Within the segment of the medium sedan, Hyundai is currently competing with the i40, the jump that this model has led to its predecessor, the Sonata was huge, but ... enough to disturb the Passat, Mondeo or Insignia ?

Today, the 'quality' of a car is determined by many factors: image, performance, quality, technology, space, comfort ... It is easy for almost any model, regardless of the segment, to count in its range with a version that meets these qualities ... but demanding a high price. To see if a car is really good, it must be proved from the basic version. And so, nothing better than to try the step of initiation of range of the saloon that has been the talk of the past year: the engine for Hyundai i40 is 1.6 GDI petrol 135 hp, four-door body and basic finish, known as City. It costs 21,190 euros ... no discount.

The 'story' of i40 in the world car market already has a few chapters, in markets such as the Korean, the car is known as the Sonata - was released in 2009 and for a couple of years was on the U.S. market. However, the European version made its debut late last year ... and, interestingly, it was with a station wagon, the saloon joined earlier this year.

And this sedan is what you see in the photos. With a size of 4.74 m long, 1.81 m wide and 1.49 m high is average in its class, which has models slightly larger like the Ford Mondeo -4.84 m long- and more compact, as the Renault Laguna, who stays at 4.69 m. As mentioned, is offered in two body styles, four-door and family: same as the VW Passat , the Skoda Superb or Peugeot 508 ... but there is no five-door variant, as the Opel Insignia, Ford Mondeo or Mazda 6.

For aesthetics, the i40 is really attractive, appealing as Hyundai, as a sedan ... and as a vehicle in general, because the Korean brand has found a style for its very successful models. You may remember 'this and the other', but on the whole has its own personality and nice touches like LED daytime running lights, powerful 'back' and sideline quite stylized, somewhat reminiscent of saloon-coupe (here best example is the VW Passat CC). The color range is quite broad, as you can choose between 12 different shades , only the white of the photos is free, while the remaining 11 are metallic and go for 400 euros.

Outside impression is transferable to the inside. For starters, the symmetrical design of the dashboard is striking, with a nice center console where they concentrate all the controls accessible to driver and passenger. Thus, the stereo and dual zone climate control are both in standard.

Although we speak of a basic version, the equipment can be regarded as reasonable, so this City trim comes with all the usual as rivals also has: ABS, ESP, six airbags, split folding rear seat, remote central locking, four electric windows, trip computer, electric mirrors, multifunction steering wheel .... and adds elements that are less common, such as dual zone climate control, often in competition air conditioning or climate-monozona, alarm, bluetooth or control front and rear parking. Yes, the optional list is reduced to metallic paint -we mentioned before 400 euros- and who want the latest technology -lane change warning, access and keyless ignition, knee airbag, automatic parking- will have to look at superior trims... which, unfortunately, are not available with this 'basic' fuel engine. Finally, a plus in front of all competition is that the i40 comes standard with five-year unlimited mileage warranty and five years of roadside assistance.

The quality is amazing, not that it is 'the new reference', but it is noteworthy that, despite the smaller brand experience in making models of a certain level, the result is comparable to an Opel Insignia, a Renault Laguna or Ford Mondeo. Have been used good touch plastics, robust and accurate controls and all settings are quality. In addition, there are eye-catching details such as instrumentation in blue and a nice display in the center. It is less successful... in the trunk area, which is not well topped-for example, the top is covered and is not 'aired'.

For space, the i40 is very well used, the two front seats are very comfortable and there is room to spare. The driving position is well resolved, with a steering wheel that has good height and depth settings, although not as much as a VW Passat -sized and very different people can be comfortable to your commands.
It also helps the good front seats that are comfortable for soft and with a design that allows the body good grip when cornering. In the rear seats is very good width, a legroom wide-apart, the area is almost flat, and the height is sufficient. Three adults traveling here with no problem, but as with almost every car in the market that are not carriers, the central area of the seat is less comfortable, in case of a fifth passenger.

As for the trunk, it has a capacity of 505 liters, which is an intermediate volume, eg a VW Passat goes to 565 liters. The loading opening is not particularly wide and under the trunk floor is a spare wheel. There is a more practical i40: the wagon body ... but not offered, so far, with this 1.6 GDI engine but only with 1.7 CRDi diesel.

In March, the first thing to say that this car is part of a new platform shared with the Kia Optima. For planning or design is as modern as its rivals ... and generally, the result is very good. The first thing you feel when you start shooting is that it conveys a sense of solid car quality, in fact, is like moving a more expensive car at hand. The next thing you notice is the smoothness of the direction, at low speeds or when using the car in town is very nice ... and also with 2.9 turns of the wheel is not fast enough. The trouble is that this 'over-assistance' is always maintained ... but it's not a problem because your touch is right in general, fairly accurate and adequate level of "communication" between the driver's hands and wheels. We had previously tried other i40 diesel with huge 18 "wheels that were a little 'dry' ... but the basic version with 16 "wheels and tires more profile is very comfortable and enjoyable. Furthermore, for a model of its size and weight considerably - 1,378 kg empty - he is quite agile and goes very well in tight corners. Of course, ESP is standard ... but the car's reactions are totally predictable, progressive and safe. For behavioral and relationship agility / comfort it can be concluded that this version is as good as the best of its rivals.

As for the engine, also has drawn attention ... for good. Is not the first time when we tested this modern direct injection engine, in fact, we have seen it in a compact-coupe as Veloster, a smaller sedan as the Elantra and a crossover as the ix35 . Interestingly, the two most influential models, the i40 and ix35 is where it seems that the engine 'goes further'.

At first, it silent: is one of those vehicles that look like they are 'dead' because they do not sound or vibrate at all. This refinement is also present when the motor rotates at high engine speeds... and generally, the feeling is that an engine is very well tuned. The benefits are not bad, as we said at first it seems even faster than an Elantra lighter with the same engine. The answer is not conclusive, but responds instant to the accelerator, also the sound is nice and the noise at constant speed, very tight.

But one thing that stands out in this little engine is the consumption, not only for its proper operation itself but also the aerodynamics of the car or the presence of a stop / start system as standard, which switches off the engine when we stopped at traffic lights or jam: the i40 1.6 GDI is able to consume 5 to 6 liters if we are careful with the throttle, and just hit 7 in normal driving. As it has 70 liters fuel capacity, real autonomy can approach 1,000 km, which is unusual in saloons.

On the issue is the price, the cost of this access version is 21,190 euros ... although with the current promotion of 1,500 euros, the final cost remains tight in some 19,690 euros. A good number, considering what their main rivals offer, such as an Opel Insignia 1.4 turbo with 140 hp that is slightly better in performance and also leaves very cheap -23,300 euros... who stay at 19,749 euros with promotion- but is not so well equipped. Or the Citroen C5 1.6 VTI 120 hp Business, very comfortable, similar price - 20,450 euros - but in performance and agility is not so good because of its soft suspension and high weight. Although, the best alternative is the Toyota Avensis 1.8 147 HP Advance, for 19,990 euros, with an unquestionable quality and extensive standard equipment.