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Spyshots: 2019 Hyundai i40 Wagon Begins Testing

After the successful launch of the all-new i30 hatchback and Tourer, Hyundai has begun development of the i40. The first prototype we've spied is not the sedan, which should have debuted first, but the i40 Tourer.
2018/2019 Hyundai i40 Wagon Makes Spy Photos Debut 14 photos
Photo: CarPix
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In several big European markets, the tourers outsell their mid-sized sedan counterparts, so it's only natural for Hyundai to switch their priorities around. Even though this is a Korean brand, the car is developed in Germany, and it's natural to presume that it's tailored to suit their tastes.

Hyundai's share of the midsize market is pretty small, and the i40 Touring's development highlights their continued ambition. While crossovers are gaining traction, only a big wagon like this can keep up with a modern family's needs for speeds. Gigantic child seats, strollers, XXL outdoors equipment and even a small business should fit inside the wagon.

We expect everything about this car to mirror what's offered by the new Kia Optima Sportswagon. That includes the platform and the choice of engines. At the bottom of the range, we expect to see the 1.7 CRDI with 141 HP, available with either a manual or a twin-clutch gearbox. A 2-liter gasoline unit with 163 HP will also be offered, but we don't expect it to be very popular.

The top of the range might be occupied by a 2.0 T-GDI engine, similar to the one in the i30 Nm but producing only 245 HP and perhaps fitted with the 8-speed automatic from the 2018 Hyundai Sonata.

Call us crazy, but we think this prototype is powered by the 1.4-liter turbo from the i30 - the muffler is small all doesn't look like it belongs on a diesel. Further down the line, hybrid and PHEV versions will be introduced.

The all-new i40 Touring will compete in a very crowded arena, alongside Volkswagen's popular Passat, the Mondeo, and especially newcomers like the Renault Talisman or Opel Insignia. No matter what Hyundai does, it won't be a top contender. But we can see they're taking the styling lessons of the i30 to heart. A shooting brake roof and large alloy wheels pull at our heart strings.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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