Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Motor Group, which has ranked as the world’s fifth-largest automaker since 2007. Employing over 75,000 people worldwide, Hyundai Motor sold approximately 4.1 million vehicles globally in 2011.
Hyundai vehicles are sold in 186 countries through some 5,300 dealerships and showrooms, including Daly’s Garage in Belfast. As covered in a recent issue, Daly’s Hyundai are one of few Frontier Hyundai dealers in the UK.
On arrival at Daly’s I was greeted with a welcome and the keys to this lovely i40 Tourer Style model in white. At a glance this is one of the smartest looking estate cars on the market with its optional 18” wheels and privacy glass at the rear end.
Inside the cabin has more toys than Hamley’s store and the seats are very comfortable indeed with all the controls on the dash at easy reach. With Bluetooth as standard on all models, and the style and premium coming with dual climate control as well as a touch screen built in sat nav/audio system, any journey will be more than comfortable.
On the comfort end of things two adults would easily enjoy a long journey in the rear, and with a 12v output, be able to charge media devices. The boot is mega and again with a 12v socket for those who would maybe need it for business products on board, has enough room to carry golf clubs or pram as well as a week’s luggage.
Driving this diesel model was a pleasure and indeed Hyundai have come a long way over the years to set a bench mark to other manufactures within an affordable range. With 134bhp the car pulled through the gears lovely and the handling/steering was very predictable and precise.
With a 5 star safety rating they are also one of the safest estates around, and while we are on the number 5, Hyundai offer a 5 year, unlimited mileage warranty with all its models.
ISOFIX points for two rear child seats come as standard as well as a luggage cover for the boot. On this Style model front and rear parking sensors with rear parking camera and LED daylight driving lamps which all make life safer and more comfortable.
A Blue Drive option is also available which drops the wheel size to 16inches with low rolling resistance tyres and intelligent stop & go technology. These features allow for better fuel efficiency and in turn drop the road TAX to a mere £30 per annum.
Words and Photos: Graham Curry
1 comment
Interesting car – good design