Used Hyundai i40 2012-present review
Spacious, well equipped and economical, the Hyundai i40 is worth considering if you do lots of motorway miles
- Used Hyundai i40 12-present
- Used Hyundai i40 12-present
- Used Hyundai i40 12-present
- Used Hyundai i40 12-present
- Used Hyundai i40 12-present
What's the used Hyundai i40 like?
Premium-badged alternatives from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been tempting buyers away from more traditional executive-sized cars from Ford and Vauxhall for a while now. It’s a shame because both the Mondeo and Insignia come with lots of equipment, have good fuel economy and are comfortable on the motorway. However, there are still some candid options out there, with the Hyundai i40 being a particularly good-value choice.
There’s a choice of one petrol engine and a 1.7-litre diesel in various power outputs. The petrol option didn’t last long because the diesel took the majority of sales, but then the i40 is a heavy car and the higher torque figures of the diesel versions are most welcome. It isn’t the most refined engine in the class and can be quite grumbly when cold, but it does quieten down on the motorway.
Pros
- Lots of standard equipment
- Decent boot space
- Good fuel economy
Cons
- Few petrol models to choose from
- Average to drive
- Disappointing Interior quality
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Smaller alloy wheel options are preferable because the 18in wheels on top-spec cars can thump into potholes and generate plenty of road noise at speed. The steering doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence with inconsistent weighting and limited feedback. Body roll in bends is noticeably worse than it is in a Mondeo.
Boot space is slightly down on the Mondeo, too, but it’s much more generous than the amount you get in an Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class – all of which cost more than the i40.
There’s enough space for rear occupants but they will have to contend with a raised floor and protruding seatback that can be quite uncomfortable. Taller passengers could also find their heads brushing the ceiling as a result of the sloping roofline. However, adults will not want for space in the front and there’s plenty of oddments storage.
The interior is solidly constructed but can feel a little cheap next to rivals, and there are a few too many buttons strewn across it. You do get plenty of equipment at least, with SE Nav cars coming with a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav and a DAB radio, an electric driver’s seat, auto wipers, cruise control, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors and 17in alloy wheels.
Find a used Hyundai i40 in the What Car? Classifieds here
Ownership cost
What used Hyundai i40 will I get for my budget?
An early i40 from 2012 with a high mileage will set you back £5000, but if you up the budget to £7500 you can find plenty of lower-mileage examples in mid-range Style spec.
You’ll need around £10,500 to get a facelifted i40 in SE Nav trim with average mileage. Prices for nearly new examples start at £17,000.
To keep up to date with used Hyundai i40 prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you're getting the best deal.
Check the value of a used Hyundai i40 with What Car? Valuations
Our recommendations
Which used Hyundai i40 should I buy?
There’s little point suggesting the petrol because the overwhelming majority of i40s for sale are diesel-powered. We’d suggest going for the 113bhp 1.7-litre CRDi Blue Drive because it’s the most efficient engine in the range and still manages to produce enough torque to keep up with traffic out on the motorway.
SE Nav comes with more than enough kit to suit the needs of those who require a big, comfy cruiser without having to fork out for top-spec models.
Our favourite Hyundai i40 1.7 CRDi 115 Blue Drive SE Nav
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Hyundai i40?
The Ford Mondeo has been a staple for years because it has plenty of space inside for up to five people and their luggage, has some strong engines and handles well.
If you like plenty of gadgets for your money, then the Kia Optima is worth looking at. It shares engines and transmissions with the i40, but there is a hybrid option if you do most of your journeys in town.
The Vauxhall Insignia has a classy and well-built interior and punchy 2.0-litre diesel engines. It also has a hatchback boot opening that is a lot bigger than the opening on the i40 and means you can get taller items in the back more easily.
How reliable is the Hyundai i40 ?
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