Photo: CarPix
One of the most reclusive Hyundai models sold in Europe, the i40 is a large family car designed specifically for this market. This Passat rival shares its platform with the US market Sonata and made its debut in 2011 at the Barcelona Motor Show.
However, while the Americans are getting an all-new and rather interesting 2015 model year Sonata due to the highly competitive and profitable market in which it resides, the i40 is merely receiving a mild facelift.
This is the first time the i40 facelift was seen on European roads, testing for what will most likely be an early 2015 debut. The only changes so far are made to the front bumper, as the rear one and the light units are untouched. However, this could just be an early prototype.
Getting back to that new front bumper, it shows a new type of grille that features 5 horizontal bars in a hexagonal surround. This gives the i40 more than a passing resemblance to recent Audi designs. Fog lights are no longer fitted on the side of the lower bumper, maybe replaced by a LED-based system installed as a secondary function of the headlights.
As for the engines, we don't expect very much will change. Currently offered with a choice of two 1.7-liter CRDi diesels, making either 115 or 136 PS, the updated i40 will likely be re-tuned to match the newer Euro 6 emissions standards, affecting all passenger cars in Europe starting this September.
Small turbo petrol engines could be offered, but given the i40 is relatively low volume and the prototype has "CRDi" badging, this looks highly unlikely at the moment.
This is the first time the i40 facelift was seen on European roads, testing for what will most likely be an early 2015 debut. The only changes so far are made to the front bumper, as the rear one and the light units are untouched. However, this could just be an early prototype.
Getting back to that new front bumper, it shows a new type of grille that features 5 horizontal bars in a hexagonal surround. This gives the i40 more than a passing resemblance to recent Audi designs. Fog lights are no longer fitted on the side of the lower bumper, maybe replaced by a LED-based system installed as a secondary function of the headlights.
As for the engines, we don't expect very much will change. Currently offered with a choice of two 1.7-liter CRDi diesels, making either 115 or 136 PS, the updated i40 will likely be re-tuned to match the newer Euro 6 emissions standards, affecting all passenger cars in Europe starting this September.
Small turbo petrol engines could be offered, but given the i40 is relatively low volume and the prototype has "CRDi" badging, this looks highly unlikely at the moment.
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