Used Hyundai i40 Review (2011-2019) MK1
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Well-equipped
- Sharp styling
- Comfortable all-round
- Steering could be more informative
- Rivals are more desirable
- Boot size is below average
What's the Hyundai i40 like?
The great thing about buying any used Hyundai is that the five-year unlimited mileage warranty is transferable, and the cars are very reliable in the first place.
The company’s big saloon and Tourer estate is the i40, which comes with excellent interior space and a range of low emission high economy engines.
It’s nowhere near as common as big family cars like the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 508 it competes with, and it's sleeker and better looking from all angles.
It also comes better equipped than they do straight out of the showroom.
Engines
There are two 1.7-litre units, with either 113 or 134bhp. The 113bhp model offers fairly leisurely 0 to 60mph acceleration of 12.8 seconds and a top speed of 119mph, while the higher powered model pushes the 60mph sprint to a much better 10.3 seconds and can forge on to a top speed of 125mph.
Top spec Tourers were also available with a 2.0-litre diesel, but it’s not much quicker than the best 1.7-litre and has poor economy.
There's also a 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine available with 133bhp. This is available in standard form or with the company’s Blue Drive technology, which includes low rolling resistance tyres, start stop and other tech, to cut emissions.
Acceleration to 60mph takes about 11.0 seconds, best economy figure is 47mpg, and emissions for the Blue Drive models are 140g/km.
The 1.7-litre diesels have official fuel consumption averages of between 62 and 67mpg and emissions of just under 115g/km.
All models come with a 6-speed manual gearbox that has a lovely slick and easy change and a light clutch, and an automatic 6-speed was available as an extra.
The 1.7-litre diesel should be the engine of choice for most used buyers because the higher powered version brings good acceleration off the line and through the gears, and it's smooth and willing from even pretty low speeds.
Driving Experience and Practicality
There’s very little body roll in the corners and the level of grip is excellent, but perhaps the steering could do with a little more feedback.
Comfort is excellent in all situations, but is better – as usual – if you avoid the larger 18 inch wheels and their lower profile tyres.
The seats are comfortable both front and rear, and they give good side support through the corners.
Peter Hayward
Engines are very subdued at all speeds and there's also very little wind or road noise, so the Hyundai i40 is a very relaxing car to drive long distances.
Equipment
Standard equipment for your money is second to none. There are basically three trims levels - Active, Style and Premium and all have alloy wheels, Bluetooth, voice recognition, leather covered steering wheel with audio controls, air conditioning, electric heated mirrors, and an electric parking brake with auto hold.
Style adds 17-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, touchscreen sat nav, rear view camera, and climate control, while Premium adds 18-inch alloys (to be avoided for comfort) leather upholstery, keyless entry, and LCD instruments.
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Find your Hyundai i40 your way with CarStore
A roomy interior, generous levels of standard equipment, and sharp styling are just a few things the family-friendly Hyundai i40 has to offer. It may not be the most exciting to drive, but what it lacks in fun, it definitely makes up for in terms of comfort and practicality.
