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comes to driving dynamics, but onlywhen
you compare it to the sportier handling
European offerings. The motor driven
power steering is light and responsive and
great for urban driving, but could do with
more feedback on the highway.
On the whole, the i40 feels very com-
posed and refined. The suspension works
well to soak upmost of what our perfectly
imperfect roads offer – a long drive doesn’t
leave you feeling strained.
INTERIOR
The interior is comfortable and logical
with just enough flair thrown in. Nothing
seems too extravagant nor displeasing
to the senses. The center air vents and
display are placed high for ease of use and
all the controls are easy to figure out and
use. The only thing out of place here is the
aforementioned ‘Sport’ button, which is
placed on the passenger side of the stack
and proves to be quite a reach. Perhaps
it’s Hyundai’s subtle way of telling you to
take it easy with the car.
The build quality is difficult to fault
even with the use of hard plastics. Driv-
ing ergonomics is good especially with
the 10-way electrically adjustable seat
and a steering that does rake and reach.
The supervision cluster sits in the meter
fuel; a setting most of us will appreciate
in our daily drive.
More spirited driving warrants the
poking of a ‘Sport’ button located on the
center stack. This results in the gearbox
holding on to a gear longer as you wring
the last ounce of oomph from the engine.
The steering-mounted paddle shifters also
help to force down a gear or two for quick
overtaking moves.
DRIVE
This is probably the best handling execu-
tive sedan from Hyundai thus far. Unlike
the Sonata which feels skittish, the i40 is
more agile, allowing you to take the bends
with more confidence and less body roll.
It still lacks a little something when it
Specif ications
ENGINE
1,999cc DOHCDual CVVT Direct
Injection
OUTPUT
178ps@6,500rpm; 214Nm
@4,700rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic
BRAKESANDSUSPENSION
Ventilated discs (front); solid discs
(rear); MacPherson struts (front);
multi-link (rear); ABS; BA; Hill
Start Assist; ESP; Vehicle Stability
Management
TYRE SIZE
215/50 R17
WHEELBASE (mm)
2,770
DIMENSIONS (mm)
4,740 (L) x 1, 815 (W) x 1, 704 (H)
KERBWEIGHT (kg)
N/A
FUEL TANK (l)
70
PRICE (OnThe RoadWith
Insurance)
RM 159,903.30
binnacle and provides clear readings of
a host of driving information. There are
numerous storage bins throughout and
they have covers to hide the clutter. The
electronic parking brake frees up space for
storage on the center console.
Despite it being more compact than
other executive sedans, there’s no shortage
of rear legroom. Further back, there’s
505 liters of trunk space available with
an additional 20 liters under the trunk
floorboard. Safety-wise, the car comes
with the expected features like Brake
Assist and Electronic Stability, but where
it trumps many rivals is with the nine
airbags; you may count them, just don’t
use them. The deal clincher however,
could be the panoramic sunroof which
just lifts the whole cabin ambience to
another level.
VERDICT
In its ‘home ground’ of Europe, it goes
head on against the likes of Ford Mondeo,
Skoda Octavia, Opel Insignia, VW Passat
and even the Mazda 6. It’s a little dif-
ferent over here as the brand isn’t quite
accorded its due. But the i40 proves much
for Hyundai andwith somuch kit on offer,
it presents such good value for money that
it’s foolish to overlook it.