Review: 2018 Hyundai i40 Combi (facelift 2018) 1.6 GDI (135 Hp)

A comprehensive review of the 2018 Hyundai i40 Combi, exploring its features, performance, and suitability for various lifestyles.

Olivia Harper | Apr 28, 2025 | 8 minutes
Review: 2018 Hyundai i40 Combi (facelift 2018) 1.6 GDI (135 Hp)

Introduction

The 2018 Hyundai i40 Combi is a station wagon that combines practicality with a touch of style. With its facelift in 2018, this model offers a refreshed look and improved features, making it a strong contender in the family car segment. Whether you're considering it for city driving, long-distance travel, or family use, the i40 Combi aims to meet diverse needs with its spacious interior and efficient engine.

Definitions

Before diving into the specifics, let's clarify some key terms:

  • Station Wagon (Estate): A car body style with a longer roofline and more cargo space than a sedan.
  • GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection): A type of fuel injection used in modern petrol engines, where fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber.
  • Euro 6d: A European emission standard that sets limits on the amount of pollutants a vehicle can emit.

Main Content

The 2018 Hyundai i40 Combi is powered by a 1.6-liter GDI engine, producing 135 horsepower. This engine is naturally aspirated, meaning it doesn't use a turbocharger to boost power, which can result in a smoother and more linear power delivery. The car's performance is adequate for everyday driving, with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 11.6 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h (121 mph).

Fuel efficiency is a strong point for the i40 Combi, with a combined fuel consumption of 6.7 liters per 100 km (35.11 US mpg). This makes it a cost-effective choice for those who frequently drive long distances. The car's CO2 emissions are rated at 153 g/km, complying with the Euro 6d emission standard, which is good news for environmentally conscious drivers.

Inside, the i40 Combi offers a spacious cabin with seating for five and a generous trunk space of 553 liters, expandable to 1719 liters with the rear seats folded. This makes it ideal for families or anyone needing extra cargo space. The car's dimensions, with a length of 4775 mm and a wheelbase of 2770 mm, provide ample room for passengers and luggage.

The i40 Combi's suspension system, featuring independent McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, ensures a comfortable ride, even on rough roads. The front-wheel-drive layout, combined with a manual six-speed gearbox, offers a balanced driving experience.

Suitability for Specific Purposes

City Driving: The i40 Combi's compact turning circle of 10.9 meters makes it relatively easy to maneuver in urban environments. However, its larger size might be challenging in tight parking spaces.

Long-Distance Travel: With its efficient fuel consumption and comfortable interior, the i40 Combi is well-suited for road trips. The large fuel tank capacity of 70 liters allows for fewer stops at the pump.

Family Use: The spacious interior and large trunk make it an excellent choice for families. Safety features like ABS and a solid build add to its appeal as a family car.

Single Ownership: While it offers plenty of space, single owners might find it larger than necessary unless they frequently transport goods or passengers.

Adventure Lifestyles: The i40 Combi's towing capacity of 1300 kg with brakes makes it capable of hauling small trailers, but its front-wheel-drive setup might limit off-road adventures.

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Strengths:
    • Spacious interior and cargo space
    • Fuel-efficient engine
    • Comfortable ride quality
  • Weaknesses:
    • Larger size can be cumbersome in tight urban areas
    • Limited off-road capability

Conclusion

The 2018 Hyundai i40 Combi is a versatile station wagon that excels in providing space and comfort. It's particularly well-suited for families and those who travel long distances. While it may not be the best choice for off-road adventures, its strengths in fuel efficiency and practicality make it a reliable option for everyday use. Think about what features matter most to you. Do you need extra cargo space or a fuel-efficient engine for long trips?

Car Specifications

AttributeDetails
Generationi40 Combi (facelift 2018)
Modification (Engine)1.6 GDI (135 Hp)
Powertrain ArchitectureInternal Combustion engine
Body TypeStation wagon (estate)
Seats5
Doors5
Combined Fuel Consumption6.7 l/100 km (35.11 US mpg)
CO2 Emissions153 g/km
Fuel TypePetrol (Gasoline)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)11.6 sec
Maximum Speed195 km/h (121.17 mph)
Emission StandardEuro 6d
Engine Displacement1591 cm3
Number of Cylinders4
Engine ConfigurationInline
Power Output135 Hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque164 Nm @ 4850 rpm
Compression Ratio11:1
Fuel Injection SystemDirect injection
Engine AspirationNaturally aspirated
Kerb Weight1428-1532 kg
Max Load498-602 kg
Trunk Space (Minimum and Maximum)553 l - 1719 l
Fuel Tank Capacity70 l
Length4775 mm
Width1815 mm
Height1470 mm
Wheelbase2770 mm
Drive Wheel SystemFront wheel drive
Number of Gears (Transmission Type)6 gears, manual transmission
Front SuspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionIndependent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer
Front BrakesVentilated discs
Rear BrakesDisc
Assisting SystemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power SteeringSteering rack and pinion
Tire Size205/60 R16; 215/50 R17; 225/45 R18
Wheel Rims Size7.0J x 16; 7.5J x 17; 8.0J x 18
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