Hyundai has updated the i40 Sedan and Wagon for the 2019 model year with a fresh grille treatment, additional safety features, and a new diesel engine. The most significant update concerns the front end which now features Hyundai’s latest version of the “Cascading Grille.” The i40 gains new 18-inch alloys as well, in addition to the 16- and 17-inch rims offered by its predecessor.

Inside, the 2019 Hyundai i40 offers the choice of two new interior colors: Merlot Red and a combination of Grey and Black, while the Black and Beige schemes carry over from the outgoing model. All interior colors are available with full leather trims, although the Black and Beige spec also offers cloth.


Other updates to the cabin include new door panel inlays that match the seat color and metal trim on the dashboard in combination with the Merlot Red and Grey interiors. The updated Hyundai i40 family brings safety enhancements as well. More specifically, the Hyundai SmartSense pack adds the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system. The technology alerts drivers in emergency situations and brakes autonomously if required. It activates when a vehicle is detected in front of the car at speeds of 10 km/h or above.

The final and most important addition for the 2019 model year is the new Smartstream 1.6-liter diesel. It’s available in two states of tune, both Euro 6D Temp compliant. The standard version delivers 115 PS and 280 Nm of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, it returns 4.6-4.3 l/100 km (61.4-65.7 mpg UK) on the combined cycle (NEDC), with corresponding CO2 emissions of 120-113 g/km.


There’s also a more powerful version rated at 136 PS and 320 Nm of torque. It’s offered with either the six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. With the latter, it delivers a claimed average fuel economy of 4.7-4.3 l/100 km (60.1-65.7 mpg UK), with CO2 emissions of 123-112 g/km. According to Hyundai, the new Smartstream engines increase performance and reduce real-life fuel consumption.

For buyers who don’t want a diesel, Hyundai also offers the i40 with a 135 PS 1.6-liter GDI gasoline engine. Hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox, it is claimed to average 6.7-6.2 l/100 km (42.1-45.5 mpg UK), with CO2 emissions of 153-142 g/km.