Estate cars are an important sector for manufacturers as it is a lucrative area and the Korean brand has joined the fray with its Hyundai i40 Tourer.

The i40 Tourer has one of the most striking designs in the sector - we think it is much more pleasing in estate guise than when in saloon form. This car marks another step forward in terms of performance and quality.

Rivals include the Ford Mondeo Estate, the Vauxhall Insignia Tourer and the Honda Accord Tourer. Has the i40 got what it takes to upset the applecart?

Performance

The 1.7-litre diesel is the sole engine choice in the i40, although there is a choice of 113bhp and 139bhp power outputs.

The six-speed manual offered is smooth enough, but Hyundai has recently added a new seven-speed DCT automatic ‘box to the range – which will no doubt please those who are prone to clocking up motorway miles.

We tested this new gearbox mated to the 139bhp 1.7-litre CRDi diesel unit. Once you get going this gearbox is very smooth through the gears, but when you are edging forward in traffic or at roundabouts, it can be a bit jerky.

There isn't much difference in terms of power between the two engine variants, so for cost reasons, we would go for the lower-powered model.

Ride and Handling

The Mondeo is still the class leader, it is sharp to drive and engaging when cornering, however, the i40 is surprisingly nimble and agile for such a big car.

For enthusiasts, the i40 will live in the shade of the Ford Mondeo, but it is better to drive than the likes of the Honda Accord and Vauxhall Insignia. The Mondeo is still the class leader, it is sharp to drive and engaging when cornering, however, the i40 is surprisingly nimble and agile for such a big car. The steering is well weighted but does feel a little over assisted, which is a shame. What helps is that the steering is speed sensitive. It feels lighter when negotiating streets in a town centre and gets heavier when travelling at motorway speeds. Speaking of motorway speeds, the i40’s suspension is very supple and will ensure long journeys are comfortable.

Interior and Equipment

Hyundai supplied models of the i40 Tourer during its sponsorship of the 2011 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

If you are prone to packing suitcases or sports gear then the i40 Tourer will serve you well. With 553 litres, the i40 Tourer is one of the best in its class, beating its Insignia Tourer and Mondeo Estate rivals. Fold the seats down and storage space is increased to 1,719 litres – the seats don’t fold completely flat, but we’ve seen worse. The cabin is an incredibly comfortable place to be. The seats hug you into place, making motorway driving extremely comfortable, and everything on the dash is easy to reach and understand. Those who sit in the back will be happy as well as there is masses of leg room. Standard kit across the range includes Bluetooth, USB connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Those looking for a motorway cruiser will want to go for the SE Nav model as it brings cruise control, a touchscreen sat-nav system, heated seats and a rear view camera.

Cost

One of the i40’s biggest boons is its five year unlimited mileage warranty, great for those who want added peace of mind.

For the 139bhp 1.7-litre diesel with the auto ‘box you are looking at an average of around 50mpg, with CO2 standing at 114g/km. When it comes to price, the i40 Tourer sits in-between its Ford and Vauxhall rivals at just under £21,000. The Tourer model is also around £1,000 more than the saloon model, so you may want to thoroughly check out the saloon model first. One of the i40’s biggest boons is its five year unlimited mileage warranty, great for those who want added peace of mind.

Our Verdict

Whether you are a business driver, need the extra space for a growing family or you simply need a car that can tackle sports gear, Hyundai's i40 is an enticing proposition. It’s not the most engaging estate car to drive, but it still feels good for a car this size. Other attractive points include the spacious and comfy cabin and the impressively efficient diesel engine on offer. It may not be as mainstream or obvious as some of its well-established rivals, but it’s a fine workhorse that is as good to drive on B roads as it is on motorways.