The Hyundai Sonata will be replaced in 2010 by a new mid-size saloon and estate based on the Genus concept.

Badged i40, the new model is intended to bring a new level of desirability to the brand. Senior sources within the company have told Autocar UK that the new car “will major on style and won’t be a car that people buy purely for value”.

The Genus, which was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, previewed Hyundai’s current design language. Admired at the time for its attractive styling, it featured a 2.2-litre diesel engine and four-wheel drive.

The i40 is billed as a competitor to the new Vauxhall insignia, Ford Mondeo and BMW 3 Series. It will hit showrooms in 2010 as an estate, with the saloon version following less than a year later.

The i40 will continue the European-focused design philosophy started with the i30 and i10, so expect design and production to take place in Europe, but it could also be built in India in CKO form like the Sonata currently is.

Although it is still unconfirmed, the i40 is likely to get a new platform. It will use the company’s new 18bhp 2.0-litre diesel and petrol units, and a 2.0 litre petrol motor.