Hyundai previews i40 sports wagon

Hyundai has previewed the Sonata replacement, which is exclusively designed for Europe. Ahead of its official world debut at next year’s Geneva motor show, the i40 will be available in both sports wagon and sedan bodystyles.

The i40 sports wagon was designed at Hyundai's design studios in Germany.

Five engines will be offered at launch; a pair of 1.7 litre CRDi in both 113bhp and 134bhp, 1.6 GDI (gasoline direct-injection) 125bhp, 1.6 GDI 140bhp, and a powerful 175bhp 2.0 GDI. The 113bhp diesel model will emit a class-leading 113g/km, while the 134bhp variant emits 124g/km. The 175bhp 2.0 GDI will emit 156g/km. All will be linked to a 6 speed manual and automatic transmission.

In 2012, Hyundai will release a twin-turbo 160bhp 1.7 CRDi and a 173bhp 2.0 CRDi, which will be mated to Hyundai's in-house dual-clutch gearbox, bringing the overall number of i40 engines variants to eight. Sales of the i40 sports wagon will commence after its world debut with the sedan launching in Autumn 2011.

Hyundai engineers have benchmarked the i40 alongside the Toyota Avensis, Vauxhall/Opel Insignia, Ford Mondeo, Mazda6 and Volkswagen Passat. A longer wheelbase (2,800mm) than a Passat ensures greater interior space.

Luggage space will measure at 553 litres behind the rear seats, but with them flipped down, 1,700 litres will be accessible.