C ar S cene I nvestigation: Hyundai i40 Wagon

Already a cheap and well-balanced Korean made vehicle, the i40 lengthens itself out to become a wagon.

· Design & Engineering:

From the front, I must say that Hyundai has ruined the face of the i40. Audi-lookalike LED’s have been inserted rather poorly into the front headlamps, making the i40 wagon seem hunched, and rather pathetic. Cheap use of chrome and hard plastics on the outside already make me want to walk away. Though from the side, the vehicle seems to be able to pass off as say, a Mazda 5 wagon, or something mated to a brand of more ‘class’. Like all Hyundai’s of late, the i40 wagon features what Hyundai calls: ‘Fluidic Sculpture.’ Though the i40 tries its best to look modern and expensive, it fails to do so, resulting in a slightly awkward vehicle. Ah—though I must say, the rear end of the wagon attracts my attention. A nice chrome strip plasters the middle segment of the rear end, with the rear almost looking like a cross between a Subaru Imprezza hatchback, along with a touch of Infiniti. Really, I must say the rear end has to be the best detail on the i40 wagon’s exterior, bar the slinky rims fitted as standard.

· Interior

With much disappointment from the exterior, the interior simply proves itself worthy of ‘luxury’. Thirty, no; twenty years ago, Hyundai was known as a poor man’s car, with lousy interiors, and unreliability. As the days grow towards the future though, Hyundai plans to change its branding, by placing forth, a fantastic and comfortable interior. Step inside, and one immediately notices a handsome steering wheel, and Ford Fiesta like, center console layout. For a vehicle with such a low price, the i40 wagon provides a grippy steering wheel, with oodles of buttons, such as Bluetooth, cruise control, F1 style paddle shifters, etc. In addition, the modern speedometer has a Zen like mood to it, with dials outlined in chrome, and faded out with ice-blue lighting. A small HD screen (something Koreans are very good at) takes the middle spot, displaying items such as mileage, whether doors are shut; the usual shebang. Apart from that, temperature and fuel gauge indicators, are measured using electronic bars, which move elegantly in the smack center of the rev and speed counters. Though the center console feels slightly cheap and plasticy, it offers multiple features, with 2-zone climate control, and front seat, heaters and coolers. In addition, the center console is mated to an aux-in port, along with USB and iPod connection. Directly below the center console, lies a 21^st century gear shifter, clad in leather, and good to the touch. All seats come in leather/partial leather, and for Premium models, a panoramic roof comes as standard, allowing light to flow into every segment of the wagon. Boot space—humongous. Don’t even get me started.

· Ride & Handlings

For such a large car, the i40 wagon rides smoothly and comfortably. In corners, it handles surprisingly well, with its light Korean made steering, easy to maneuver around bends. Powered by a 2.0-liter engine, which produces 166 BHP, the wagon will reach 0-100km/h in a leisurely 10.9 seconds. Still, its six-speed gearbox allows smooth shifting. Coupled together, though not a fireball, the i40 wagon will get one from point A to B in a practical and comfortable manner.

· Verdict

A niche filler, yes. Loathe the exterior, love the interior, apart from the use of very cheap plastics. You have to buy the Premium model, as it will ease your mind off the road as you relax in comfort on the inside. It seems to look as if Hyundai hasn’t managed to remove it’s branding though. Yet.