Everything You Wanted To Know About the New Hyundai i45

 An obsession with detail and a passion to deliver an exciting design fuelled the creation of Hyundai’s new i45 mid-size sedan. The second iteration of ‘Fluidic Sculpture’, Hyundai Motor Company’s design philosophy, is brought to life in a modern, sophisticated car with a subtle classic elegance.

With an obsession for quality and an unrelenting focus on design, i45 has been developed from the ground up with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every element delivers purpose and function. i45 represents Hyundai’s obsessive approach to design and testing, ensuring the company’s fundamental values of quality, safety and reliability are delivered.

i45 underwent over 500 quality checks on the production line, and had a powertrain engineered to provide hundreds of thousands of kilometres of trouble free motoring. The drag coefficient of 0.28 C_d, contributes to the enviable combined fuel consumption figure of 7.9 litres per 100kms^∫; and a suite of standard safety features ensure optimum driver and occupant confidence.

Note:  ^∫ Automatic model. Australian Design Rules 81/02 static laboratory combined average city and highway cycle test. Fuel consumption will vary depending in a combination of driving habits and the condition of the vehicle.

Assertive and sleek, i45 reflects a sophisticated approach to mid-sized sedan design by combining advanced powertrain technology with practical and luxurious features to provide an exceptional ownership experience. 

Sophisticated design fused with poise and confidence

 Created at Hyundai Design North America, located in Irvine California, i45 represents the second iteration of Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design philosophy, embodying quality and substance from every angle.

Fluidic Sculpture is a cohesive design language which represents the interplay of natural fluid elements with rigid surfaces and structures to create the illusion of constant movement; it is at the core of Hyundai’s future design identity.

Exterior

Long and low with a high beltline, i45 offers a sleek, coupe-style grace whose sedan-size proportions give it a confident stance and a commanding presence.

 The eye-catching exterior design of i45 starts with a powerful statement in the form of its smoked chrome grille, accented with striking headlights resembling a ‘bird-of-prey’.

Character lines sweep across the bonnet linking the radiator grille to the rear of i45, with a signature chrome spear following the window line to underscore its sleek, aerodynamic stance. Chrome finished door handles compliment the side profile silhouette, which is further enhanced by a distinctive, sharp crease line stretching across the panels.

Heated outside mirrors featuring LED side repeaters provide maximum visibility of turning signals with a power-fold ‘up and in’ feature to add protection while parking.

The roofline arches towards the boot of i45 in a single aerodynamic contour line, purposefully merging into a progressive coupe-like stance. The boot keyhole is discreetly located under a chrome garnish, linking the rear LED combination lamps which feature a luminous light guide application to enhance visibility. A high positioned LED stop lamp at the base of the rear screen further alerts other drivers of sudden braking.

Premium models feature the elegant three-piece Panorama Sunroof featuring motor-operated sunshades in both the front and rear cabin areas. The front panel acts as a deflector to reduce noise, the centre panel slides to provide a refreshing driving experience while the third fixed panel provides a sense of light and space to rear passengers.

All model variants are easily identified by unique wheel designs, adding to the range’s individuality.

Interior

The interior of i45 continues the ‘fluidic sculpture’ theme, offering comfort and refinement from the leather interior elements to the high quality surface finishes. Dominating the cabin, the ‘X’ concept centre console with its chrome and black high gloss piano-finish provides a sophisticated and practical interior environment.

Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging has produced an interior delivering outstanding levels of comfort, functionality and practicality, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US market classifying the i45 as a large-car thanks to its interior volume.

The driver’s zone features a four spoke steering wheel with finger tip convenience for management of audio and cruise control systems. A VFD (Vacuum Florescent Display) instrument cluster with two-cylinder design displays key information with crystal-clear clarity and minimal eye stress and is illuminated in Hyundai’s signature blue. Comprehensive instrumentation includes Hyundai’s ‘ECO’ driving system which assists drivers to adopt more fuel efficient habits.

A ‘push-button start’ system (Elite and Premium models), is operated with a ‘smart key’ which also allows the driver to lock and unlock the vehicle without activating the remote control unit.

Paddle shift controls (Elite and Premium models) enable the driver to initiate manual upshifts and downshifts while maintaining steering wheel contact and control.

Acceleration is via an organ pedal designed to offer high levels of driver comfort, and pedal control, by allowing the entire foot to rest on the surface of the pedal at all times and under all rates of acceleration. The foot parking brake (automatic models only) provides ease of operation.

Various lighting sources are placed throughout the cabin for both driver and passenger convenience, including overhead console lamps, room lamps, front courtesy and map lamps, illuminated vanity mirrors and a luggage lamp in boot.

i45 provides an excellent audio package for discerning audiophiles with an integrated in-dash six-CD stacker, MP3, WMA and AM/FM tuner. The auxiliary audio input jack and USB input with iPod^® compatibility allows connection to external audio sources. An integrated rear glass antenna provides reception, while the six-speakers (including front tweeter system) deliver clarity of sound. Premium models enjoy the addition of a separate amplifier and sub woofer, plus an integrated audio display screen including external temperature display and digital clock, for a truly customised and convenient audio experience.

Convenient air-conditioning controls (automatic climate control standard in Elite and Premium models) provide ease of adjustment and maintenance of cabin temperature. Separate air ventilation is provided with a centre mounted control for the rear seat passenger environment (automatic models only).

Seating

Continuing an obsession with detail and quality, the seating in i45 offers luxury and refinement with exceptional comfort for driver and passengers alike, offering all-leather interior for Elite and Premium models and a practical leather and fabric combination for the Active model.

Power lumbar support across the range in the height adjustable driver’s seat provides excellent support to the back and allows a customised lumbar fit. Electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats are standard on the Premium model, with six way adjustment and Integrated Memory System (IMS) for the driver’s seat. The advanced IMS retains settings for two drivers based on their preferred driving position.

Rear passengers experience a comfortable and spacious ride with a centre fold down armrest and drinks holder plus height adjustable head rests for all occupants.

Storage

Innovative packaging provides one of the largest luggage capacities in the class, enhanced by 60/40 split folding rear seating, with boot located release for added convenience. Multiple interior stowage options are provided for front and rear occupants to offer further comfort and ease including front seat back pockets, retractable sunglasses holder and door trim map pockets, centre facia under tray and visor ticket holder.

The lockable glove box is complimented with a dual compartment console box with rubber lining and stylish front centre console fixture with sliding cover for added discretion. Multiple cup and bottle holders are located throughout, including front and rear door mounted holders and dual cup holders in the rear seat centre fold down armrest.

New era performance 

A polished performance is delivered by the newly developed 2.4-litre Theta II GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) petrol engine fitted across the model range. The Active, Elite and Premium variants all feature this technologically advanced engine. i45 Active comes with Hyundai’s independently developed six-speed manual transmission, and all models are offered with Hyundai’s six-speed automatic with electronic sequential manual mode gearbox.

Designed for transverse engine applications in passenger cars and SUVs, this compact new automatic transaxle places Hyundai in an elite class of automotive manufacturers who have designed their own proprietary six-speed automatic (after Toyota and a GM/Ford joint venture), demonstrating Hyundai’s advanced powertrain engineering capabilities.

The strength of the design is its unique internal configuration, making it more compact and lighter than any other six-speed currently on the market. The gearbox has three planetary gear sets and a compact torque converter and four pinion differentials which improve durability and further minimise overall size.

Another example of engineering ingenuity is in the design of the hydraulic pressure control unit. Because there are always slight manufacturing deviations from one solenoid valve to the next, causing fluctuations in hydraulic pressure that in turn affect shift precision and quality, the transaxle features cleverly calibrated adjustment screws which enable each of the eight valves to be set at the factory. This feature ensures stable hydraulic pressure at any shift point, delivering fast, smooth and precise shifts throughout the rev range.

The automatic features a gate-type H-matic gear shift promoting dynamic driving by delivering a simple, intuitive motion line with grip touch to minimise shift errors. The unit is maintenance-free, filled with an automatic transmission fluid good for the life of the vehicle (hence there is no dipstick), reducing maintenance costs.

2.4-litre Theta II GDI Petrol Engine

All i45 models feature the new 2.4-litre Theta-II GDI petrol engine featuring an all-aluminium construction shedding excess weight for better fuel efficiency and reduced NOx emissions. Theta-II GDI also gets CVVT exhaust camshaft phasers. Hyundai is the first manufacturer to adopt direct injection technology on a four- cylinder naturally aspirated engine in this class. Major improvements begin with the application of a two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) which enables switching between a long and short intake manifold resulting in an across-the-board performance increase.

To reduce internal friction, engineers have applied a Diamond-like-coating (DLC) to the top surface of the valve tappets resulting in improved fuel efficiency. Engineers also expended considerable time and effort optimising the oil pump pressure to achieve an ideal balance between durability and fuel economy. 

Theta II GDI Petrol Engine specifications (running on standard unleaded fuel)

 

Ride and handling

Like the i30, i30cw wagon, Santa Fe R-series, iLoad, iMax and ix35, the suspension of i45 has been tuned for Australia’s unique road conditions, offering sharp response, accurate handling and a comfortable ride on a variety of road conditions. Active models are fitted with 16” alloy wheels, whilst Elite models have 17” alloy wheels. McPherson Strut front suspension is combined with a compact multi-link rear suspension for maximum impact absorption. Separate shock absorbers and coil springs help distribute load impact, while the use of crash durable adhesives in critical areas has increased torsional rigidity enabling better ride and handling.

i45 Premium models feature Hyundai’s advanced Amplitude Selective Damper (ASD) system, delivering optimum handling and roadholding on 18” alloy wheels fitted with low profile tyres, without sacrificing ride comfort. A sliding valve is applied to the damping power adjustment valve while damper characteristics are optimised according to the size of the wheel stroke. On smooth terrain, lower levels of damping force translate into a softer ride, while on rough surfaces and in demanding driving conditions, higher amplitude response is initiated for enhanced control.

Exceptional efficiency

The innovative Theta II 2.4-litre GDI petrol engine has been designed to achieve impressive fuel efficiency, lower emissions and minimum operating costs.

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), a first in the medium sedan class, provides more accurate control over the fuel mix and a more efficient delivery path. The result is outstanding fuel economy and lower emissions which are achieved without compromising i45’s excellent performance.

An ‘ECO’ monitor system has been developed to assist drivers achieve paramount efficiency. The dashboard display indicates the current fuel economy status and helps the driver to adopt more efficient driving habits.

Hyundai includes a standard trip computer which provides distance to empty, average fuel consumption, average vehicle speed, elapsed time, and instant fuel economy. Steering wheel mounted cruise control is standard (automatic transmissions only), offering enhanced safety and efficiency on longer journeys.

FUEL CONSUMPTION^	2.4-litre Theta II GDI Petrol Engine
	Manual	Automatic
Combined (L/100km)	8.0	7.9
Urban (L/100km)	11.8	11.2
Extra (L/100km)	5.8	6
CO2 (Combined g/km)	191	188
Fuel Tank Volume (L)	70	70

Note:  ^{^}Australian Design Rules 81/02 static laboratory combined average city and highway cycle test. Fuel consumption will vary depending in a combination of driving habits and the condition of the vehicle.

Advanced technologies promote maximum safety

Active Safety

Outstanding occupant protection is a core element of Hyundai design. i45 comes complete with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features to ensure driver and passenger confidence. Standard on all i45 models is Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), four-channel, four-sensor Anti-skid Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) supported with a Brake Assist System (BAS), and Hillstart Assist Control (HAC).

ESC compares the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual response. The highly developed braking system features four-wheel disc brakes controlled by an advanced four-channel ABS with BAS, providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected; and EBD to optimise brake performance with uneven weight distribution. BAS reduces braking distance by applying maximum brake pressure during sudden braking, while HAC minimises backward rolling when moving off on uphill slopes.

In addition, auto dusk sensing headlights, front fog lamps, a reverse sensing warning system (Elite and Premium models) and seatbelt warning chimes assist in accident prevention. When the vehicle is engaged in reverse gear, the sensing system monitors intrusion into the sensor zone and alerts the driver to the proximity of obstructions with an audible tone and dashboard imagery.

Passive Safety

The i45 is engineered to provide occupants with multiple defensive safety layers. Passive safety features include three-point retractable seatbelts at all five seating positions, while front row seatbelts have pretensioners, load limiters and are height adjustable. There are three tethers for child-seat anchors.

i45 provides optimum in-cabin protection with a total of six airbags fitted as standard across the range. Dual advanced frontal airbags are complemented by front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with new rollover sensors that cover both the front and rear seat rows. The combination of side and curtain airbags help protect the head and body during side impacts.  

In addition, height adjustable front active head restraints and height adjustable rear head restraints minimise head and neck injury. Active headrests instantly move forward in a rear-end collision situation, to protect against whiplash.

i45 employs a multi-coned bonnet structure incorporating a hooded inner frame to promote maximum energy absorption and increase pedestrian protection. This structural combination promotes maximum shock energy absorption during a collision, minimising pedestrian injury.

The application of a hot stamping method during manufacture results in a composition three times stronger than traditional (cold stamping) processing, to provide additional structural rigidity. Hot stamped steel is used to reinforce the B-pillars and outer roof-side panels (where the roof rails run between the A-pillars and C-pillars). The roof rail is reinforced with ultra-high strengthened hot stamped steel, which plays an important part in providing reinforced structural rigidity and increases the vehicles integrity during frontal offset impacts, rollovers and side pole impacts. Other sophisticated passive safety features include impact absorbing bumpers, reinforced body/chassis with rigid cabin and crush zones and impact intrusion bars in all doors.

Class-leading specifications

Hyundai has designed the i45 range to meet the needs of real-world private and corporate buyers. Crucially, no compromises have been made in providing the highest levels of performance, safety and value of any mid-size sedan currently available.

ACTIVE			ELITE		PREMIUM
Standard Specifications			Additional Specifications (over and above Active)		Additional Specifications (over and above Elite)
Six Airbags + Active Front Headrests			Full leather upholstery		Panorama glass roof with power one-touch safety
ESC Stability Control + TCS + ABS + EBD + BAS			17" Alloy Wheels + Full Size Spare		18" Alloy Wheels + Full Size Spare
Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)			Push Button Start with Proximity Smart Key		Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD)
Dusk Sensing Headlamps			Automatic Climate Control		Electrochromatic Rear View Mirror
Front Fog Lamps			Rear Parking Sensors		Premium Audio (Woofer & Amp)
LED Rear Combination Lamps, HMSL, Side Indicators			Paddle Shifters, steering wheel mounted		Electric adjust driver and front passenger seats
Hyundai Active Locking Operation			Rain sensing wipers		Integrated Memory System (IMS) - Driver Seat
16" Alloy Wheels + Full Size Spare
Dual Exhaust with Chrome Tip
Part Leather, Part Cloth Upholstery
Supervision Instrument Cluster
Black Piano Finish inserts (Doors, Ctr Facia/Vents)
Cruise Control, steering wheel mounted*
USB audio input with iPod® Compatibility#
Trip Computer
Rear Console Air Vents*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note:  *Not available on Manual transmission

Note:  ^#Requires iPod^® Connect Accessory cable

 Hyundai Premium Assist and Warranty

Providing a complete range of services designed to provide roadside support, the Hyundai Premium Assist program offers tailored support to promptly assist in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Hyundai Premium Assist supports:

• Flat Battery
• Out of Fuel
• Flat tyre
• Mechanical Breakdown
• Lost keys or locked out
• Towing (if vehicle cannot be mobilised)
• Urgent Message Relay
• Taxi to the value of $100 (if vehicle cannot be mobilised)
• Accommodation for up to 3 nights** 
• Rental Vehicle **
• Vehicle Recovery* *

Note:  ** Conditions apply. Click here for more information

 

For ultimate peace of mind, Hyundai offers customers an outstanding Five Year / Unlimited Kilometre Warranty. Hyundai's priority on quality has resulted in recognition globally for outstanding excellence and reliability.

Pricing

New i45 range – Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP):

• i45 Active 2.4-litre GDI Petrol manual                 $29,490^†
• i45 Active 2.4-litre GDI Petrol automatic             $30,990^†
• i45 Elite 2.4-litre GDI Petrol automatic                $34,490^†
• i45 Premium 2.4-litre GDI Petrol automatic         $37,990^†
• Optional metallic / mica paint                             $450^†

Note: ^†Manufacturer's List Price - includes G.S.T but does not include dealer delivery and statutory charges

On Sale Date:         24^th May, 2010

 

Stay tuned for our review.