KLIMS'13 - Hyundai I40 sedan and i40 wagon Launched at KLIMS'13

2014 Hyundai i40 Wagon

So what the heck is a Hyundai i40? It is a full sized D segment sedan much like the Hyundai Sonata (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Kia Optima etc) except Hyundai says that the i40 is a luxury D segment vehicle. Hyundai has decided to keep selling the cheaper Sonata while launching the i40 for the Malaysian market. We are getting spoilt for choices in this segment people.

How does this i40 differ from the Sonata?

Well, the entry level Sonata 2.0L Elegance comes in at RM137,903.80 to around RM149,000+ for the Executive Plus version while the entry level i40 sedan , well, there isn't an entry level i40 will be sold at RM159,888 (OTR). There will be a navigation equipped version for RM4,000 more and a wagon variant that will sell for RM178,888 (OTR). So the key word here is LUXURY. This is what differentiates the i40 from the Sonata.

There is no 2.4liter version like the Sonata (which costs RM173,905.10) but the i40 gets direct injection so the 2.0L Nu GDI makes 178ps /214Nm compared to the 2.0L Normal Nu (Nu Nu Nu Nu!!!!!) which pumps out 162ps / 194Nm (the 2.4 Sonata engine makes 178ps / 228Nm). It also gets a lot of European type touches like the main light switch on the dashboard crashpad and an electronic park brake for gadget freaks. 

So basically the Hyundai i40 is a more expensive (if you compare 2.0liter to 2.0liter), more powerful, better engined, European styled Sonata with an interior that is perceived to have better quality than the Sonata. Is it worth the extra? I can only tell you when I drive one of these. But if you're talking about specification and body styling which looks like a larger Elantra or a larger Kia Cerato, I prefer the Hyundai i40 over the Sonata. Anyway, if you bought the Sonata now over this car I'd assume that you cannot afford an i40. Or that you have a taste for a fussier styled car.

PRESS RELEASE.

i40: A New Legacy in The Wagon and Sedan Category

The i40 design represents an evolution of Hyundai's unique form language, 'fluidic sculpture', in creating a sleek, elegant vehicle with uncompromised comfort and load capacity. Both the Tourer and Sedan are designed to be sporty, stylish and sophisticated to go well with either trainers or fancy dress shoes. To convey the signature Hyundai design, the i40 headlights are created to resemble the eyes of falcons and wild beasts.

The i40 comes with a 2-litre NU GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine. The 1,999 cc engine generates 178ps and 214nm of torque. The output generated is similar with some of the 2.4 litre engines in the market. Also mated with this powerful engine is a six-speed automatic gearbox which delivers higher torque for enhanced driving pleasure, improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and excellent NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness).

The i40 has a wheelbase measuring 2.77 metres and delivering best-in-class dimensions for front head (1.03 metres), shoulder (1.5 metres) and leg room (1.17metres). This impressive roominess promises the most comfortable ride in a D-segment available. Designed according to European standards, the i40 provides ample legroom for both passengers and driver.

For added versatility, the i40 Tourer seats can also be folded over for more cargo space of up to 1,719 litres while the Sedan has a smaller boot space of 503 litres. The power tailgate which is usually found on European wagons now comes with the i40 Tourer as a standard feature.

Advanced lighting innovations, such as cornering light, standard day–time running lights with Xenon headlamps and TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LCD supervision instrument cluster, further strengthen the i40’s position as the lead model in Hyundai’s line-up and the D-Segment.

The interior of the i40 has numerous functional and stylish features, which include an electric parking brake with an automatic hold function, Rear-Seat Video Entertainment Screens (optional for Sedan), and 10-ways driver and passenger power seat.

To ensure maximum protection for its occupants, it features latest active and passive safety technologies. Active safety features such as the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hillstart Assist Control (HAC), Brake Assist System, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Emergency Stop Signal. The i40 is also fitted with 9 airbags, which includes an airbag for each the driver and passengers, two side curtain airbags and four thorax airbags at the outboard seating positions with an additional airbag for the driver’s knees and legs.

Besides, the multi-cone hood structure is designed for maximum pedestrian safety, which is effective in absorbing impact forces thereby reducing the chances of serious head injuries for increased pedestrian safety as well as a host of other unique features.

The i40 has also been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating by independent vehicle assessment organisation, Euro NCAP. The results of the rigorous test processes mark the i40 as one of the safest vehicles in the D-segment.

The i40 is available in four colours which are Phantom Black, Sleek Silver, Titanium Silver and White Crystal.

Hyundai i40 Sedan is priced from RM159, 888 (OTR). An optional upgrade is also available for the i40 Sedan for an additional RM4, 000 which includes an Audio Visual Navigation System and the Rear-Seat Video Entertainment Screens. Meanwhile, the Tourer is priced at RM178, 888 (OTR). Price indicated is inclusive of insurance and road tax and applicable to Peninsula Malaysia only.

In positioning the i40 as a luxury D-segment vehicle, the Leader Card membership will also be extended to i40 car owners. The Leader Card was first introduced to the new Santa Fe owners earlier this year. Members get to enjoy premium services and VIP privileges such as the luxury concierge services and personalised medical assistance.