Teaser: 2012 Hyundai i40 sedan

Hyundai has released a teaser CGI of the upcoming Hyundai i40 sedan, ahead of its European debut in Barcelona.

The sedan is the second variant after the station wagon was launch earlier this year. Unlike international Sonatas (i45 in Australia), the European model will feature a more striking fascia - similar to that of the wagon – considering it was designed in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

Externally, everything will change on
the European i40, including the
removal of the waterfall grille

“We have used very strong, fluid lines from front to rear to give i40 a distinctive appearance,” commented Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre. “We wanted to move away from the typical three-box saloon and create a car that was in keeping with the sporty nature of the i40 estate. By sculpting a low, elongated roof line, we’ve given the i40 saloon a striking coupe-like silhouette,” he added.

While details remain scares, the i40 sedan will sport a wheelbase measuring 2.77 metres.

“While the exterior of i40 saloon stands out for its fluidic form and distinctive appearance, the interior has been shaped to deliver practicality and comfort to the driver and passengers in a high-quality package,” Thomas Bürkle concluded.

Mechanically, expect the same petrol, diesel engines, manual, automatic, and dual-clutch transmissions.

2010 Hyundai Sonata

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “The launch of the saloon represents the next step of the i40’s introduction to the European market, following the very positive reception for the i40 estate. The i40 saloon shares the same qualities found in the estate, including a dynamic design element, and broadens the appeal of the i40 to buyers in the D-segment.

“The saloon market in Spain is very strong, claiming almost 40% of the D-Segment, so the Barcelona Motor Show was the logical choice for a reveal of such importance. We couldn’t be more delighted to be holding the world premier of the i40 saloon in Barcelona, a vibrant European city steeped in culture and creativity,” he concluded.