2011 HYUNDAI I40

Hyundai has unveiled its upcoming Euro-spec i40 model, a shapely wagon not intended for North America. Set to compete in Europe’s D-segment, the i40 will go on sale soon across Europe. Unlike in the U.S., Hyundai has yet to gain a major foothold in the European market. However, Hyundai hopes that trend will change with the launch of the new i40 model.

“We have bold ambitions for Hyundai in Europe, and the new i40 will provide the momentum we need to achieve our goals in 2011 and beyond. We expect the quality of the new i40 to continue the development of our image in Europe and attract new customers to the Hyundai brand,” said Allan Rushforth, vice president of Hyundai Motor Europe. Hit read more for details and pictures!

Although similar in looks to the recently unveiled Elantra sedan, the i40 is actually based on the larger Sonata. The i40 was designed at Hyundai’s European R&D facilities in Rüsselsheim, Germany, featuring the company’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language.

No official engine specs were given, but it is believed the i40 will be available with a number of gas and diesel engines, including a base 1.6-liter gas engine, an economical 1.7-liter diesel and a performance-minded 177 horsepower 2.0-liter diesel.

Although the i40 will bow in wagon form only, Hyundai says a sedan variant will follow about a year later. It is possible that a version of the i40 will eventually surface in the U.S. as the Sonata wagon.

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