Launching the i40 estate at the Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai moved from an also-ran in the family car segment to a genuine competitor, and the new four-door saloon aims to make this a two-pronged attack.
The i40's European roots (it was developed in Hyundai's R&D HQ in Germany) are evident from the outside alone. It's a good looking car, with a Mercedes CLS-like arching roofline and a bold face, lit up by LED daytime running lights. It is an impressive step forward from the last generation's offering.
Things appear good inside too; it echoes the curved theme of the exterior and of course will come extremely well specified. Hyundai's '5 Year Triple Car Plan' is included. Two trim levels will be offered - Comfort and Executive - priced at €24,995 and €26,495 respectively.
Until the i40 saloon arrives in December the estate will be sold at these prices. From the start of 2012, the i40 estate will cost €1,500 more than the four-door variant.
Safety wise, the i40 is expected to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating, thanks to seven airbags and more acronyms than you can shake a stick at.
The i40 will be available initially with a 1.7-litre diesel engine with about 140hp. Hyundai has confirmed that it will sit in Band A for road tax, with combined consumption at about 4.3 litres/100km (65mpg) .
While the Hyundai i40's still not likely to be a class-leader in brand-loyal Ireland, it represents a massive step forward for a company that used to be the low-rent budget option and Hyundai is expecting its Irish sales eat into the established competition such as the Toyota Avensis and Opel Insignia.
Click here to read our First Drive of the Hyundai i40 estate.