Review Hyundai i40 estate

The Hyundai i40 Estate marks a step in a new direction for the Korean firm. Until now it has concentrated on small cars, but the sharp looking i40 has the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat in its sights. The big Hyundai i40 Estate is a sharp looking family car, with a bold grille, creases along the sides and a neat tailgate. Family buyers will be impressed by the practicality on offer. Its boot has a 533-litre carrying capacity with the seats up, and a decent 1,719 litres with them down. The car also gets underfloor cubbies and a retractable luggage screen. As ever, the big draw for many buyers is the value for money on offer, and there's a wealth of standard kit included – the i40 puts more expensive rivals to shame. The engine line-up comprises two petrols, a 135bhp 1.6-litre and more powerful 2.0-litre unit, and a 1.7-litre diesel with 114bhp or 134bhp. The diesel unit offers plenty of power and will be better suited to those who rack up high mileages. Entry version delivers class-leading emissions of 113g/km and can return 65mpg. The i40 looks set to attract family and company buyers in equal measure. Drive4.4 /5 Reasonable dynamics, but not as sharp as the Mondeo The 175bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is virtually inaudible at low revs, but doesn't offer the acceleration of the diesel units. It does deliver decent pace, though – sprinting from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds. Although the i40 can't match the Ford Mondeo for driving dynamics, it corners tidily and body roll is well controlled, and it's a comfortable and relaxing cruiser. Watch the Hyundai i40 ESC test video here. Comfort4.5 /5 Smooth ride and immensely spacious On the motorway, the i40's comfortable ride means progress is smooth. The driving position affords a decent view of the road ahead, and there's lots of space front and rear. The lower powered petrol needs to be worked hard when carrying big loads, though, which makes more noise in the cabin, but the diesels are both hushed and smooth, and wind and road noise is all kept to a minimum. Optional heated seats make cold mornings more bearable. Reliability4.5 /5 Safe and superbly reliable Hyundai boasts an enviable reliability record, and the i40 should only really visit the garage for regular maintenance. Any problems that do occur should be fixed quickly and cheaply, and a five year, unlimited mileage warranty is standard. Safety is also first rate – the i40 features adaptive lighting, nine airbags, including a standard knee airbag and lane keeping assistance. Practicality4.6 /5 Impressive carrying capacity and passenger space A cavernous 533-litre boot (1,719 with the seats folded down) is close the class best, and should be enough for most needs. You also get underfloor cubbies, adjustable luggage restraints and a power tailgate. And because of the long 2.8-metre wheelbase, passenger space isn't compromised. There's generous amounts of room up front and in the rear. Value for money4.7 /5 Exceptionally affordable Korean firm prides itself on offering superb value for money. High-spec i40 models come with an array of gadgets, including cruise control, sat-nav, xenon lights and heated seats – all at a price that undercuts most rivals, but even entry level cars come with automatic headlights, electric windows, air conditioning and alloy wheels. Running costs4.7 /5 Fuel-sipping engines and long warranty help trim costs Diesel engines are clean and efficient, so running costs are low. The most frugal is the entry-level diesel, which emits only 113g/km and returns an impressive 65.7mpg, thanks to BlueDrive technology (which includes a stop-start system) and eco tyres meaning super-low Road Tax. As with all new Hyundais, the i40 comes with a five-year unlimited warranty.