Hyundai previews the i40

The i40 will replace the Sonata in European markets, and will be pitted against the likes of the Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Renault Laguna and Toyota Avensis. The car will be based on the Sonata that is sold in other markets currently, and Hyundai has thus far only released sketches of the estate model. The i40 is expected to be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show early next year, with sales expected to commence before the end of 2011.

The European i40 was designed and developed at Hyundai's German R&D centre in Russelsheim, and is similar to Opel's Insignia Sport Tourer in concept. A four-door sedan model will also be offered, and the i40 is expected to go on sale across Europe by the end of 2011.

Among the engines said to be available for the i40 include a 1.6-litre GDI petrol unit that churns out 138bhp, and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine with 175bhp. Diesel engines include two 1.7-litre CRDI powerplants which produce either 115bhp or 136bhp, while a 2.0-litre CRDI with 175bhp will be added to the range later.