Hyundai i40 saloon unveiled

Hyundai has just taken the wraps off its new i40 saloon at a private event in Barcelona, on the eve of its official unveiling at the city's motor show.

What Car? was there at the exclusive showing, and can reveal the Ford Mondeo rival will go on sale in the UK in November starting at around 17,000.

The saloon shares the same looks as the i40 Tourer which got the big thumbs-up from What Car? readers at an exclusive showing last month and will become the new flagship of the Korean companys range on this side of the Atlantic.

At 4.74 metres long, the i40 is roughly the same size as its rivals, but it has an unusually long wheelbase of almost 2.8 metres, which gives it above-average rear legroom and luggage space.

Two petrol and two diesel engines will be available from launch, with the most popular expected to be the 114bhp and 135bhp 1.7-litre diesel units. With CO2 emissions of 113g/km and 119g/km respectively (if fitted with optional engine stop-start technology) these engines will make the i40 seriously appealing to company car drivers.

Hyundai told us it expects the saloon to account for 40% of i40 sales in the UK, and hopes the cars low CO2 emissions and predicted lowest-in-class insurance costs will give it a bigger presence in the lucrative fleet market than the company has previously enjoyed.

Company bosses have refused to commit to exact prices until June, but told us the saloon will cost roughly 5% less than its average rival, which means it will start at around 17,000.

When you consider that includes Hyundais five-year unlimited mileage warranty and five years free roadside assistance, it seems good value indeed.

What Car? readers meet the Hyundai i40
We invited What Car? readers to a preview of the i40 Tourer, but we didn't reveal its identity until the end of the event. Take a look at their reactions...