Hyundai is slowly moving its game along, posing an ever greater challenge to the established European automakers. The i40 was good before, but it seems even more enticing now that it’s been updated both visually and in terms of kit/tech.

It gains the new corporate grille and generally updated front and rear ends. Features include new LED fog lamps borrowed from the Genesis and new-design 16- and 18-inch alloys.

The engine lineup is not really a lineup, as it offers the same 1.7-liter diesel with either 115 or 141 PS. Both come with six-speed manual gearboxes and the latter can be had with the new seven-speed DCT self-shifter.

Hyundai says it’s also tweaked the i40’s handling with the new Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC). It “uses electronic sensors to emulate the behaviour of a limited-slip differential during cornering, providing additional traction, better grip and improved handling.”

There’s also a drive mode selector which is “enhanced by the new Rear Electronic Damping Control System (ECS) (subject to market specification), which will be equipped on the rear axle of the most popular New i40 body type – the Tourer.” The tech employed here is similar to what’s seen on the Genesis.

Safety has been improved too, and on top of the systems it already came with, there’s now a “Speed Limit Identification Function” which can read road signs.

Finally, worth noting is an improved touchscreen for the infotainment as well as the availability of two new audio systems.

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