Hyundai i40 Sedan and Tourer launched in Malaysia – duo priced and positioned above the Sonata (original) (raw)

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has launched the Hyundai i40 Sedan and i40 Tourer at the ongoing KLIMS13 show. The i40 is a D-segment entry that will be sold alongside the slightly larger bodied Hyundai Sonata, but the i40 range will be specced and position higher than the Sonata in HSDM’s local range.

Designed for Europe, the i40 follows a more recent interpretation of Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language, and fits perfectly in line with the rest of the brand’s model range. It features the familiar recessed hexagonal grille sported by models such as the Elantra and Veloster, which came after the Sonata YF’s standalone design.

At 4,740 mm long and with a 2,770 mm wheelbase, the i40 Sedan is slightly smaller than the Sonata (length and wheelbase shorter by 50 mm and 25 mm respectively), though both are in the same segment.

Put simply, the Sonata is Hyundai’s ‘midsize’ answer to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in America, while the i40 is predominantly marketed in Europe against cars like the VW Passat, Toyota Avensis and Honda Accord Euro, which are all more compact.

It’s still a roomy car though, and the boot of the Sedan can take in 505 litres, plus 20 litres of underfloor space. The wagon-bodied Tourer can hold 553 litres, expandable to 1,719 litres with the rear seats folded. The Tourer’s tailgate is powered, no strength needed to operate.

The i40 launch also sees the Malaysian debut of Hyundai’s 2.0 litre GDI engine. The Koreans (both Hyundai and Kia) were apprehensive about bringing in the naturally-aspirated Gasoline Direct Injection unit due to our country’s lower quality Euro 2 fuel, but it looks like tests have been done and issues, if any, have been resolved.

The ‘Nu’ GDI makes 178 PS and 214 Nm of torque, which is significantly more than the Sonata 2.0’s 162 PS/194 Nm. In fact, 178 PS is similar to what the Theta II 2.4 MPI engine in the Sonata 2.4 makes. As usual, the engine is paired to Hyundai’s own six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, which is linked to steering paddle shifters here.

Plenty of equipment offered as standard. Outside, 17-inch alloys plus projector HID headlamps with washers and DRLs are standard. You’ll be greeted inside by leather, 10-way powered driver/front passenger seats, panoramic glass roof, smart key with push start, cruise control, Bluetooth, voice recognition, dual-zone auto air con and plenty of buttons on the steering wheel.

The Tourer adds on an audio video navigator (AVN) touch screen set and rear-seat entertainment screens.

Safety wise, there are a total of nine airbags in the five-star Euro NCAP-rated i40 – driver, passenger, driver knee, front and rear side, curtain – plus ESP, VSM, ABS, BA and Hillstart Assist Control.

Available in four colours – Phantom Black, Sleek Silver, Titanium Silver and White Crystal – the Korean-made i40 Sedan is priced at RM159,888 OTR, before the RM4,000 option of AVN + rear-seat entertainment. The Tourer, which has those two as standard, is priced at RM178,888, undercutting the other handsome wagons in its class, the Mazda6 2.5 Touring and Peugeot 508SW.

Buyers of the i40 will get Hyundai’s Leader Card membership with ‘premium services and VIP privileges’ such as concierge service and personalised medical assistance. The Leader Card programme was first introduced with the latest Hyundai Santa Fe.

Hyundai i40 Sedan and Tourer

Hyundai i40 Sedan

Hyundai i40 Tourer

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