Hyundai shows shape of i40 saloon

Hyundai has released the first picture of its new i40 large family saloon, which will be unveiled at the Barcelona Motor Show next week.

The picture focuses on the car’s rear end treatment, the estate version of the new model having been shown at the Geneva show in March.

Hyundai says the styling follows the brand’s latest ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, with flowing lines first seen on the ix-onic concept car of 2009.

Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Centre in Russelsheim, Germany says that the key elements are very strong, fluid lines from front to rear to give the i40 a distinctive appearance.

“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,” Bürkle adds.

The unveiling of the car in Barcelona is significant – in Spain saloons are highly popular, the four-door models commanding 40 per cent of their segment.

Words by: Andrew Charman