Stunning New Hyundai i40 Debuts in Europe Today
As part of the automaker’s global vision to debut 22 new models and redesigns by 2017, Hyundai debuted four exciting vehicles today at its 2014 Product Momentum Show, which was broadcast live at new.livestream.com/HyundaiEurope: the Hyundai i20 Coupe, Hyundai i30, the Hyundai i30 Turbo, and the Hyundai i40.
Of the four new models, the redesigned Hyundai i40 debut is quickly becoming the most overlooked (due primarily to excitement for the Turbo-version i30 and three-door i20), which is a shame considering how impressive the improvements are.
Hyundai i40 Debut Is Worth a Second Look
If you’re familiar with the Hyundai Sonata, you’ve essentially been introduced to the i40 already. Both are built from the same platform and both suffer from the same bland, conservative family car syndrome.
That’s why today’s renovations to the i40 Tourer and Saloon are so important. It’s the most exciting news for the i40 since its 2011 debut as a flagship for Hyundai.
While the replaced hexagonal grille, light clusters, alloy wheels, and LED foglamps imitate other models Hyundai revealed today, the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission stands above the pack. When paired with the renovated 1.7-liter CRDi diesel engine, already popular in other Hyundai models, the i40’s power and torque output jump forward. At the same time, the fuel consumption and emissions fall back, resulting in much better fuel economy rates.
Apart from improved ride/handling and a distinctive visual profile, the Hyundai i40 debut announced engine options which now include two Euro6-complaint diesel units with 113 or 139 horsepower–far better than what had been offered.
Drivers also have their share of new operation and safety tech, from a Rear Electronic Damping Control System and Advanced Traction Cornering Control to Integrated Stop & Go and a Smart High Beam system. Many of these features already launched successfully on the Hyundai Genesis and are moving to other models. The Speed Limit Identification Function is completely new for Hyundai, which checks road signs for speed limits.
Clearly this D-segment family sedan is stepping up its game.
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