ONLY a couple of weeks after sending its highly-praised new i40 Tourer into battle against the market leading Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia, Hyundai has launched the next phase of its assault on the medium family car market.

Next January will see the arrival of the saloon version of the i40 and, like its load-lugging sibling, it will seriously undercut the established competition.

Prices will start from £17,395 and the saloon will come in the same three main trim levels as the i40 Tourer (Active, Style and Premium) with the choice of petrol or diesel engines, three power outputs and manual or automatic transmission.  

Standard features on all models, which Hyundai believes set the i40 apart from its competitors, are 16" alloy wheels, Bluetooth® connectivity with voice recognition, leather steering wheel with audio controls, electric heated door mirrors with integrated LED indicators, electric front and rear windows and electric parking brake with automatic hold function.

Active safety features include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Hill-start Assist Control , VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), Brake Assist System and Emergency Stop Signal. Seven airbags are fitted across the range.

Touch screen satellite navigation with rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and dual zone climate control are standard on the mid-point Style range.

Premium models benefit further from the addition of leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and supervision instrument cluster with LCD colour display as standard, plus the option of the Lane Departure Warning and Smart Parking Assist systems, heated leather steering wheel and ventilated front seats.