Hyundai i30cw: The Crossover Wagon

Motoring Channel Staff - 16/March/2009

Sydney, Australia – After showing its new i30cw at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show in February, Hyundai has launched the new model in Australia.

Prices for the i30cw start at $20,890.

If the most recent sales figures are anything to go by (Audi and Hyundai were the only two car makers to record an increase in sales in February 2009) - this budget-priced compact wagon could be another string in Hyundai's bow.

The new model is a wagon-based vehicle (cw = 'crossover wagon') with extra cabin space thanks to the new body shape.

It was was designed in Germany at Hyundai's European design studio.

Hyundai says the i30cw 'offers greater luggage capacity and a slightly longer wheelbase compared to the i30 hatch – perfect for a full size stroller and the shopping, or a bike and sports gear.'

We road tested the Hyundai i30 hatch in late 2007, where it rated very highly, and the new i30cw range will be offered with 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions and a 1.6-litre CRDi turbo Diesel or a 2.0-litre petrol engine.

Full pricing of the new Hyundai i30cw range is as follows:

i30cw SX 2.0 petrol $20,890 (manual)
i30cw SX 2.0 petrol $22,890 (auto)
i30cw SX 1.6 CRDi turbo Diesel $23,390 (manual)
i30cw SX 1.6 CRDi turbo Diesel $25,390 (auto)
i30cw SLX 2.0 petrol $27,390 (auto)
i30cw SLX 1.6 CRDi turbo Diesel $29,890 (auto)
i30cw Sportswagon 2.0 petrol $29,990 (auto)

Options:

Optional metallic / mica paint $320
Optional 5 star Protectz pack for SX $700
Optional cruise control with cruise control with front fog lamps for SX $400

Some of the features of the new i30cw include USB audio input with iPod compatibility, an air conditioned glove box, tilt and reach steering wheel and a 12-volt power outlet in the rear cargo area.

As well as the HALO (Hyundai’s Active Locking Operation) system, all i30cw models come with ESP stability control incorporating, ABS, active head restraints for driver and front passenger, plus driver and front passenger airbags. 

The upper model SLX and Sportswagon variants are fitted with driver and front passenger side (thorax) airbags and front and rear passenger curtain airbags, and there's an option for $700 to include the extra airbags on the entry-level models, which gives the Hyundai a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

One of the key selling points of wagon variants is the extra room they afford owners and the Hyundai i30cw's increases are as follows:

230mm (5%) longer than the i30 hatch at 4475mm (i30 hatch is 4,245 mm)
40mm (6%) taller than the i30 hatch at 1565mm including the standard roof rails (i30 hatch is 1,480 mm without roof rails).

The i30cw has slightly more head room and rear seat leg room than the hatch and plenty more boot space. It has 75 litres or 22% more cargo area when the rear seats are up at 415 litres (i30 hatch is 340 litres) and 145 litres or 12% more boot space when the rear seats are folded down, with 1395 litres (i30 hatch is 1250 litres).

There are two engines to choose from, the ultra-frugal 1.6-litre turbo diesel or the 2.0-litre petrol engine.

1.6-litre turbo diesel
Power: 85kW @ 4000rpm
Torque: 255Nm @ 1900rpm
Fuel Economy: 4.9L/100km (6.0L/100km w/auto)
CO2 Emissions: 128g (159g w/auto)

2.0-litre petrol
Power: 105kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 186Nm @ 4500rpm
Fuel Economy: 7.3L/100km (7.9L/100km w/auto)
CO2 Emissions: 174g (183g w/auto)

Both models are rated to tow up to 500kg and that rises to 1200kg if it involves a trailer with its own brakes.

Hyundai hopes to attract new customers to the brand looking for value and low emissions. The diesel engine is one of the most efficient in the class and Hyundai has even enlisted swim champ Leisel Jones to spruik the product.

Jones is Hyundai's i30 Green Diesel Ambassador and is contractually obliged to say nice things about the car.

"With my hectic schedule, the i30cw is perfect for me. I can mount my training bike on the roof rack system and the fuel efficient turbo-diesel engine is minimising my footprint on the environment too," says Jones.

Related Links:
- Hyundai i20 (2009)
- Hyundai i30 (Road Test)
- Hyundai Getz (Road Test)
- Hyundai HED 6 ix-ONIC Concept (2009)
- Hyundai Grandeur (2009)
- Hyundai Sonata (2009)
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe (2010)
- Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe (2009)
- Hyundai Genesis (2008)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (Road Test)