What's it like to drive? The 1.7-litre diesel engine delivers 114bhp, which isn't a lot for a car that weighs more than 1.6 tonnes. However, the engine is actually quite flexible because maximum torque is developed low down in the rev range, so you don't need to work it hard to get the most from it.
In an ideal world we'd prefer a bit more poke, but given the impressive refinement of the engine and its average of 65.7mpg, we think it's a reasonable compromise.
To help achieve such remarkable fuel economy and CO2 figures this version of the i40 has a stop-start system, and it's one of the smoothest we've tested – switching off and firing the i40 back into life again with just the slightest of shudders.
It's a shame the i40 isn't better to drive, though. There's a good deal of body lean through corners, the steering is vague and the ride isn't as composed as a Ford Mondeo's.
What's it like inside? With the rear seats up, the i40 has marginally more boot space than a Ford Mondeo, but less than a VW Passat. Irritatingly, the rear seats don't fold down completely flat, but there are handy separate storage areas at each side of the boot and some luggage hooks.
The i40 has a smart cabin, too, with a nicely textured soft-touch dashboard and clearly laid out instruments. However, some of the switches and buttons are made from hard plastics and don't have a particularly solid action,
This 114bhp version of the i40 Tourer is available in entry-level Active trim only, but even so, there's enough kit to keep most buyers happy. It gets air-conditioning, alloys, stability control, Bluetooth, four electric windows and LED daytime running lights as standard.
Should I buy one? Hyundai says it expects the higher-powered 134bhp 1.7-litre diesel to be the biggest seller in the UK, but we reckon this 114bhp version is a better bet – particularly if you're a company car driver.
Given the choice, we'd still much prefer a Ford Mondeo Estate, but the i40's lower price and better level of standard kit make it an attractive proposition nonetheless.
- Stylish estate with low list price
- Price £19,395, on sale September
- MPG 65.7mpg, 113g/km CO2
