Station wagons, or estates, are not exactly a popular body style here in Singapore. Indeed, do a search of the local new car listings, and you'll find that only the major premium carmakers offer a load-lugger, along with estate traditionalists Volvo, and a sprinkling of models from a couple other manufacturers. The choices out there are not great.
Hyundai, though, has decided to defy convention, in a show of its increasing might. No longer does it have to depend solely on mass market sedans and budget hatchbacks for its sales, and the Korean carmaker can now offer more niche models to bolster its line-up, and give consumers even greater choice than before.
The i40 marks the entry point for Hyundai's future premium models, which means that a lot is hanging on the i40, if Hyundai is to shed its budget image once and for all.
Exterior
Like all recent Hyundais of late, the i40 features the "Fluidic Sculpture" design language. This means a sharp, chiselled front, with its hexagonal grille that is now common in Hyundai's family. Its trapezoidal-shaped headlamps look like the eyes of a wild animal, further accentuated by the curved LED lamps within.
Hyundai, though, has decided to defy convention, in a show of its increasing might. No longer does it have to depend solely on mass market sedans and budget hatchbacks for its sales, and the Korean carmaker can now offer more niche models to bolster its line-up, and give consumers even greater choice than before.
The i40 marks the entry point for Hyundai's future premium models, which means that a lot is hanging on the i40, if Hyundai is to shed its budget image once and for all.
Exterior
Like all recent Hyundais of late, the i40 features the "Fluidic Sculpture" design language. This means a sharp, chiselled front, with its hexagonal grille that is now common in Hyundai's family. Its trapezoidal-shaped headlamps look like the eyes of a wild animal, further accentuated by the curved LED lamps within.
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The theme continues throughout, with sleek lines passing through the i40's rather sizeable body. The creased shoulder line that runs across to the rear, and the uniquely-shaped third window, gives the i40 a character like no other.
The rear, however, looks a bit more straightforward and normal, although the chrome plinth stretching across the taillights is a nice touch. All in all though, the i40 manages to exude a sporty stance, which is no mean feat for a wagon.
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Interior
It is the inside of the i40 though that truly astounds. While the Koreans' great improvement in quality has been much discussed before, it can still be a bit hard to believe that this was the same brand that, a mere 20 years ago, was still being mocked at for their cheap interiors.
Now, step inside any modern Hyundai, and you will stagger in disbelief that this is a Korean car. The fit and finish, and all-round material quality, feels more like a car assembled in Europe. Cover the badge on the steering wheel, and any unwitting soul would be none the wiser.
The other astonishing thing to note is the sheer amount of features that the i40 comes with. Available on our test car were things like heated and cooled seats, electric memory seats, a full length sunroof, parking sensors front and rear, paddle shifters, hill start assist, dual zone climate control, keyless engine with push button start, automatic headlamps and wiper, and electronic parking brake, among others. (Yes, that is not the end of that list)
It is the inside of the i40 though that truly astounds. While the Koreans' great improvement in quality has been much discussed before, it can still be a bit hard to believe that this was the same brand that, a mere 20 years ago, was still being mocked at for their cheap interiors.
Now, step inside any modern Hyundai, and you will stagger in disbelief that this is a Korean car. The fit and finish, and all-round material quality, feels more like a car assembled in Europe. Cover the badge on the steering wheel, and any unwitting soul would be none the wiser.
The other astonishing thing to note is the sheer amount of features that the i40 comes with. Available on our test car were things like heated and cooled seats, electric memory seats, a full length sunroof, parking sensors front and rear, paddle shifters, hill start assist, dual zone climate control, keyless engine with push button start, automatic headlamps and wiper, and electronic parking brake, among others. (Yes, that is not the end of that list)
We understand that the test car is an early model, and that the official specifications for the cars that will go on sale in Singapore might differ slightly, but even then, that is an impressive list. Some of the features can only be found in premium models priced much, much higher than the i40.
Once you regain your senses again, having recoiled from the unbelievable array of equipment, you'll find yourself in a classy looking interior that is spacious and comfortable. There is room aplenty for five, and the futuristic blue dials are a visual delight.
A minor bugbear though, is the placement of some of the controls, specifically the engine push-start button, which is hidden by the rather large steering wheel. The instrument stalks also feel a bit out of place in the i40's excellent interior, while the A-pillars are just a bit too thick and obscure the driver's vision somewhat.
Overall, though, the i40's interior is a very pleasant place to be in. The sheer quality and amount of equipment alone makes it something to behold.
Once you regain your senses again, having recoiled from the unbelievable array of equipment, you'll find yourself in a classy looking interior that is spacious and comfortable. There is room aplenty for five, and the futuristic blue dials are a visual delight.
A minor bugbear though, is the placement of some of the controls, specifically the engine push-start button, which is hidden by the rather large steering wheel. The instrument stalks also feel a bit out of place in the i40's excellent interior, while the A-pillars are just a bit too thick and obscure the driver's vision somewhat.
Overall, though, the i40's interior is a very pleasant place to be in. The sheer quality and amount of equipment alone makes it something to behold.
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The Drive
On the road, the i40 can be mainly summarised as nimble, smooth and neat. For such a large car, the i40 handles surprisingly well, with its light steering piloting the wagon through corners cleanly and without fuss.
Ride too is excellent, with the i40 feeling well-damped, and overall refinement is superb. The i40 is quiet, slick, and goes about its business with nary a worry.
However, with that said, the i40 is not exactly a fireball. Its 2.0-litre engine produces 166bhp, but somehow it struggles to move this large wagon along. 0-100km/h comes about in a leisurely 10.9 seconds, while its six-speed automatic gearbox, while smooth, takes its time in shifting up.
Like all new cars worth its salt nowadays, the i40 also has a Sport mode. While it doesn't dramatically increase performance, it at least makes the i40 feel a bit more willing and eager.
On the road, the i40 can be mainly summarised as nimble, smooth and neat. For such a large car, the i40 handles surprisingly well, with its light steering piloting the wagon through corners cleanly and without fuss.
Ride too is excellent, with the i40 feeling well-damped, and overall refinement is superb. The i40 is quiet, slick, and goes about its business with nary a worry.
However, with that said, the i40 is not exactly a fireball. Its 2.0-litre engine produces 166bhp, but somehow it struggles to move this large wagon along. 0-100km/h comes about in a leisurely 10.9 seconds, while its six-speed automatic gearbox, while smooth, takes its time in shifting up.
Like all new cars worth its salt nowadays, the i40 also has a Sport mode. While it doesn't dramatically increase performance, it at least makes the i40 feel a bit more willing and eager.
Conclusion
We don't need to tell you about how far Hyundai have come from its early days of its existence, because we presume that is something consumers would have already noted, judging from the number of their cars seen running around Singapore's roads in recent years.
But the i40 brings the Korean brand on to another level, one that is unchartered and unfamiliar to many local motorists. With the i40, Hyundai aims to move even beyond the reach of the Japanese, and make inroads into the territory of the Continentals.
Whether they will succeed in conquering the market or not, especially in notoriously brand-conscious Singapore, remains to be seen. But on this form, it's hard not to bet against it.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
We don't need to tell you about how far Hyundai have come from its early days of its existence, because we presume that is something consumers would have already noted, judging from the number of their cars seen running around Singapore's roads in recent years.
But the i40 brings the Korean brand on to another level, one that is unchartered and unfamiliar to many local motorists. With the i40, Hyundai aims to move even beyond the reach of the Japanese, and make inroads into the territory of the Continentals.
Whether they will succeed in conquering the market or not, especially in notoriously brand-conscious Singapore, remains to be seen. But on this form, it's hard not to bet against it.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
