5/4/2013
The recent popularity of SUV type vehicles once was thought to have been the death knell of the traditional station wagon.
But the wheel is turning full circle.now they seem to be returning in popularity, with most manufacturers once again offering them in their line up.
From the VW Golf wagon, to the Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6,Volvo, Mercedes, Audi,Skoda, Passat to name just a few.
And that's good news for those who don't want or need any off road capabilty.
The Hyundai i40 is one of the latest to hit the market in petrol and turbo diesel variants.
The recent popularity of SUV type vehicles once was thought to have been the death knell of the traditional station wagon.
But the wheel is turning full circle.now they seem to be returning in popularity, with most manufacturers once again offering them in their line up.
From the VW Golf wagon, to the Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6,Volvo, Mercedes, Audi,Skoda, Passat to name just a few.
And that's good news for those who don't want or need any off road capabilty.
The Hyundai i40 is one of the latest to hit the market in petrol and turbo diesel variants.
I think it's styling is a real head turner, standing out from others in the class.. it looks classy too and modern , but still functional.
I drove the petrol version on the launch a few months ago and was mightily impressed.
The diesel I drove more recently is an ideal family device... there's very little diesel rattle at idle and none once underway or at speed.
The ride is among the most comfortable I have experienced in cars of any price... The cargo area is enormous 550 litres and even moreso when the rear seats are folded, 1720 litres..
Controls are well laid out, and the instruments at night are lit in a clear blue, easy to read at a glance.
The car I drove did not have reversing camera nor audible beepers but they are avaliable on the top spec Premium.
Handling is safe and sure.. very neutral through the twisty bits, with a little understeer if pushed harder than usual.
The torque of the small 1.7 litre diesel as you'd expect makes for effortless acceleration and overtaking.
I drove the petrol version on the launch a few months ago and was mightily impressed.
The diesel I drove more recently is an ideal family device... there's very little diesel rattle at idle and none once underway or at speed.
The ride is among the most comfortable I have experienced in cars of any price... The cargo area is enormous 550 litres and even moreso when the rear seats are folded, 1720 litres..
Controls are well laid out, and the instruments at night are lit in a clear blue, easy to read at a glance.
The car I drove did not have reversing camera nor audible beepers but they are avaliable on the top spec Premium.
Handling is safe and sure.. very neutral through the twisty bits, with a little understeer if pushed harder than usual.
The torque of the small 1.7 litre diesel as you'd expect makes for effortless acceleration and overtaking.
Fuel consumption city /highway is just under six litres per 100 kays.
After a week of mainly city driving I achieved just over seven litres per 100 kilometres.
Seat comfort is very good...when combined with a compliant suspension is a welcome change from the kidney bashing ride of others on sale at the moment.
Leg and headroom in front and rear is also acceptable. my six foot two height never came near the headlining.
An electronic park brake is becoming standard equipment on many cars and I don't mind it over the traditional lever.
Seat comfort is very good...when combined with a compliant suspension is a welcome change from the kidney bashing ride of others on sale at the moment.
Leg and headroom in front and rear is also acceptable. my six foot two height never came near the headlining.
An electronic park brake is becoming standard equipment on many cars and I don't mind it over the traditional lever.
Red lamps on the trailing edge of the front doors, are a welcome safety item , and much more effective than cheap reflective tape found on some more expensive vehicles.
Daytime running lights are all the go these days and the i 40 has among the most distinctive, curling around the headlamp bezels...
Daytime running lights are all the go these days and the i 40 has among the most distinctive, curling around the headlamp bezels...
It's an unmistakeable look in a rear view mirror.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the i 40 diesel... and as is my wont, favour it over the petrol model..
At around 33 K up to 47K for the top of the range Premium, it's exceptional value and should be on everyone's shopping list, even when compared with luxury European brands.
Peter Sellen
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the i 40 diesel... and as is my wont, favour it over the petrol model..
At around 33 K up to 47K for the top of the range Premium, it's exceptional value and should be on everyone's shopping list, even when compared with luxury European brands.
Peter Sellen
No comments:
Post a Comment