wagon.

cheers

Ralph

Dazzler · **Reply #31: August 28, 2011, 02:39:39**

Quote from: Ralph1 on August 28, 2011, 01:46:05

If they bought this model to OZ I would buy one, it's a nice looking wagon.

cheers

Ralph

It should be here before Christmas

Ralph1 · **Reply #32: August 28, 2011, 02:41:31**

Good .....but bad!!!

Thinks about trading in the new i30 CW we just bought

cheers

Ralph

Dazzler · **Reply #33: August 28, 2011, 02:51:18**

Quote from: Ralph1 on August 28, 2011, 02:41:31

Good .....but bad!!!

Thinks about trading in the new i30 CW we just bought

We are in the same boat... Bought a new CW for the wife in January .. and our main car is only 18 months old wouldn't buy an i40 as our 2nd car but consider it as a replacement for our Hybrid in a couple of years ...

and Trish LOVES her CW ...

accim · **Reply #34: August 29, 2011, 20:33:57**

Quote from: Dazzler on August 28, 2011, 02:51:18

Quote from: Ralph1 on August 28, 2011, 02:41:31
Good .....but bad!!!

Thinks about trading in the new i30 CW we just bought

We are in the same boat... Bought a new CW for the wife in January .. and our main car is only 18 months old wouldn't buy an i40 as our 2nd car but consider it as a replacement for our Hybrid in a couple of years ... and Trish LOVES her CW ...

If I could I would also consider replacing my i30CW for i40CW

Definitively something to think or at least dream about in the future.

neoto · **Reply #35: August 30, 2011, 06:15:26**

I should rather not pay special attenton to i40cw... I just bought the i30cw

asathorny · **Reply #36: August 30, 2011, 10:39:09**

Quote from: Dazzler on June 28, 2011, 22:49:20

Quote from: Xamaxy on June 28, 2011, 19:12:30
If i got it right, i45 is for american market, and i40 is for european.

We are getting both.. The i45 is probably a bit big for the average European (you folks seem to prefer something a bit more compact...)

REALLY, have you seen the Range Rover, Audi Q7, Bentley and Mayback ????????? Those if us in Europe who can afford it, which lets me out, enjoy big and brash just like everyone else

Doggie 1 · **Reply #37: August 30, 2011, 10:57:10**

Quote from: asathorny on August 30, 2011, 10:39:09

Quote from: Dazzler on June 28, 2011, 22:49:20
Quote from: Xamaxy on June 28, 2011, 19:12:30
If i got it right, i45 is for american market, and i40 is for european.

We are getting both.. The i45 is probably a bit big for the average European (you folks seem to prefer something a bit more compact...)

REALLY, have you seen the Range Rover, Audi Q7, Bentley and Mayback ????????? Those if us in Europe who can afford it, which lets me out, enjoy big and brash just like everyone else

Range Rover, Audi Q7, Bentley & Maybach? They're micro cars in Australia! We're talking really big cars here.....

(Only joking

)

asathorny · **Reply #38: August 30, 2011, 13:29:02**

Quote from: db08 on August 30, 2011, 10:57:10

Quote from: asathorny on August 30, 2011, 10:39:09
Quote from: Dazzler on June 28, 2011, 22:49:20
Quote from: Xamaxy on June 28, 2011, 19:12:30
If i got it right, i45 is for american market, and i40 is for european.

We are getting both.. The i45 is probably a bit big for the average European (you folks seem to prefer something a bit more compact...)

REALLY, have you seen the Range Rover, Audi Q7, Bentley and Mayback ????????? Those if us in Europe who can afford it, which lets me out, enjoy big and brash just like everyone else

Range Rover, Audi Q7, Bentley & Maybach? They're micro cars in Australia! We're talking really big cars here..... (Only joking )

I can't think of a witty response just now, dam. So, well done, I'll get ya back for that one later

accim · **Reply #39: August 31, 2011, 20:35:39**

Ok, so let's get back to i40

Went today to our central Hyundai dealer and saw it there.. Yaaay

Great looking car. According to their words, they should start selling it next week. I'll probably go on a test drive on the 7th or 8th September, if I'll have the time. If not, then some other time in Sept. I just have to try it out. It really looks great in person.

I took two preview shots also

bumpkin · **Reply #40: August 31, 2011, 20:44:02**

Seems as good a place as any to post this then

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/271873/hyundai_i40_vs_rivals.html

Sent from my 1000et

accim · **Reply #41: August 31, 2011, 21:08:12**

Amazing result. Superb really is a great car, but it seems a bit "impotent" to me, comparing it to i40.

eye30 · **Reply #42: August 31, 2011, 23:08:25**

Local dealer has it as on sales from 8 September.

Price £18,350 to £25,895.

Diesels approx £2,000 more

Dazzler · **Reply #43: August 31, 2011, 23:20:44**

Will be interested to see what the price point is over here (expecting a range from about A$30,000 to A$40,000 on road)

I would like any one of those 3 cars...I reckon

accim · **Reply #44: September 01, 2011, 07:22:43**

There's just one thing that makes i40 quite attractive, but because of which it looses a bit on it's usability, and that is the rear window.

This is what I'm talking about.. The rear boot starts at point 1. and finishes at point 3. But if driving anything high, you have to consider, that going beyond point 2. towards no 3., you will face some space deficit.

For example.. Last week I was driving this drawer in my i30CW. It was around 160 cm long approx 80 cm wide and the hight was..pf don't remember now. But it just fitted inside the car (of course with back seats down) - between the front seats and the "point 3." If the i30CW would have had the rear window/door a bit more like i40's, then I wouldn't have been able to close the door and I would have to pay 50€ for transportation.

Okay, the i40 isn't meant to be a H1 van or a VW Transporter, nor is the i30CW, but it is nice when you can really use your wagon. I drive many things in my i30CW - for work and personal use (I transported almost 1/2 of my apartment in it) and I've saved many $$ on it. Roughly said, at least 2.500 EUR (approx AU$ 3.400) in past 2,5 years. I don't like the i40 any less now, it's just an observation and something, one should take into consideration before purchasing it. Big car/wagon doesn't always mean a lot of space. Don't get me wrong, we all know the car has a lot of space, and you can drive more things in it then in i30CW, but..

Here's the pic:

Doggie 1 · **Reply #45: September 01, 2011, 08:52:15**

Styling v Practicality.
I guess Hyundai do their homework for their target markets, but I understand what you're saying.

bumpkin · **Reply #46: September 01, 2011, 09:45:13**

Yep I can see what you are saying to accim, but with one caveat.

You say that in order to transport your furniture in the i30 you had to put the rear seats down, can I suggest that it would be the same in the i40, which would give you a rectangular load space from the front of the rear doors to approx point 2 in your diagram, I think that the extra space obtained by putting the rear seats down is more than if they had designed the rear door area in Volvo fashion??

Doggie 1 · **Reply #47: September 01, 2011, 10:31:33**

Just buy an i40 and an iMax

accim · **Reply #48: September 01, 2011, 13:23:38**

bumpkin: Of course, the drawer would have fitted in even easier. I'm just saying, that regarding the fact the car is larger, one would expect to fit in a drawer bigger size -> like 1,6 m or maybe 1,8 m. In that case, you might have some problems.

But a lot of new wagons are built like that and they look much better with that rear (including i40), so nothing special. As I've said, the car is still great in my eyes

accim · **Reply #49: October 18, 2011, 21:02:10**

Finally, I've driven the i40(CW) with max equipment (just didn't have automatic gearbox, it was manual 6-speed, which I like even more). The engine was 1.7 CRDi 136hp. I'll write more "comments" tomorrow. Let me just say that - all in all - the car is great and worth the price. Still, love the i30CW, no worries

Dazzler · **Reply #50: October 18, 2011, 21:09:07**

Who's a lucky boy then.. I am almost scared to see if they have a CRDi version available for a test drive

Look forward to your report accim

Even has front parking sensors by the look of it

Doubt that is part of our specs .. and we only get the manual box in the base model

beerman · **Reply #51: October 18, 2011, 23:42:37**

Saw one in the flesh driving past a Hyundai dealer yesterday.....Even nicer in person.

Will be interesting to see what happens with the new I30's. Surely they will need to work on the economy, can't have a bigger car coming close, can we?

Lucky I have mine until 2015 and can wait and see....

accim · **Reply #52: October 19, 2011, 18:05:56**

Okay, so impressions about the car..

Exterior:
To me, it looks great and it definitely is a "head-turner". Went to my gf's place to show the car to her dad and in a matter of few minutes, there were 6 people around the car, checking it, commenting.. Everybody loved it, but when it came to price..well..eyes were rolling. People are just not used to Hyundai being that "expensive", even though it costs much less then VW Passat with the same equipment. But I told them, that that exact i40, had all the equipment, leather,.., and the one with "normal" equipment and the same engine, costs much less.

Let me just write few things it has -> the roof, leather seats, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, electric seats, lane assist (if you fall asleep, it keeps the car in the right lane -> has sensors which "sense" that you are crossing the line and fix the direction - while you are sleeping, lol), self parking (parks itself, yes), 8 parking sensors (front and rear) and rear camera (when you put the gear in reverse, the camera turns "on" on the LCD display and the parking becomes much safer - there are also lines, which indicate what will your path be, when turning the steering wheel - really works), navigation system, premium audio system,..

Interior:
Feels great. When sitting inside, you just don't feel like driving much bigger car then i30CW. Well, you can feel that it is much longer, but the width feels about the same. The seats are great, so is the leather. You can fit yourself in and find a perfect position very quickly. It does feel a bit "crowded" inside (doesn't feel so spacy, regarding the fact it is a big car), but it's the same with all new vehicles. I hope you know what I mean.. When you turn off the engine, the seat goes back automatically, so you could get out of the car with less effort. And I must say, turning off the engine is necessary if you want to get out. When I left the car running, and tried to get out of the car, it was a "struggle". Eventually I did get out, of course, and back in, but it wasn't easy (but maybe it was just me, not setting the wheel at the right position and the seat at the right height,..). The seats are of course regulated by electric switches and you can "save" 2 positions (for example husband and wife). The materials are great, no rattling of course.. Just don't like that there is some "shiny" plastic on the dash, but okay, that's just me. One more thing, that puzzles me. Despite the fact, that front pillar (A-pillar) is very "low" - and one would expect - very annoying (visibility) when turning or driving through the curves, it isn't! The visibility is great! I guess the front windscreen is (probably) very wide or the pillars are located just at the right position (maybe a bit more to the back or smth) so it doesn't ruin the visibility. Our Volvo V40 has problems with visibility, so did the Renault Laguna, which we had before, and only because of those "lying" A-pillars. But not the i40. I think that is what the guys from VW were measuring in the new i30 (2012).....

Also love some little things like the little lights, where the "roof door handles are" and stuff like that. Didn't have much time to check it all..

Driving (engine, gearbox..):
Well, the 1.7 CRDi with 136hp, goes great. I would say it's like the 115hp CRDi engine in i30 - just feels right. And I must say that there isn't that much difference, between the performance of the two. The i40 goes better, but not not that much better (I would say +10%). Or maybe my expectations were just too high? Anyways, does the job just right. The 6-speed gearbox is really nice, no problems shifting it. Daylights (LED) turn off and the xenon lights turn on, when it's getting dark or if you drive into a tunnel

Handling:
Great! Love how you can feel the road and how it steers, drives quickly through the curves, handles at 200 km/h and so on (definitely better then i30

). But I guess, the tires and alloys (225/45/18) are also responsible (in a positive way) for having such an impression. Haven't driven i30 with 225/45/17 (I have 195/65/15 now), so maybe saying "better then i30", isn't the right comment..

I'll just say it drives nice and even goes over bumps and crappy roads without problems, despite the 18" alloys.

Final impressions:
What can I say.. Great! The one I've driven costs "a lot", but has "everything you need and more" + "extras" - the things you don't need. If I had been buying the i40, I would go for the one that has "everything you need and more", without the extras. I think it's a great product, has triple 5 year warranty, looks great, feels great, drives great.. It's something like Mazda 6, Toyota Avensis, Honda Accord.., and the price is also close to theirs. Great car Hyundai

As I've probably mentioned it before, it would probably be among the top 3 cars, if I had been buying the car of that price range, but I would probably go for some 4×4 in that case (SUV or a wagon with AWD), as that means a lot to me.. But, if it didn't....

Dazzler · **Reply #53: October 19, 2011, 22:11:46**

Accim, Your reviews are exceptional for a non-english speaking person...

Don't think some of those features are available over here...

If I get time I will have a look at their demo here today (Probably won't get time to drive it yet though)

rustynutz · **Reply #54: October 19, 2011, 23:49:52**

Great review, Accim...thankyou

Doggie 1 · **Reply #55: October 20, 2011, 01:04:19**

Excellent review. Thanks for that.

Dazzler · **Reply #56: October 20, 2011, 01:10:53**

Had other things to do this morning but dropped in for a quick look at the i40 at the local dealer (only have the base model Auto Petrol)

Will be able to have a drive on the weekend if I get time...Bad planning only had my phone with me but hopefully you'll get the idea.

Looks great in Silver (would love to see the top of the range in Silver or White with the moonroof .. in the flesh)

The back window seems more sloped in the flesh than in photos (can see what accim means about it compromising room in the back a little)

The 16" wheels on the base model make it look a bit undertyred

I was impressed with the seats more shape and a bit more padding than the i30 (look and feel a bit better han the i30 ones)

Plenty of equipment even in the base model. The interior feels really classy (even better than the i45 IMHO)

Nice small steering wheel looks and feels great..

Auto lights in the base model

Door accents are a nice touch..

Other nice touches are Stainless sill in boot area..

Much nicer Glossy finish on B pillar

Base model doesn't have Driving/Fog lights but blanks are glossy black and look quite smart..

Last thing for now is Gas strutts for bonnet

The overall impression that hit me was the feeling of solidity and everything is so neat under the bonnet. Doesn't look busy and the finish is spot on

accim · **Reply #57: October 20, 2011, 08:31:40**

Thanks for the comments and thanks for those pictures too

Few more things I remembered. The electrical parking brake. Interesting feature, never tried that before.. It was funny, when I "pulled it up" (pull the button, as you do when closing the windows), the parking brake engaged. But the "funny" thing was when I wanted to release it and it didn't

I pushed the button down (as when you are closing the windows) and it didn't want to release and up and down and up.. But then I remembered, that I should maybe press the brake pedal also and that worked

Also like the all 4 AUTO (up&down) windows and the fact they open/close quite fast.

Oh and yes, the car has the "hill-holder" (that comes even in "base equipment" here), some special ESP with VSM, a lot of airbags (2 front, side, curtains, knee airbags..), cornering lights (not xenon in base), fog lights (also in base)..

Agree on the 16" wheels (205/60/16). Definitely look too small. I think at least 215/50/17 is a must have, if not 225/45/18.

Can't wait for your comments on the petrol engine and AUTO. I've heard some good and not so good reviews about the 2.0 177hp petrol. To me, it looks like a fine engine..on paper, it also looks powerful enough (a lot of torque for a non-turbo engine - 213 Nm, reasonable top speed - 212 km/h and fine acceleration - 9,7 sec to 100 km/h.

Dazzler · **Reply #58: October 22, 2011, 05:38:35**

Well I had a drive this morning in the 2.0 Litre Auto i40 and the 1.8 Litre Elantra (will post about that separately a bit later)

A few Photos and then my thoughts ...

The electric park brake button that accim mentioned (I just pushed it down with my foot on the brake and then did the same again to turn it off) Trish would like that as I tend to pull the mechanical handbrake on too hard for her to release

While talking about the inside it just feels so classy even in the base model (here is the centre console) Tested the Audio just with FM radio sounds better than the i30 (and my hybrid)

(lots of Bass)

And here are the instruments (plenty of info there but a bit too much reflection .. the picture is a bit blurred as taken with one hand while I shielded from the sun with the other.. Most new Hyundais have the dials recessed well back to stop reflection..)

Even with these base 16" wheels with Hankook KinergyEco 60 Series tyres there is a bit of tyre roar (not as bad as the i30 but noisier than my Hybrid)

Looks good in the driveway but would go 17" alloys if bought one and sell these wheels on here...

Back looks great from this angle...

See that glossy blank they use in place of fog lights in base model and tread pattern on base tyres...

and lastly a closeup of the headlights (I like them)

Now here are my thoughts after a drive of the 2.0 GDi Petrol 135kw Auto today:-

Excellent seats and driving position, feels really solid and good forward and side vision.. Rear vision through the back window is woeful

(woulddefinitely add a reversingcamera if only got the base model)

Performance of this motor with the auto definitely down on the i45 or my Hybrid (think it is about a 1 second slower to 100kms than the Hybrid and it feels it) Auto was hunting a bit but James my Salesman M8 reckons it would learn your driving style after a while.

Ride and handling very good and really liked the feel in the steering (more responsive feel than the i30)
The brakes have a really nice powerful progressive feel too (better than the Elantra - see separate thread to come)

Halo auto locking set at 15kms by the look of it, indicators super quiet (could barely hear them clicking)

I've told the guys at the Hyundai Dealers NOT TO TELL ME when they have a 100kw, 330nm Manual Diesel available with70Litre fuel tank and 1400 KM cruising range .. Now that would be some car

rustynutz · **Reply #59: October 22, 2011, 10:01:48**

Nice little review, Daz........

One thing I couldn't hack are those "gay" tyres.....Who thought flowers on the side walls were a good idea?