Overall rating:

It's possibly the most convincing car that Hyundai makes. The cabin's up there with the best of them, it's full of kit and even a decent drive. Add to that the impressive five-year warranty and it's hard to argue against the Hyundai i40.

Key Facts

Model tested: Hyundai i40 1.7CRDi Style saloon
Pricing: £20,995 (£21,440 as tested)
Engine: 1.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: Kia Optima, Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia
CO₂ emissions: 134g/km
Combined economy: 55.4mpg
Top speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 10.6 seconds
Power: 137hp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 325Nm at 2,000rpm

Inside & Out:

Design is subjective, but there's something not quite right with the i40's looks. It's not got a face that only a mother would love, but it is the kid that always hides in photos. Proportionately its actually ok, but there's definitely something of the awkward in the details - we'd opt for the estate, which is much better looking.

But beauty isn't only skin deep, and that's where this lovable misfit makes its case. Be in no doubt; the cabin of the i40 is within a gnat's whisker of matching what the Germans can do. There's soft touch plastics everywhere, the instruments are clear and classy and the climate and audio controls operate with precision. It's also got Skoda Superb levels of rear legroom.

Ride & Handling:

Don't expect to be inspired - this is no BMW 3 Series rival after all. However, you can expect to be surprised, as the i40 is actually quite communicative and lively. There's some body roll, but still plenty of grip.

The pay-off is a decent high-speed ride, even when rolling on 17-inch alloy wheels. Supple and calm, it's clearly a car that has been designed to cover long distances. The driving position is pretty good as well, with plenty of adjustment from the electric seat on this Style model.

If only the steering wasn't such a weak link. At speed it feels artificial, light and over keen to self-centre. Push hard and the nose heavy i40 will wash wide of any apex, though everything is reined in successfully by the ESP system.

Engine & Transmission:

On paper this car only has 137hp, but in reality it feels much stronger than that, probably due to the 325Nm of torque produced at only 2,000rpm. It results in a 0-62mph time of 10.6 seconds, though before that peak torque figure arrives it can feel a bit flat.

Regardless, it's certainly more lively than it has any right to be - and it's quieter than in its Kia Optima cousin as well. But refinement aside, it's clear the gearbox wasn't at the top of the priority list for Hyundai's engineers. Changes are really rather vague, thought at least the light action isn't at odds with the steering.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

We'd give this car six stars in this section if we could. Not only does it boast Hyundai's comprehensive (and transferable) five-year warranty, but also five years of roadside assistance and annual vehicle health checks. It's also pretty efficient, with CO₂ emissions of 134g/km meaning annual road tax is only £115, while the official combined economy of 55.4mpg is very believable.

And it only costs £20,995 to start with - which includes such niceties as 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, electric driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and a touch-screen satnav system with rear-view camera. In fact the only thing you'd really need to add to the Style specification is metallic paint, which is £450.