2015 Hyundai i40 gets new tech

Coming to Australia in mid-2015, the new Hyundai i40 has just broken cover in Europe during the Korean company's flashy Production Momentum show, which was streamed live to the public on Wednesday night Australian time.

Adjustments in ride and handling have been made to the i40 and improvements to fuel efficiency plus more safety, technology and convenience features are aimed at cementing the i40's place in European and other export markets, including Australia.

The most obvious changes to the i40 for 2015 are cosmetic, the car showing off new-look headlights and brake lights that supply a more contemporary look, largely thanks to expanded use of LEDs.

As well as the reshaped headlights and brake lights, the car features a grille treatment similar to that of the i20 Coupe and facelifted i30 , inspired by the larger, more luxurious Genesis models. Hyundai's designers have also given the car's snout a sleeker, more integrated look thanks to a new front bumper design. New alloy wheels sized between 16- and 18-inches in diameter also lift the i40's style.

Slotting into the Hyundai range underneath the new Sonata large car, which is launching February 2015 in Australia, the i40 is currently priced from $31,990 for the 2.0-litre petrol-powered sedan in this country, topping out at $47,590 for the 1.7-litre turbo-diesel wagon.

The European unveiling of the i40 listed only two versions of the 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine, one developing 85kW/280Nm, the other 105kW/340Nm. There was no mention of the 131kW 2.0-litre petrol engine currently offered to Australian customers.

However, the more powerful 105kW diesel engine can now be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission complete with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. It will likely be offered locally. Hyundai says the seven-speed cog-swapper will reduce fuel consumption but doesn't say by how much.

Engine stop-start, an alternator management system and active front flaps contribute to lowering fuel consumption levels too, says Hyundai.
Other features being added to the already well-endowed i40 include an automated high-beam dipping system, updated sat nav, digital radio, a speed limit function that reads roadside signs to display relevant speed limits to the driver, and an updated digital instrument screen.

There's also a rear electronic damping control system developed for the Tourer (wagon) version, which borrows from the Genesis' electronic damping control system to offer adjustable ride and handling qualities. Hyundai has also fitted the i40 with lane keep assistance and an advanced traction cornering control system.

Sales of the i40 sedan and wagon models in Australia have risen slightly in 2014 compared to the year prior. It's currently the fourth most popular medium car in this country, with 2535 sales so far in 2014, equating to 5.6 per cent market share. The Toyota Camry dominates the segment with 19,670 sales, or 43.6 per cent of the market. To put things in context however, roughly 80 per cent of Camry sales are to fleet or large business buyers.