Hyundai has released initial images and information about its i40 wagon that will make its official debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
The i40’s design follows the company’s “fluidic sculpture” design language which currently graces such models as the latest Sonata and ix35. The front end features such signature design cues as the hexagonal grille, angled headlamps and character lines on either side of the bonnet lid, which are swiftly becoming part of Hyundai familial look.
In profile it looks slightly Accord-like, but Hyundai has definitely made it as unique as possible. The crease that runs from the front wheel arch and up the side of the i40 to meet the tail lamps, along with the blacked-out b- and c-pillars and chrome highlights around the side windows make for a sporty appearance – not something that you can always say of a station wagon. At the rear, the wrap-around tail lamps and the slight lip on the top of the boot lid adds to this distinguished appearance. Judging from the images above, the i40 is set to have body-coloured door handles and indicator lights on the side mirrors
This Europe-bound i40 will feature such nice-to-have items as heated and reclining front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, as well a de-mister system that Hyundai claims can automatically detect and clear mist on the windscreen.
The i40 will initially be offered with a 1,7-litre diesel diesel engine with a claimed emissions figure of 113 g/km.
This model will have its work cut out, being Hyundai’s first venture into the highly-competitive European D-segment. But given the company’s willingness to take on the establishment and the quality of its latest offerings, there’s a good chance that the i40 could well make a name for itself.
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