New Hyundai i40/i45 wagon is set to go on sale early next year…

Hyundai i40/i45 wagon has recently been caught testing in Europe ahead of its official March 2011 unveiling. First previewed at the Geneva auto show earlier this year, the all-new Hyundai i40/i45 will replace the old-generation Sonata sedan, which failed to post some strong sales numbers in the European market over the last five, six year.

Named Hyundai i40 or Hyundai i45, the model will share its platform with US-spec Hyundai Sonata and upcoming Kia Optima mid-size sedans. As we predicted, Hyundai will first introduce an i40/i45 sedan, while later, the model will be joined by i40/i45 wagon. Sales of both models are projected to commence in the first half of 2011, and will follow shortly after the official premiere, scheduled for March 2011 (Geneva Auto Show).

Although it was expected that Hyundai will only make some minor styling corrections to differ Euro-spec i40/i45 model from U-market Sonata, the South Korean automaker surprised us with a brand new exterior design lay-out.

As these latest spy shots reveal, the up-coming i40/45 wagon will sport a very innovative look, pioneered by the i-flow concept car. The prototype model features hexagonal grille, some nice sweeping lines over the front wheels and rakish roofline, which indicates that some practicality may be sacrificed for style.

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Under the hood, there will be a revised range of four-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines. Base i40/45 will likely get a 1.6L GDI engine with 140 horsepower, while more potent 2.0L and 2.4L four-cylinder gasoline engines will be optional.

Diesel-power is expected to come out from entry-level 1.7L or 2.0L four-cylinder engines. All engines will be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Hybrid powertrain is also very likely to appear in the new Hyundai i40/45 sedan and wagon. [Source: Autocar.co.uk]