Hyundai i40 Tourer (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

Hyundai is releasing the new i40 range at Geneva, beginning with the i40 Tourer estate pictured here.

Europe didn't get the Sonata, also known as the i45 in some markets. Confused yet? You will be.

Hyundai claims the i40 has been developed specifically for Europe at Hyundai's European R&D centre in Russelsheim, Germany. The i40 will fill the existing Sonata-shaped gap in Hyundai's European product portfolio.

The i40 arrives at next week's 2011 Geneva motor show, and will go on sale in the UK in July 2011. There will be an i40 saloon, and that is planned for a UK launch in October. 

The headline engine option for the i40 will be a new 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine, offering 113g/km CO2 figures. Expect a higher-tune turbodiesel, and two direct-injection petrol engines to make up the remainder of the i40 line-up. Hyundai's BlueDrive eco-spec will also appear in the line-up.

Inside, Hyundai promises a more premium feel for the interior materials, and there are new-to-Hyundai convenience features like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and heated, reclining rear seats and auto screen demisting. Avensis beware!

Further details are expected once the i40 is officially launched at the 2011 Geneva motor show. 

By Mark Hamilton