The Hyundai i40 Combi 1.7 CRDi (116 hp) was a station wagon produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai between 2011 and 2015. Part of the first generation of the i40 (codenamed VF), the Combi – Hyundai’s designation for its wagon/estate body style – was primarily aimed at the European market, offering a practical and fuel-efficient alternative to traditional saloons. This particular variant, powered by the 1.7-liter CRDi diesel engine, occupied a mid-range position within the i40 lineup, offering a balance between economy, performance, and equipment. It competed with established European wagons like the Ford Focus Estate, Volkswagen Golf Variant, and Opel Astra Sports Tourer.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | i40 |
| Generation | i40 Combi |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 CRDi (116 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.8 kg/Hp, 78.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.7 kg/Nm, 175.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1250-2750 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 1250-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | U II / D4FD |
| Engine displacement | 1685 cm3 (102.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77.2 mm (3.04 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.9 l (7.29 US qt | 6.07 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2120 kg (4673.8 lbs.) |
| Max load | 635 kg (1399.94 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 553 l (19.53 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1719 l (60.71 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4770 mm (187.8 in.) |
| Width | 1815 mm (71.46 in.) |
| Height | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2770 mm (109.06 in.) |
| Front track | 1591 mm (62.64 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1597 mm (62.87 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.94 m (35.89 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16; 215/50 R17; 225/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.0J x 16; 7.5J x 17; 8.0J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the i40 Combi 1.7 CRDi was the U II / D4FD engine, a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine was a member of Hyundai’s U-series diesel family, known for its relatively compact size and efficiency. It featured a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and torque, and utilized a common-rail direct fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery. The engine produced 116 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a respectable 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) of torque between 1250 and 2750 rpm. The engine employed a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its efficient operation. The six-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a good balance between fuel economy and drivability.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.7 CRDi engine, paired with the six-speed manual gearbox, provided adequate performance for everyday driving. While not particularly sporty, it offered sufficient power for highway cruising and overtaking maneuvers. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 12.3 seconds, and the top speed was approximately 118 mph. The engine’s strong low-end torque made it feel responsive in city driving, and the manual transmission allowed drivers to maintain control over gear selection. Compared to the more powerful 1.6 GDI gasoline engine or the higher-output diesel variants, the 1.7 CRDi prioritized fuel efficiency over outright performance. The gear ratios were tuned for economy, meaning the engine could feel slightly strained when pushed hard.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The i40 Combi 1.7 CRDi typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. Base models included air conditioning, electric front and rear windows, a radio/CD player with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as Style or Premium, added features like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and automatic climate control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with leather options available on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and well-designed, with a focus on ergonomics. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a premium sound system.
Chassis & Braking
The i40 Combi featured a front-wheel-drive layout with independent suspension on all four wheels. The front suspension utilized a McPherson strut design, while the rear employed an independent coil spring setup. This configuration provided a comfortable ride quality and decent handling characteristics. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and precise control. The i40 Combi’s suspension was tuned for comfort rather than outright sportiness, prioritizing a smooth ride over sharp handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai i40 Combi 1.7 CRDi was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and excellent fuel economy. The 1.7 CRDi engine was considered a good compromise between performance and efficiency. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to other wagons in its class, the i40 Combi offered a competitive level of equipment and a generous warranty. Its fuel economy was comparable to that of the Volkswagen Golf Variant and Ford Focus Estate, while its price point was often more attractive. Reliability reports generally indicated good dependability, although some owners reported minor issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Legacy
The Hyundai i40 Combi 1.7 CRDi has proven to be a relatively reliable and durable vehicle in the used car market. The 1.7 CRDi engine, while not known for blistering performance, is generally considered robust and capable of high mileage with proper maintenance. The DPF can be a potential source of issues if the vehicle is primarily used for short trips, but regular servicing can help mitigate this risk. Today, the i40 Combi 1.7 CRDi represents a practical and affordable option for buyers seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient station wagon. Its combination of comfort, economy, and reliability has ensured its continued popularity in the used car market.
