Verdict
The Hyundai i40 Tourer estate is a contemporary and well-appointed model which should worry the established manufacturers in the class with its quality and value.

Expert rating: 4.1

Pros
• Up to 65.7mpg with 1.7 CRDi Blue Drive
• Attractive styling
• Classy and spacious interior

Cons
• Entry-level diesel is slow
• Not engaging to drive
• 1.6 petrol can sound strained

1. Exterior: 4/5
The i40 Tourer continues the 'fluidic' design style first seen in the Hyundai ix35 4x4. It's designed and built in Europe and looks contemporary and sleek. Daytime running lights feature across the range and help make it stand out on the road.

2. Interior: 4/5
The cabin can match the quality of the Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 508 and Vauxhall Insignia. Surprising features for the class include an optional heated steering wheel and cooled/ventilated seats. Premium models get an enhanced instrument cluster with attractive colour displays for the trip computer and vehicle information. The top model also gets leather upholstery and a one-touch operation panoramic sunroof. We particularly liked the opening cubby at the base of the centre console, which is big enough to plug in, store and conceal your portable music player or 'phone.

3. Practicality: 4/5
There's best-in-class space for front seat occupants. The boot is similarly expansive, with 533 litres in normal use and 1,719 with the rear seats folded. There are some well thought out touches too, with room for a laptop and other valuables in spaces under the boot floor. Style and Premium models get front and rear parking sensors, while a rear parking camera and auto-pilot parking are available with the optional Assist pack.

4. Ride and handling: 3/5
The i40 has been specifically tuned for British roads, so our cars get softer suspension than cars sold in Western Europe. Pot holes are soaked up without jarring occupants and poor road surfaces rarely vibrate through the cabin. It's not as involving to drive as a BMW 3 Series Touring, or even a Mondeo Estate, but it's much more relaxed.

5. Performance: 3/5
With 113 or 134bhp in the 1.7-litre CRDi i40 Tourer, the lower powered version struggles sometimes, reducing confidence in overtaking. With 240lb/ft of pulling power the 134bhp diesel feels significantly more willing. A 1.6-litre GDi petrol with 133bhp and a 2-litre with 175bhp are also available. The smaller petrol unit needs to be revved.

---

---

6. Running costs: 5/5
Eco versions are badged Blue Drive and feature low rolling resistance tyres, improved aerodynamics and stop and start. The 113bhp Blue Drive diesel emits 113g/km of CO2 and manages 65.7mpg; the 134bhp edition manages 119g/km and 62.8mpg. Without Blue Drive this figure goes up to 134g/km. The petrol engines emit 140g/km and 169g/km.

7. Reliability: 5/5
Hyundai is gaining an excellent reputation for reliability, and the i40 Tourer comes with a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty, which includes road side assistance and car health checks.

8. Safety: 4/5
Every i40 Tourer has anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, hill assist and seven airbags. A lane departure system is available with the optional Assist Pack, which automatically steers the car if it wanders out of its lane.

9. Equipment: 5/5
Active trim includes 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth with voice recognition, leather steering wheel, heated door mirrors, electric windows and an electric parking brake with auto hold. Style trim adds touch-screen sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and dual-zone climate control. Premium i40s get leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and supervision instruments. Three optional packs are available; Vision, Comfort and Assist.

10. Why buy? 4/5
The Hyundai i40 Tourer is a smart and reliable estate, with high equipment levels and a comfortable ride. Hyundai expects a high proportion of business buyers, but there's no reason private customers shouldn't fall for the i40's charms as well.