HYUNDAI is expanding its business appeal with the launch of an all-new i40 model to rival the Ford Mondeo.

Although we can’t show you pictures yet, the new saloon and estate will be based closely on the shape of the i-flow concept car pictured.

The Hyundai i40 estate will be launched first in June 2011, while the saloon will follow six months later.

The i40 is part of a complete model revamp starting with the new ix20 MPV (see news story All-new Hyundai superminis bring added value) that aims to make the car maker a more attractive choice for small business buyers and company car drivers.

“We will bring 10 new models and derivatives to the European market –  some in segments that are totally new to our business,” confirmed Oliver Lajara, deputy general manager of Hyundai’s European fleet & remarketing department, “including a new large business saloon and estate.”

Mr Lajara continued: “To become one of the major car makers in Europe, you need to have a good fleet proposition.”

The new Hyundai i40 continues the ‘fluidic sculpture’ styling that was first introduced on the ix35 SUV off-roader and will feature when new Hyundai models are introduced.

The surprising aspect of the new Hyundai i40 estate is the ample amount of legroom for all passengers – rear passengers in particular enjoying spacious accommodation. The car’s boot, which will feature auto closing at the push of the button, is square sided, flat bottomed and capacious.

Other features include high quality interior fit, finish and materials, and dramatic LED lighting both front and rear.

There will be four small capacity high output engine choices at launch: two diesel; two direct injection petrol (GDI):

• 1.7-litre TDi 115hp, 113g/km CO2
• 1.7-litre TDI 136hp, n/a CO2
• 1.6 GDI 140hp, 139g/km CO2
• 2.0 GDI 172hp, 156g/km CO2

This would mean a benefit in kind company car tax rating of 13% for the tax year 2011/12 for the lower-power diesel; but even the most powerful 2.0-litre GDI petrol would only attract a 21% company car tax band in the same tax year.

Like all Hyundai models, expect keen pricing – model for model will no doubt undercut an equivalent Mondeo substantially.

“It’s too early to talk about pricing,” explained Jeff Peyton-Bruhl, Hyundai’s national corporate operations & remarketing manager in the UK. “But one of the key benefits for a company car driver is our low P11D price,” Mr Peyton-Bruhl confirmed.

The new i40 will also feature Hyundai’s Five Year Triple Care package, which includes a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty; five years of roadside assistance; and five years of free vehicle health checks.

Further information on Hyundai

There’s more information on company car tax saving new Hyundai models in our news story New Blue models drive down company car tax.

There’s additional commentary on the new Hyundai i40 in the Editor’s Blog Behind the doors at Hyundai’s fleet conference.