First revealed in 2011 at the Barcelona Motor Show for the 2012 model year, the i40 is Hyundai’s line of large family cars, offered in a number of body styles across multiple worldwide markets. Now, it appears as though there’s a new generation on the horizon, as spied in camouflaged test mule-form by our car paparazzi. Details are scant as of this writing, but read on for our take on what it might bring to the table.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Hyundai i40 Wagon.

2019 Hyundai i40 Wagon Exterior And Styling

While we have yet to get any official shots of the new car, these featured spy pics do show a test mule undergoing some hot-weather test sessions in Southern Europe. The whole thing is clad in heaps of camo coverings, which obscure any possible exterior styling updates from our view.

However, despite this, we think this isn’t just a simple facelift, but rather, we think it’s the full-fat next-gen model.

With its introduction will come a new grille design, which will be in line with the brand’s latest styling language. Otherwise known as a “Cascading” grille, the intake should include a geometric shape, sharp corners, and a large size that takes up the majority of the fascia.

We’re also expecting to see some sizable alloy wheels in the corners, complemented by a few small changes to the window line and shoulder line. The overall shape, however, should march on undiluted, with both a sedan and a wagon (“Tourer”) body style on offer.

Final touches should include updated designs for both the headlight housings and the taillights. LEDs will be included up front as part of the daytime running light setup, most likely as horizontal strips in the corners of the lower bumper intakes.

Finally, it’s expected that the 2019 Hyundai i40 wagon will offer the same exterior dimensions as the outgoing model, or alternatively, it could be just a smidge larger than before. For reference, we’ve listed the current model’s exterior dimensions below.

2018 Hyundai i40 exterior dimensions

2019 Hyundai i40 Wagon Interior Design And Technology

Note: current Hyundai i30 interior pictured here.

Inside the cabin, we’re expecting the revamped Hyundai i40 to get many of the same updates as the recently released Hyundai i30, updating the aging interior of the current model with a more modern, horizontally oriented layout.

That should include moving the center console touchscreen to a position higher on the dash, while the infotainment controls will be reshuffled into a slimmer, sleeker panel in the center console. The vents should also get a reshape to fit the horizontal approach of the new model.

In addition to the new layout, the technology should get a significant boost, with fresh features for added smartphone support, app support, navigation, and more.

One thing that won’t change is the available interior space, with the latest model year expected to once again offer loads of room inside thanks to that long wagon body style.

As a reminder, the current model offers 553 liters (19.5 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position and 1,719 liters (60.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. Compared to other entries in the segment, that’s about middle of the pack.

2019 Hyundai i40 Wagon Drivetrain And Performance

Note: current Hyundai i40 wagon pictured here.

For now, the Hyundai i40 already comes with a huge variety of engine options, including a collection of turbocharged gas powerplants and diesel powerplants. The current range is made up of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine making 133 horsepower, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making either 164 horsepower or 150 horsepower, and a high-spec 2.0-liter gas engine making either 176 horsepower or 162 horsepower. The most popular option, however, is a 1.7-liter four-cylinder diesel making either 113 horsepower, 137 horsepower, or 139 horsepower.

To this range, the next-generation vehicle is expected to bring improvements to both the output levels and fuel efficiency. What’s more, it’s possible Hyundai will replace some of the less-popular gas options with a plug-in or an all-electric option, with the former offering something like 30 miles of all-electric range per charge, much like the Optima plug-in hybrid model. We’re also excited to see the range-topper 2.0-liter T-GDI, which could make around 245 horsepower.

In terms of performance, look for the run to 60 mph to take around 9 to 10 seconds, while the 245-horsepower option will be much quicker.

Transmission options should include both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic. Another possibility for the lineup will be the addition of an eight-speed automatic transmission, the same transmission taken from the 2018 Hyundai Sonata.

Under the skin, we expect the updated model to carry a bit less curb weight than before. As a reminder, the current model weighs between 3,075 and 3,730 pounds, depending on curb weight. With the diet, the Hyundai should have better fuel economy overall, as well upgraded handling capability as well. However, don’t expect this FWD, front-engine platform to be totally mind-blowing in the corners.

2019 Hyundai i40 Wagon Prices

In terms of pricing, we don’t expect the next-generation Hyundai i40 wagon to get a major break in either direction. As a reminder, the current model starts at 17,338 pounds before VAT. Look for an official debut sometime later in 2018 or early in 2019.

2019 Hyundai i40 Wagon Competition

Volkswagen Passat Estate

First up on our list of competitors is the Passat, Volkswagen’s take on the segment which comes with low, wide styling complete with optional LED headlights and plenty of chrome trim bits. Inside, the Passat offers a handsome layout and oodles of space, not to mention tech like Area View, which provides assistance to keep the driver apprised of everything around the vehicle. Engine options are plentiful, starting with a 1.4-liter TSI and ranging up to a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter in the R-Line model.

Read our full review 2018 Volkswagen Passat.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is looking like a pretty standard update for the i40, bringing all the right stuff to keep it feeling fresh without drastically changing the formula.

That’s about right for a model like this, and we hope the Tourer body style continues to carry the torch for practicality purposes going forward.

That said, it’s also worth mentioning that there’s a rumor the i40 will only get a simple refresh with this latest model year, rather than a full generational changeover, in which case the exterior won’t get as much of an update and the interior will be almost identical to the current model. If that rumor turns out to be true, Hyundai may axe the model before it’s updated with a next-gen iteration. Which would be a shame, really, as we think more wagons, more better.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai i30 Fastback.

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai i30.

Read more Hyundai news.