Hyundai i40

CompleteCarGuy

I know that it isn't the sexiest car around, but the Hyundai i40 really might make quite an impact when it arrives. The images of the saloon have just been released -

http://www.completecar.ie/news/article/990/Hyundai-i40-saloon-to-cost-from-24995

and having already driven the estate, I reckon this could be a half decent buy. Hyundai stuff has really come on leaps and bounds of late. Would you buy a larger car from Hyundai or do you guys reckon their niche is small cars and SUVs?

R.O.R

CompleteCarGuy wrote: »

I know that it isn't the sexiest car around, but the Hyundai i40 really might make quite an impact when it arrives. The images of the saloon have just been released -

http://www.completecar.ie/news/article/990/Hyundai-i40-saloon-to-cost-from-24995

and having already driven the estate, I reckon this could be a half decent buy. Hyundai stuff has really come on leaps and bounds of late. Would you buy a larger car from Hyundai or do you guys reckon their niche is small cars and SUVs?

What happens when an Avensis and a Mondeo have babies?


I still don't think Ireland is ready to embrace large (ish) Korean cars. The last Snotata was a decent looking car, and I believe the diesel was a good engine in it, but it still didn't shift in any decent numbers, and is now worth SFA. I can forsee a similar future for the i40.

sentient_6

Dunno why they couldn't just release the Sonata/i45 here.

(edit)

R.O.R wrote: »

The last Snotata was a decent looking car, and I believe the diesel was a good engine in it, but it still didn't shift in any decent numbers, and is now worth SFA. I can forsee a similar future for the i40.

I'm driving a 06 Sonata after it.....came into my possession, without being too obvious, & the price i was told id get for it at the time was a shock to say the least. Put it on the road instead & been a absolute solid machine for me the last two years. Done 80k of my own km's without a major issue yet(touch cheap plastic wood ).

CompleteCarGuy

I've only tried the estate i40 so far, but it felt really good - not quite the best in class but it will be great value and well equipped with a 5-year warranty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

I think the Kia Optima is prettier but there has been such a delay around that, Kia aren't even sure they will have it this year.

RobAMerc

not a bad looking car - but how do the interior plastics etc fair out compared to "European" stuff ? I always found the far eastern cars just can't match for interior quality feel ( may well be just bias )

CompleteCarGuy

RobAMerc wrote: »

not a bad looking car - but how do the interior plastics etc fair out compared to "European" stuff ? I always found the far eastern cars just can't match for interior quality feel ( may well be just bias )

They have got better - there are still some areas lower down where it doesn't quite match up to the best out there, but it is streets ahead of where it used to be.

Lex Luthor

I would say the estate will sell well but the saloon might struggle.

Not sure how the price of 25k will go down here. Does anyone think its a bit high?
I'm sure it will be well equipped though for that

Leonard Hofstadter

I think it will sell well, the five year warranty will help them shift a few and it is quite well priced.

pburns

RobAMerc wrote: »

not a bad looking car - but how do the interior plastics etc fair out compared to "European" stuff ? I always found the far eastern cars just can't match for interior quality feel ( may well be just bias )

It amazes me how hung up people get about interior plastics. It's not a huge factor when I buy a car. I'd rather have an Alfa 159 or S60 interior than a boring Audi or BMW one, even though the quality of materials in the Germans is probably superior.

In practice I've bought mainly Japanese. OK the interior might be a little cheaper but I can't see for example an old model Legacy being an inferior car or being less well engineered than a 320d or A4.

The i40/Kia Optima? I don't think you can compare the next generation with the old Sonata. Besides, I don't think anyone buying a Mondeo or Avensis is that badge-conscious. If they have competitive diesel engines, better specs, offer good value and a good warranty they will be a big threat. I think it's great - the establishment will have to offer increased value to compete.

Leonard Hofstadter

A few nice plastics is no substitute for real quality.

People will tell you they wouldn't buy a Ford because they feel "cheap" inside, then go out and buy a VW (with only marginally better plastics) and get all sorts of eletrical (and mechanical depending on the engine) problems, they could have chosen the Ford and had something that rarely goes wrong, but sure what does it matter, the VW owner has the "better built" car:rolleyes:?

RobAMerc

pburns wrote: »

It amazes me how hung up people get about interior plastics. It's not a huge factor when I buy a car. I'd rather have an Alfa 159 or S60 interior than a boring Audi or BMW one, even though the quality of materials in the Germans is probably superior.

In practice I've bought mainly Japanese. OK the interior might be a little cheaper but I can't see for example an old model Legacy being an inferior car or being less well engineered than a 320d or A4.

I'm sorry but the 159 is an inferior car to the 3 series to drive and the interior isn't as good as either the BMW or the A4. (I still want one mind).
I've had an Imprezza and I don't doubt the engineering is superb but there is no way is the interior up to snuff compared to any of the cars mentioned, including the Mondeo etc.

interiors matter to me as thats where I spend my time - inside looking out.
I'm afraid that's why I ended up with a 3 series despite not wanting one - blend of chassis dynamics and interior fit and finish that can't be matched for the cash I am afraid.( plus in 320d form a pretty class engine )

andyseadog

looks the image of an opel insignia?

C4Kid

I hate the way in recent years Hyundai replaced their cars names with numbers, eg i30. They seem to have gone down the Apple route and sticking " I " in front of all their car models too. To me it looks stupid and when I see an i30 I think , oh they were so creative coming up with a name for that !

Does anybody know why they decided change the names of all their cars?

ION08

C4Kid wrote: »

I hate the way in recent years Hyandai replaced their cars names with numbers, eg i30. They seem to have gone down the Apple route and sticking " I " in front of all their car models too. To me it looks stupid and when I see an i30 I think , oh they were so creative coming up with a name for that !

Does anybody know why they decided change the names of all their cars?

Creating a new brand image. Marketing basically...

"i" to make them sound more modern and edgy.

Getting rid of names and replacing them with humbers to give a more premium impression like BMW and Mercedes, Lexus etc. 320d, c200, IS220

And also, older models didn't really have the best image and reputation so they probably wanted to remove and connection to older models. like Sonata and Accent

Opel did the same thing with Vectra -> Insignia.

Ford Escort -> Focus

Nissan Sunny -> Almera

pburns

RobAMerc wrote: »

I'm sorry but the 159 is an inferior car to the 3 series to drive and the interior isn't as good as either the BMW or the A4. (I still want one mind).
I've had an Imprezza and I don't doubt the engineering is superb but there is no way is the interior up to snuff compared to any of the cars mentioned, including the Mondeo etc.

interiors matter to me as thats where I spend my time - inside looking out.
I'm afraid that's why I ended up with a 3 series despite not wanting one - blend of chassis dynamics and interior fit and finish that can't be matched for the cash I am afraid.( plus in 320d form a pretty class engine )

I never said the 159 was as good to drive as a 3-series. I drove both and agree - I found the 159 to be disappointing for 150bhp. After a bit of research I discovered it's main problem is the platform is heavier than the norm.

I never mentioned an Impreza either, rather a Legacy. To my mind it had unique features like the AWD and boxer engine note. It didn't cost as much and the interior isn't bad - just not Audi-standard. Plus you don't see them at every traffic light. A friend of mine is changing a Legacy for an A4 soon for a better stereo system (he likes his music) and nicer interior plastics. Fair enough, but I have different priorities...

ShadowHearth

I like it, but 25k tag might be a bit high? How much is new superb? 27k?

I was in 11' focus and I found it soooo plasticy inside and outside. I surely did not expected that. Even my Crapy 98 mondeo felt less plasticy.

I presume hunday wont be worse.

All in all I like it.

bazz26

pburns wrote: »

It amazes me how hung up people get about interior plastics. It's not a huge factor when I buy a car. I'd rather have an Alfa 159 or S60 interior than a boring Audi or BMW one, even though the quality of materials in the Germans is probably superior.

In practice I've bought mainly Japanese. OK the interior might be a little cheaper but I can't see for example an old model Legacy being an inferior car or being less well engineered than a 320d or A4.

The i40/Kia Optima? I don't think you can compare the next generation with the old Sonata. Besides, I don't think anyone buying a Mondeo or Avensis is that badge-conscious. If they have competitive diesel engines, better specs, offer good value and a good warranty they will be a big threat. I think it's great - the establishment will have to offer increased value to compete.

This German superior quality interior thing is hogwash and nothing more than marketing brain washing these days imo. I have a BMW 3 Series E90 and have more rattles from the interior trim than I did from any of my previous non German branded cars. Door cards, rear parcel shelf and trim around the rear high level brake light all rattle from time to time. In fact I have an interesting rattle from the centre console at the moment that only happens when the car is in 5th gear I kid you not. Any other gear and there isn't a whisper from it.

bazz26

I'd be more interested in it's sister car the Kia Optima:



Much more handsom than the i40 imo and if the new Sportage is anything to go by then it should be a winner. Word is there is a waiting list on the Sportage in Europe unlike the i35x which is easily available.

johnos1984

I'd have the Optima. I don't like Hyundai's styling at the minute as I think the looks will age quickly.

CompleteCarGuy

johnos1984 wrote: »

I'd have the Optima. I don't like Hyundai's styling at the minute as I think the looks will age quickly.

I agree

AlanD

I like the new i40 for sure and the interior looks pretty good too. So long as it holds together well! But these days, most cars will hold together well. Our standards keep rising though, so our perception of what is good quality changes as time passes.

I agree with earlier posters suggested that the German quality nonsense is just a marketing ploy gone viral, which is fair enough, but the interiors themselves are just so bland. The higher spec i40, if it comes with navigation as standard, will be a nice place to be. The Optima too, has a nice interior, almost Honda S2000 like with it's turn in towards the driver.

What concerns me though is pricing. At the moment, with scrappage, I reckon prices are just about acceptable, in fact I think prices should be a little cheaper for most cars. But once the scrappage scheme ends, prices will creep up and at that point cars like the i40, the Optima and the Sportage will all be too expensive, stiffling the market.

I'd buy an i40/Optima if it was priced right, but only in top spec, to make it worthwhile, but the problem is, the top spec car will be too expensive.

Mc Love

anyone see the i40 saloon? Looks impressive

sentient_6

In the states at the moment myself & they upgraded my rental to the new sonata/i45(which was funny, having mentioning it before hand in this thread) & i have to say its a class machine. Very refined, smooth, solid to drive, & the interior is a vast improvement. The i40 above looks like the exact same car. I would say anyone inclinded to automatically dismiss it as korean crap should take it for a test drive when it comes out.

CompleteCarGuy

I had a go in an i40 here in Ireland yesterday - video below

http://www.completecar.ie/video

Zubeneschamali

C4Kid wrote: »

Does anybody know why they decided change the names of all their cars?

Because all their old models with names were rubbish.

Leonard Hofstadter

Would I be right in saying that the i40 is only available with in 113 bhp guise here, and we won't be getting the more powerful 135 bhp lump with a manual gearbox?

CompleteCarGuy

You will be able to get the 136 with an auto box I understand.

AlanD

It'll be interesting to see how Kia price the Optima when they launch it. Should give the i40 a run for it's money

Lex Luthor

CompleteCarGuy wrote: »

I had a go in an i40 here in Ireland yesterday - video below

http://www.completecar.ie/video

good enough initial review...would have been nice to see the space from the rear with the boot door open and rear seats down.

Do you know if they fold flat?