Hyundai's replacement for the Sonata will be badged the i40 when it goes on sale.

The D-segment car will make its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March.

It will be offered in estate and saloon derivatives.

“We have bold ambitions for Hyundai in Europe, and the new i40 will provide the momentum we need to achieve our goals in 2011 and beyond.

"We expect the quality of the new i40 to continue the development of our image in Europe and attract new customers to the Hyundai brand,” commented Allan Rushforth, vice president of Hyundai Motor Europe.

Designed at Hyundai’s European R&D facilities in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new i40 is the company’s first D-segment model to be specifically developed for the European market.

The i40 will feature environmental technologies developed under the company’s Blue DriveTM eco-program.

It will also be sold with a five-year unlimited millage warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.