Tour-ific Hyundai delivers premium specs appeal

Most people choose Hyundais because they are good value rather than desirable. So to make its cars a more aspirational choice, the company needs to boost its styling and anoint its products with a premium feel.

Its latest attempt in this direction is the i40 Tourer, a sleek competitor to capable estates such as the Ford Mondeo, VW Passat and Peugeot 508.

This is the best-looking car Hyundai has so far produced, with a sloping roofline and shallow side widows.

Crease lines along its flanks are more dramatic and the materials used in the cabin are of much higher quality than before. On the road its ride is supple, spoilt a little by noticeable tyre roar, and accommodation is generous, especially in the back.

There is a choice of a two-litre petrol engine, which felt rather gutless, or a 1.7-litre diesel which pulls reasonably well and will probably be the choice of most UK buyers.

Equipment levels are good, with Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition, leather steering wheel containing audio controls as standard on all three trim levels, the mid and upper specs including a high resolution touch-screen sat-nav with rear view camera, parking sensors, self-parking and heated and ventilated seats on some models.

This is an easy car to drive, well capable of covering long journeys without unduly tiring the driver. Although dynamically unremarkable, it exudes unshowy capability and an unexpected air of quality. The range starts from £18,395, and with C02 emissions from 113g/km and fuel consumption of up to 65.7mpg, the i40 Tourer will prove a tempting choice for plenty of drivers who might not previously have considered a Hyundai.