What's this then?
This is the new Hyundai i40, and before you start dozing off at the back, this is actually one of the best family saloons you can buy - nearly as good to drive as a Mondeo, as well made and reliable as a Passat or Avensis.
Yawn.
I said stop dozing off. The i40 may be a bit plain-wrapper (perhaps less so thanks to the more prominent grille and lights revealed today), but it's a good 'un. Hyundai is updating it as part of a massive 2015 new model blitz that also includes an updated i30 and an i20 Coupé.
So what's new about it?
Well, we've mentioned the lights and grille, and the interior gets some updates too, such as new seats and touch-screen infotainment system. There's bigger news under the bonnet though where you'll find that the 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine has had a power boost from 136- to 141hp (the 115hp version remains unchanged). There's also a new seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox that Hyundai claims offers that motoring Holy Grail of better performance with improved economy and emissions.
The i40 is also getting a bevy of new high-tech driver assistance systems, although it's still to be confirmed which of these will be standard and which will go on the options list. They include a tweak to the traction control system that allows it to act like a limited slip differential to improve front-end grip and handling (called Active Traction Cornering Control or ATCC). For the Tourer estate there are also new adaptive dampers on the rear suspension that can be adjusted by the Drive Mode button, which alters the car's reactions and makes the steering, suspension and gearbox sportier or more comfort-oriented, depending on your mood.
On the safety side, there's now a speed-limit recognition camera, lane departure warning and the active high-beam system first seen on the BMW-chasing Hyundai Genesis saloon.
To keep economy and emissions on the sunny side, there's also a new stop-start system, aerodynamic radiators flaps and a trick alternator to better manage the car's electrical demands.
When does it arrive?
Sales will start early in the New Year, and with 100,000 i40s sold already, this is going to be a significant vehicle in Hyundai's new model push.
Neil Briscoe - 10 Dec 2014