What makes the perfect company car? It’s a complex equation that needs to balance the requirements of the organisation running the fleet of vehicles, as well as providing desirable features for the drivers who will be spending many hours every week behind the wheel. 

For the driver, it means having efficient engines and low P11D pricing to keep BIK taxation low and a combination of comfort, space, premium features and style to suit their needs.

For the fleet operator, the cost of buying, running and maintaining the vehicle is key.

Hyundai has successfully merged all of these qualities in one model with the i40; a car that’s available in both saloon and Tourer form and majors on style, efficiency and advanced technology.

The eye-catching i40 features Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture design’ combining the elegance of a coupé with the practicality and spaciousness of a family car. The i40’s sleek shape with sharp creases and crisp lines makes it stand out from the crowd. 

Inside the i40 is just as impressive. The quality feel is set with cool blue backlit instruments, and soft-touch materials around the cabin, as well as a standard leather covered steering wheel and gear knob along with a deep gloss black and contrasting alloy effect fascia trim. 

The i40 is powered by an ultra-efficient 1.7 CRDi diesel engine. Available in either 115PS or 136PS power outputs, it comes with a six-speed manual transmission, and the higher output engine is also offered with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox. 

Hyundai’s Blue Drive technologies include a range of features, such as Intelligent Stop & Go, that combine to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The 1.7 CRDi 115PS Blue Drive engine can achieve up to 65.7mpg on the combined cycle*, with CO2 as low as 113g/km, making it one of the most efficient cars in its class, which for a company car driver means surprisingly low BIK payments for such a large vehicle.  

Hyundai’s Blue Drive technologies include a range of features that combine to reduce fuel consumption

Drivers benefit from low BIK tax bills as the car falls into the 17 per cent tax band for 2013/14. It also qualifies for low Class 1A National Insurance contributions, meaning employers costs are minimised, while it also has free Vehicle Excise Duty for the first year, and £30 from the second year. 

On the road the diesel proves to be a capable performer. Although the 136PS variant offers smooth and rapid progress from its 325Nm of torque, the 115PS variant produces its maximum of 260Nm from just 1250rpm right through to 2750rpm, ensuring it’s responsive from low revs. 

Boasting a competitive P11D rate, the i40 has an impressive list of standard equipment and it’s unlikely that company car drivers will need to specify any costly extra options. Voice-activated Bluetooth® connectivity in the i40 allows the driver to make and receive hands-free calls, while in the mid-range Style there is dual zone electronic climate control to ensure the cabin environment is kept at the desired temperature with driver and front seat passenger able to set their own individual level.

Touch-screen satellite navigation is also standard in the Style, with Traffic Messaging Channel and full seven-digit postcode destination entry and easy to read colour mapping. The screen also doubles as the monitor for the rear view camera and parking aid when reversing. Of course the Style also has front and rear parking sensors to take the guess work out of parking, helping the driver to avoid costly car park knocks and scrapes.

Upgrade to the Premium model for leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory and a panoramic sunroof, or choose the Premium SE and a lane departure warning system will alert the driver if the car unintentionally drifts out of its lane. The Premium SE also adds ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting.

The i40 is also one of the safest cars in its class with seven airbags as standard (including a driver’s knee airbag), the latest electronic stability control system and active front head restraints that help reduce the risk of ‘whiplash’ injury. Hyundai’s use of high-strength steel and joints in the structure means that the i40’s lightweight body has high energy absorption efficiency which, when combined with its advanced safety features provides increased safety to occupants in the event of an accident. These safety features help the i40 to achieve a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating.

The i40 is backed by Hyundai’s 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, as part of the 5 Year Triple Care package, which offers the reassurance that even a vehicle used by a high mileage company car driver is protected against faults during its life on a fleet. The 5 Year Triple Care package also provides 5 years’ Roadside Assistance and 5 years of free Annual Vehicle Health Checks, giving both driver and fleet operator peace of mind.

The i40 contains all the ingredients to create an ideal company car. One that is stylish and safe; expansive and efficient; desirable and dependable. 

To find out more about the Hyundai i40 click here 

*Official EU fuel consumption test figure. To be used as a guide for comparison and may not reflect all driving results. 5 Year Triple Care and warranty terms and exclusions apply. Visit www.Hyundai.co.uk/owning or ask your local dealer.

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