Motoring review: New practical i40 the latest game changer for Hyundai

It's always difficult for a car manufacturer to break into the competitive saloon market, especially when it is flooded with well known and trusted vehicles such as the Ford Mondeo, the Volkswagen Passat and its Skoda counterparts. Hyundai have been making a real fist of it though, and the release of the i40 in 2012 was a major move into the large family saloon car area of the market. The success of the Tuscon, which is now the highest selling car in Ireland, has brought Hyundai's credibility up by a number of notches, and it would be no surprise to see people who have traditionally owned cars similar to the i40 switch over to the new model. The re-design oozes both class and style, but there is an amicable mixture of technology and practicality with this car that makes it such an interesting prospect. It is appeasing on the eye, quite possibly one of the most stylish looking vehicles that the South Korean manufacturers have ever rolled out. It also comes in two different shapes, a large saloon model and a more condensed tourer model. Hyundai are obviously keen to appeal to prospective buyers, and the fact that accessories such as bluetooth, alloys and cruise control comes standard on all models really showcases their appetite to impress. Hyundai even offer five years unlimited warranty and AA road cover with their new cars. The first thing to be noted on the new i40 is that there is almost absurd amount of leg space throughout the car, and that doesn't take away from the vast boot space that accompanies it. In terms of size, it compares favourably with any of its competitors from other car makers in the same market. Unlike so many of the new cars on offer these days, there is no propensity to fill the dash with complicated buttons and devices that are labelled as advanced technology, without really doing a whole pile. The i40 is simple, but you won't be left wanting for anything. Features such as heated mirrors, USB and iPod connectivity and air conditioning comes with the Comfort model, while buyers will be treated to a lot more gadgets if they upgrade to the Executive version. An integrated reversing camera on a touch screen radio is the most eye-catching feature, while the alloys will be bumped up from 16 inch to 17 inches. For a bit more money, buyers can also upgrade to include a leather interior with heated seats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C31-VQBb4Kk So what is it like to drive? It's pretty smooth, and rather enjoyable. All models are 1.7 diesel, ranging from 115bhp to 141bhp. The running costs on the i40 are also quite low, with the most economic of all their engines squeezing out up to 56mpg. The 115bhp version also falls into the low tax band of €200. It's an incredibly comfortable car on the road, though it does have quite a bit of oomph when you really put the foot down. It is sure to be a car we will be seeing more of on the road, and with it being priced cheaper than the likes of the Skoda Superb and the Volkswagen Passat, many new car buyers will be casting admiring glances towards the i40. Fitzpatrick's Garage in Kildare Town are the main Hyundai dealer in the county, and they are offering €4,000 scrappage or five years free servicing on any 162 Hyundai bought before the end of June.