The Hyundai i40 (VF generation), facelifted in late 2014/early 2015, is a D-segment family sedan designed specifically for the European market. Available as a sedan and an estate (CrossWagon / CW), it stands out for its generous roominess, abundant equipment, and excellent value for money. The facelift brought a modernized front end (hexagonal grille), revised LED daytime running lights, chassis improvements for more dynamism, and the introduction of a DCT-7 dual-clutch gearbox on the diesel. Although the (naturally aspirated) petrol engines lack the punch of modern turbocharged blocks, they shine with very reassuring overall reliability, free from the complex flaws associated with forced induction.
The facelifted Hyundai i40 is an excellent pragmatic choice on the used market. By targeting the petrol engines (1.6 GDI or 2.0 GDI), you opt for old-school naturally aspirated mechanics, certainly less responsive than competing TSI or PureTech blocks, but infinitely more reliable in the long term. It is a spacious, comfortable, and economical cruiser to maintain. Avoid diesel versions equipped with the DCT-7 gearbox if you do a lot of city driving, and favor a petrol version with a manual gearbox for maximum peace of mind. An intake cleaning (carbon build-up) around 100,000 km will be the only real preventive expense to anticipate.