The D-segment battle is about to heat up with the announcement from Hyundai UK on the prices and specifications for the i40 saloon, on sale from 5 January 2012. Aiming to take the battle directly to rivals from Ford and Vauxhall the i40 has been aggressively priced with the range starting from £17,395 on the road, rising to £24,895 for the top spec Premium model powered by the 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine.
"The i40 Saloon represents the next-step in the launch of the i40 range to the UK market. It is a vehicle that has been designed and engineered specifically for Europe, ensuring its relevance in the market place." Says Tony Whitehorn, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor UK.
With even the most basic 'Active' models coming equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, steering wheel mounted audio controls, electric mirrors and an electric parking brake, the Hyundai i40 has a lot going for it and this is bolstered by a range of efficient engines with low CO
2 emissions that promise low tax costs for private and fleet buyers alike.
All three trim levels in the i40 range (Active, Style and Premium) will be available with either a 1.7-litre diesel engine with two power output options or a 1.6-litre petrol unit and a choice between manual or automatic transmission. Hyundai's stop-start system will be fitted as standard to all Active derivatives and the 1.7 CRDi 134bhp Blue Drive in Style and Premium trim, meaning emissions of 119g/km, VED band B and the lowest BIK cost in class according to Hyundai.
Paul Healy - 30 Sep 2011