CAR REVIEW: Hyundai i45

THE SOLUTION: Hyundai i45

If ever you wanted to win an argument that car designers should be paid more than car bosses, take a look at Hyundai’s latest effort, the i45.

Their frumpy design past now a dim memory, the Korean firm’s latest four-door effort combines European style cues with homegrown touches to deliver what they call “Fluidic Sculpture”. Marketing guff for sure, but the real-world translation is a car that looks a million bucks for less than $30K, while offering industry-leading reliability and class-competitive performance.

The devil here’s in the detail – the new grille’s character lines integrate sleekly back via smooth bonnet creases and its feel is repeated inside through the cleanly laid out centre console. The confident swage lines (creases) on the flanks nod to the best of Mercedes’ design without being derivative.

It goes without saying that the new 2.4-litre engine is cleaner, yet more powerful. The only quibble on launch was a slightly uninvolving steering feel, but such is Hyundai’s hunger for success that this has already been addressed with a minor suspension upgrade.

After style but don’t want to splash your cash? Look no further than the Hyundai i45.

- Bruce Ritchie
From January 2011