Hyundai has released new pictures of its imminent i40, along with a small helping of information, ahead of the world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in early March.
According to the Korean carmaker, the new model represents "the spirit of change", and coincides with the company's launch of the "New Thinking. New Possibilities" slogan.
The i40 is Hyundai's first D-segment vehicle that has been developed specifically for the European market, with powertrains, equipment and technology tailored accordingly. It will be shown in Geneva in wagon form, which will be the first i40 body style to be introduced in Europe - followed by a conventional four-door sedan later this year.
Taking some rather interesting styling cues from Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language, the newcomer maintains signature Hyundai features like the hexagonal grille.
The Koreans also promise a class-leading level of standard equipment, including a heated steering wheel and an active de-mist system that automatically detects and clears mist on the windscreen.
European buyers can expect a highly advanced 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine to be part of the line-up at launch, this oil burner emitting just 113g/km - which Hyundai claims to be a class-leading emissions figure.
There are no current plans for the i40 to be introduced in South Africa, presumably because it would clash with the similarly-sized Sonata, which is not sold in Europe. Given the choice, would you rather have this or a Sonata?