Hyundai’s highly-praised i30 has a formidable addition to its model lineup – the i30cw wagon.
Slightly longer than the i30 hatch, the wagon version offers extra rear seat room and a handy boost in cargo capacity – up to 1,395 litres – making it ideal for both private family buyers and commercial customers such as sales representatives.
Car Showroom spent a week behind the wheel of an i30cw powered by the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine. For those who prefer petrol power, the i30cw offers a 2.0-litre engine.
What You Get
Hyundai launched the i30 with an emphasis on its European styling – the wagon version carries those same genes and looks the part. Like the i30 hatch, the wagon version emerged from Hyundai’s styling studios in Russelsheim, Germany.
The i30cw is available in three model grades – SX, SLX (both five-speed manual or four-speed automatic) and Sportswagon (auto only).
SLX models gain 16-inch allow wheels, airbags and convenience features.
Sportswagon model secure 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, an in-dash six CD stacker, rain-sensing wipers and extra convenience features.
Standard safety features across the range include ESP Stability Control incorporating Traction Control (TCS) and ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), driver and front passenger airbags and active front head restraints. SLX and Sportswagon models have standard driver and front passenger side (thorax) airbags plus front and rear curtain airbags – these can be added to SX variants as part of an option pack.
Fitted with six airbags, i30cw achieves a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Under the Hood
The i30cw tested by Car Showroom was powered by Hyundai’s 1.6-litre turbo-diesel and it’s a beauty with 85kW of power and 255Nm of torque. Hyundai says fuel consumption for the manual SX grade is as low as 4.9l/100kms.
Hyundai’s ‘green’ credentials get a tick too with the diesel powerplant’s CO2 emissions as low as 128g/km (manual).
The 2.0-litre petrol is good for 105kW of power and 186Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is a meager 7.3l/100kms (manual) and the CO2 emissions 174g/km (manual).
Drive is to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or (as we tested) a four-speed auto.
The Interior
Hyundai worked hard to deliver a nicely-packaged interior in the i30cw.
The extra dimensions over the i30 hatchback have been used cleverly inside with extra rear legroom and headroom plus of course the useful cargo area.
We liked the blue and white colour scheme for the instruments and the height/reach adjustable steering wheel (leather-wrapped on SLX and Sportswagon models) combined with the nicely-finished seat to provide a good driving position.
The standard audio system is comprehensive with AM/FM and MPS/WMA/CD, USB, Auxiliary and iPod connectivity. SLX models gain two extra speakers and steering wheel controls while Sportwagons get the in-dash six CD stacker with externally amplified speakers.
With the rear seats in place, the flat cargo area is 415l or a surprisingly large 1,395l if you’re not carrying rear seat occupants. A retractable cargo cover and luggage net are standard.
Exterior and Styling
In recent years just about all of the Korean manufacturers have made huge advances to improve the styling of their vehicles and there are no better examples than Hyundai’s i30 hatch and wagon.
At the front the i30cw presents a contemporary look with a large, bold chrome-finished grille and modern wraparound headlights.
The rear has large, nicely-styled tail-lights and the wide-opening door makes for easy loading of heavy items.
All models have standard roof bars or there are optional Whisper roof racks for snow boards, skis, bikes etc.
On The Road
It’s a similar story on-road with the i30 jettisoning previous criticisms of on-road dynamics with Korean vehicles. This is a world-class vehicle, make no mistake.
Car Showroom’s SLX model i30cw - with its 16-inch alloys and 205/55 R16 tyres - was a handy unit when put through its paces over our mountain test route. Turn-in was sharp, mid-corner balance was good and to be honest it was quite sporty in its feedback – a pleasant surprise.
When asked to perform briskly, the 1.6-litre CRDi delivered with responsiveness to match most European diesel engines. With a wheelbase of only 2,700mm (50mm longer than the i30 hatch) and good visibility, the i30cw was easy to maneuver in the city and presented no challenges in our tight CBD carpark. Combine that maneuverability with its 1395l load space and the i30cw presents as a wagon that is easy to live with for both families and commercial users.
Challenges
Melbourne’s numerous tram and train track crossings present obstacles for even the most expensive vehicles and this was the one area where the i30cw needs some work. Noise suppression and refinement were a bit of a let-down.
Verdict
The i30 hatch continues to win friends and with its extra space, load-carrying versatility and practicality, the wagon model is a worthwhile addition to the lineup.
Especially with the fuel economy afforded by the CRDi engine, this is a wagon that families and commercial operators should seriously consider.
The Competition
Priced from $23, 390 and supported by a 5 year/unlimited kilometers factory warranty, the i30cw continues Hyundai’s excellent value-for-money proposition.
Holden’s Astra wagon is the direct competitor and it’s excellent…but you’ll need some extra coin.
Likes
Nice styling; versatile/practical; handy diesel; value
Dislikes
A bit noisy over bumps
