Hyundai i40 Test and Review

Hyundai intends to continue to develop positive perceptions of the brand in Europe: the key to continuing this process, already in motion Having become in the past and been consolidated in 2010 with successful products such as ix35 and ix20, is represented by the dynamic i40 - presented in March 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show. The dynamic i40 boasts genuine European identity, as developed in the Hyundai R & D Center in Rüsselsheim (Germany), however, is the latest result of the new Hyundai brand positioning "New Thinking. New Possibilities ". 4.77 meter long wagon version will be distributed in 12 different colors - including metallics and pastels. In the near future also will be joined by a sedan version (its world premiere at the Barcelona Motor Show last May), on sale since the end of this year. Like other Hyundai sold in Italy, both have the "Triple 5" with Unlimited Mileage (5-Year Warranty, 5 Years and 5 Years of Roadside Assistance free control), a "package" that only Hyundai is able to offer on the market. Moreover, the company believes so much in the superior quality of its cars to allow, if unsatisfied, return within one month from purchase their new car and be reimbursed at 100% - thanks to the revolutionary process "Commitment Hyundai."

New Thinking. New Possibilities. 

"The i40 perfectly expresses what we intended to communicate with our new slogan" New Thinking. New Possibilities ". Explicit Hyundai's growth in the recent past and the area where we intend to position ourselves in the future - both in terms of product and brand, "said Allan Rushforth, Vice President and COO (Chief Operating Officer) of Hyundai Motor Europe. "We can say that the i40 is the most significant in recent years - but not only for Hyundai. We have serious ambitions for this car, even in a highly competitive industry such as the "D segment". We have given priority to the estate, as this configuration is more than 50% of segment sales, we want to transmit immediately an important signal to the fans and the market " Rushforth said.

According to company estimates, the D-segment in Europe will grow by 12.6% in total over the next five years, industry analysts expect a sales volume of approximately 890,000 units at a continental level by 2016. The ambitious goal it has set it to Hyundai i40 to 60,000 sold in 2012, contending rivals for a place in the "Top 5" absolute segment.

"I40 combines the four elements have become core values ​​in the world now Hyundai: practicality, performance, efficiency and style. Designers and engineers have created a car that embodies what we really look for the European fans in a "D segment". I40 and will provide the momentum necessary to achieve the goals we set for Europe - in 2011 and beyond, " concluded Rushforth.The two versions of i40 (hatchback and sedan) are both made at the plant in Ulsan Hyundai (Republic of Korea).

The new Hyundai excited at first sight

Traces of the original design of the i40 is already found in the Genus concept car (introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006). At that time, Hyundai Genus been expressing the vision of a unique D-segment sedan destined to the old continent, from the practical and emotional design. Genus helped to create the new corporate identity, leading to the debut of the hexagonal grid Front, which later became the "hallmark" of the new Hyundai for the European market.

"Continuing to develop the Genus concept, an idea we have come to mature represented by i40, which for us is the true European car," says Thomas Buerkle, head of Design at the European R & D Centre of the House.

"The design of this car represents the latest evolution of new, original design language of the Hyundai" Fluid Sculpture ", which gives this sedan a fascinating and original style, with no compromise in terms of comfort and load capacity. While the look is characterized by external flowing lines and specific graphic elements, the interior design has been "carved" - with the stated aim of integrating ergonomics of each function, " concluded Buerkle. The gritty style is also found within the car, which has a wheelbase of 2.77 meters. In fact, i40 sets new record category for the space reserved for heads of occupants of front seats (1025 mm), shoulder (1455mm) and legs (1,170 mm) of the passengers. Are just numbers to witness how the i40 is present as the most comfortable car segment D. Thanks also to the width of 1815 mm, the space is very high and it allows everyone to spend more pleasant time on board. In addition, i40 offers serenity for all occupants on board (even for long stretches) thanks to the exclusive rear seat adjustable in inclination.

Even in terms of load capacity the i40 boasts class-leading numbers, ranging from 553 liters (when the rear seats are occupied and the baggage loaded up to the height of the headrest) up to 1719 liters well - when the rear seats are killed. For underline the threshold load, the lower segment of the D and E only 592mm from the floor (more than 4 cm of the VW Passat). A convenient handle allows you to recline in an instant the rear seat backrest (60/40). Significantly more streamlined than any previous coach house, the i40 is Hyundai with a drag coefficient of the best ever (Cd 0.29) for better performance and lower power consumption.

With i40, Hyundai aims to grow in company fleets

The new i40 will recite a strategic role in raising Hyundai's presence in the competitive market for corporate fleets in Europe, thanks to the perfect blend of driving pleasure and efficiency, the exclusive service "Triple 5 "and an advantageous cost of ownership (TCO). It provides that at least 50% of the 60,000 i40 planned for 2012 can be deployed in the fleet segment. For this Hyundai has paid particular attention to the TCO, where i40 stands out among a thousand others. In fact, if we assume the typical three year life cycle of a car, the i40 is the TCO between 9% and 13% lower than that of rivals such as the absolute thickness of the Toyota Avensis and VW Passat, and this means saving up to 900 € per year ...

One of the key factors in calculating the TCO of the i40 is the residual value. The independent agency provides for the German DAT i40 - after three years of life and 90,000 km - a residual value equal to as much as 43.2% of the purchase price. Data in hand, the i40 fits well ahead of direct competitors like the Ford Mondeo (41.3%) and Insignia (41.4%), confirming the most credible rival Volkswagen Passat (43.4%). Results of absolute value that is confirmed in Austria, where EurotaxGlass i40 inserts directly to the top of its class, with 36% of the purchase price, before all the best competitors - Insignia, Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6 ( all 35%) and the Citroen C5 (31%).

In Eaurope, i40 also have the "Triple 5" with unlimited mileage (5-Year Warranty, 5 Years and 5 Years of Roadside Assistance free control) a "package" unique on the market as well as help to reduce TCO, demonstrates both the confidence that puts the House in the production quality of their cars that the company's desire to play a leading role also in the "Customer Satisfaction".

Hyundai intends to enter the national fleet is also effective in the market and for meeting these objectives, developed a network of "Fleet Business Centers", constantly expanding. These structures, increasingly present in areas with higher density and commercial automobile, which will have the task of ensuring locally based service that customers expect from a "respectable brand" as is Hyundai, as popular recently as a true European Manufacturer . New showrooms identity and customer care "Top Class" will allow everyone to live a new, positive experience Hyundai.

Standard equipment Hi-Tech

present a lavish standard on the i40 (hatchback) will be one of the factors that lead to success - both among private clients including corporate ones. Very complete equipment already on the Classic version with many elements that competitors on the same segment, are usually inserted only as an option.

The many features Hi-Tech adopted the new Hyundai include the parking aid (Smart Parking Assist-) and the device that helps the driver keep in proper lane (Lane-Keeping Assist System), as well as Bluetooth connectivity ® with voice recognition and complete maps (European) navigation. But there is also a rear camera that is activated when reverse gear engaged.

In terms of comfort and convenience, all i40 are fitted with electronic parking brake, switch off the ignition and lights, electric windows front and rear, front and rear heated seats, ventilated front seats, heated and reclining rear seat back . In segment D, heated steering wheel (up to 38 °), the system automatically fog the glass front and rear seats reclining (at 26 or 31 degrees) are the exclusive property of the i40. Even the headlights show off innovations, such as daytime running lights always on (standard on all versions), in conjunction with Xenon headlights (standard on Style) or to-read instrumentation, on board computer and an LCD display (Supervision cluster), standard on all versions: none was left to chance this car to hoist the European top class and make the flagship Hyundai i40 and the D-segment in Europe.

For example, the "entry-version" for Europe, in preparation Classic and six-speed manual transmission (1.6 petrol engine with either GDI engine with a 1.7 CRDi diesel engine from 115 hp), has a budget of really complete, which ranges from 9 airbags with ABS + EBD, TCS, ESP, alloy wheels 16 ", manual air conditioning, HAC (Hill Start Assist), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), central locking with remote control, fog projection with directional lighting, front fog lamps, active front headrests, USB + AUX jack, adjustable steering wheel height and depth, built-in CD + MP3 audio system with steering wheel controls, adjustable exterior mirror, electrically heated and matching the color of the car. The "cruise control" is rather standard on the Comfort and Style.

Standard on Style, Xenon headlights high intensity discharge (HID), they also become self-adaptive to the path if you opt for the package "Exclusive", which also includes the useful Lane Assist and Smart Parking System.

The large panoramic glass roof (with anti-UV) is available as an option in setting style. Made in two parts, covers virtually the entire surface of the air vehicle, with the first half of which rises and flows, while the back remains fixed. But, to enhance the interior with light, you can even move at will down the fine top, without opening the hood ...

The IMS system stores the ideal position of the driver's seat - even for two people. Once parked in the i40, it appreciates a little surprise, the steering wheel raises and lowers the seat first and then flows back nicely to facilitate the descent (or ascent) of the driver.

Hyundai engineers have also thought about how to improve the quality of life on the coldest days, with four different options. In fact, heated seats feature a modern and exclusive eco-friendly technology (anti-bacterial coating) that protects against infrared rays, which can in just three minutes to lower the temperature of 3 ° C well - in addition to reducing the moisture content of 30% in just more than a quarter of an hour.

Two petrol engines and two diesel engines, 115 to 177 hp

The new i40 will be launched in Europe with four Euro 5 engines, two petrol and two diesel engines, to give everybody an extensive range and competitive. Latest-generation engines from 115 to 177 horses, according to the prospects of the House, will cover 97% of the needs of lovers of diesel and 80% of the needs of those who prefer a petrol engine. Petrol and diesel are, all four new engines have strong torque that extends along the entire span of delivery, to make the i40 is fun to drive in town and motorway driving. The 6-speed manual transmission is standard, also in conjunction with two engines 1.7 CRDi 136 bhp and 177 bhp 2.0 petrol with GDI you can also opt for a modern automatic transmission and a sequential 6-speed (Comfort and Style versions).

In a segment where diesels represent about 77% of sales, Hyundai believes that the new engine "U-II" 1.7-liter CRDi, diesel 136 bhp, the engine will soon be more popular - both among customers and between private the companies. The high maximum torque (325 Nm from just 2000 r / min) ensures a degree of determination and a remarkable sweetness of operation, confirmed by an acceleration 0-100 km / h in just 10.6 seconds (which became the model 12 with automatic transmission and 12.9 seconds on version 1.7 CRDi 115 hp). It is expected that fans will opt instead of gasoline engines for the most part for the new 2.0-liter engine 'Nu' GDI, made entirely of aluminum. Debuts on the i40, raising levels of excellence torque values ​​(for better driveability), consumption and low emissions, as well as exceptional reliability and excellent sound insulation (NVH. Harness Vehicle Noise) - with similar levels to those achieved by multipoint injection units.

Direct injection 1999cc engine, the 2.0 GDI delivers 177 horses well and reached 213 Nm of torque, putting the D-segment i40 at the top - both in performance and limitation of consumption. If equipped with manual 6-speed, from standstill to 100 km / h in just 9.7 seconds, fuel consumption records of only 7.2 l/100 km (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions raised to 169 g / km . The range i40 to Europe is complete with 16-valve 1.6 petrol engine 'Range' with 135 hp, which allows the car to a standstill the 100km / h in 11.6 seconds. Environmental Compatibility In terms of sustainability, the new i40 will be equipped with all the latest technologies developed under the program "Blue Drive ™", including the device "Stop & Go" (ISG), tires with reduced rolling resistance, the innovative management of the alternator (AMS) and a front spoiler lip placed directly in front of the hexagonal grid. 1.7 CRDi diesel engine on the 115 hp version of "Blue Drive ™" reduces fuel consumption to just 4.3 l/100 km with CO2 emissions that come to mark the data records of 113 g / km, making i40 the most environmentally friendly model of the segment D. In Italy, the version with ISG is coupled only to the 16 "wheels.

Always want Hyundai to launch new avenues for the automotive industry in environmental sustainability; i40 demonstrates once again the commitment to develop innovative models that fit the top of its category in terms of ecology, combined with the performance. There is a strong torque available to the driver at low and medium engine speeds, a high drivability and driving pleasure. Moreover, in Europe, Hyundai expects sales ratio 65/35 between the petrol and diesel versions, with in particular the 50% of the i40, which should be preferred by customers and private enterprise in version 1.7 CRDi 136 bhp - a report that Italy could further rise to over two-thirds of the total.

6-speed manual transmission and automatic transmission / sequential 6-speed

The i40 comes standard in Europe with a 6-speed manual transmission. Lighter and more robust than the versions already known from the market, has a sync Multicon which increases efficiency and reduces internal friction, the length exceeds 300 thousand kilometers in fact, quietly. The transmission, viscous oil with low density, is completely free from any maintenance, and internal reports (from 0.744 to 0,633:1 - depending on model) have been specially developed to contain emissions, reduce fuel consumption and maintain a rpm at low speed and constant "code" street and highway, European.

Made in the European R & D Center of Hyundai Motor Group, the new automatic transmission / sequential 6-speed that equips (on request), the i40 is a real technical firstfruits. In fact, the driver can choose between two different types of use, automatic or 'Sport'. In cities, the traditional automatic setup is perhaps the best choice, while the sequential gearbox allows you to engage in sports driving (and without using the clutch) and with the traditional gear lever rather that exploiting practices "palette" located behind the steering - that allow you to change gear while keeping the steering wheel firmly. With the lever on the right, salt march, while one on the left scale. If you opt for the mode 'Sports', the gear shift is further faster.

Although the transmission already has a torque converter automatic, this version takes another drive exclusively 'flat' that speeds change, and simplify every clutch at any RPM. Of note how, when the i40 has been stalled for more than a few seconds, the innovative 'Neutral Control' ports the transmission in "neutral", helping to reduce consumption (especially in cities).

The entire structure, which is perhaps the automatic / sequential available in the world today, more compact, weighs only 78 pounds - just 20 more than those of a conventional manual gearbox. 54 mm shorter and 12 pounds lighter than a 5-speed automatic transmission, can reduce consumption by up to 12%. As the "big brother" manual, is exempt from all regular maintenance. In addition, the i40 with automatic transmission offered in Italy (1.7 CRDi 136 hp and 177 hp 2.0 GDi) have compiled the indicator 'Active Eco System', which helps to reduce consumption.

Agile and handy, always well balanced

Hyundai engineers who developed the chassis defied conventions in order to achieve a robust structure that could accommodate a long-wheelbase vehicle steering strong a very direct, to achieve excellent driving dynamics and stability both in the mixed quickly, and especially build quality at least equal to that of the more famous competitors. From this perspective has been developed the new electric power steering, which strengthens the steering speed increases, requiring just 2.88 turns lock to lock for a full tour, with a turning circle of less than 11 total yards (radius 5.47) . Precise, direct light both maneuver in city driving, goes perfectly with the i40 - Sending an immediate feeling of the driver. The compact front suspension with MacPherson struts have a structure capable of absorbing any bumps and keep high on-board comfort. Later, i40 adopts a multi-link independent suspension with coil springs and shock absorbers positioned separately to successfully mitigate all obstacles, while maintaining high space (rear) available to the occupants. The noise of the vehicle (NVH) is further contained by connecting both the suspension (front and rear) to an independent structure, and even the sound-absorbing rubber coatings are able to effectively isolate the interior from the resonances and the noise from the road surface.

Every i40 Classic distributed in Europe adopts a braking system with four disc brakes (vented front), supported by ESC, ABS, EBD and BAS (Brake Assist System). Larger brake discs (320mm front and 300mm rear) are present on the Comfort versions (with 17-inch alloy wheels) and Style (18 ").

More rigid structure for excellent smooth running

The heart of the excellent dynamic behavior of the i40 is given by the new chassis, built on a totally new platform. Hyundai engineers have made ​​extensive use of ultra-resistant steel, for high strength and superb structural strength, even better than that of qualified competition. Hyundai has in fact meant preserving the occupants from any vibration - is that it came from outside or inside the car. Compared to the previous "D segment" of the House (Hyundai Sonica), torsional rigidity has been increased by 109% and the flexural strength was improved by 19%: these results that exceed emblazoned rivals such as the Passat and Avensis. If you calculate the structural efficiency (directly related to the total weight), the i40 is more efficient than the first 27% of rivals. These results have allowed engineers to hold at record levels driving noise (NVH), for which they have developed other innovative solutions.

On this car in fact, the noise of the car (especially in data collected from the outside) is greatly improved by the adoption of "mutual Holography" (which made it possible to view the actual reduction of noise at a given frequency) and of 'innovative diagnostic algorithm Adna (Advanced Diagnostic Network Algorithm) to classify the specific sources of noise. The equipment includes mats taken so permeable, absorbing coatings inside the engine hood and wheel effective textile material, to absorb any noise from engine, road and tailpipe. It 'was thus achieved a significant 20% decrease compared to the noise in the cockpit of the category, and a consequent reduction in perceived external noise when, for example, you stop at traffic lights in neutral with the engine running.

In practice, every purchaser of the diesel i40 will benefit from this "package" NVH, enjoying a more peaceful - especially important for corporate clients, increased to cover long distances daily driving.

New Technologies for Security "Enable" and "Passive" for safer driving

The i40 adopts the latest security technologies "active" and "passive" to ensure maximum occupant protection. Standard in many continental countries, there will be so ESP, ABS (antilock brakes), HAC (Hill Start Assist), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management, which manages the stability of the vehicle), distributor of braking (Brake Assist System) in addition to 'ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) connected to the "four arrows". I40 debuts on new technologies but also many other "active", specially developed by Hyundai to raise the level of safety of the car. For example, the VSM, included in the total ESP (standard on the cars distributed in Italy), helps keep the vehicle stable even when the driver uses too much (or too little ...) the steering wheel during cornering or abrupt steering. Or the ESS, which triggers a rapid flashing of the "four arrows" when you make a (sharp) emergency braking. On the Style version, the refined "Exclusive Pack" includes, in addition to self-adaptive headlights to the path, Lane Keeping Assist System also (which warns of the involuntary passing of the road, the car automatically report to the center), and Smart Parking Assist System (ESAF), a true "intelligent assistant" that automatically i40 driver inside (and outside) the chosen area to park. Just find a space that is about a meter wide, the i40 and the car will become as simple as drinking a glass of water ...

Moreover, in setting the Style series of i40 has rear view camera with wide angle lens, which sends the screen 7 "LCD wide view (130 °) of the area behind, to help reverse or any other operation (this option also in package "Advanced Pack" on i40 Comfort). In terms of passive safety for strategic choice of Hyundai Motor Company Italy, every i40 distributed in our country will be equipped with nine airbags - front, side, drop down, side and rear one dedicated to the driver's knees. Moreover, thanks to new, robust technology platform specifically developed, the company has continued its "streak" of "5 stars" security (in fact, already obtained by the last four new Hyundai i30, i20, ix35 and ix20). In fact, in late August also the i40 has achieved the best result, "5 Stars", in tests conducted by the authoritative independent institution Euro NCAP.

Prices

Start from 23,490 euros is for the Classic 1.6 GDI and 24,990 euros for the 1.7 CRDi 115 hp. It rises to 26,200 euros for the 2.0 GDi Comfort, 26,700 euros for Comfort CRDi 115 bhp and 27,600 euros for the 136 bhp CRDi Comfort. You get to 29,700 euros for the Style 2.0 GDI and 31,100 euros for the Style 1.7 CRDi 136 hp.