Review: 2009 Hyundai i30 CW - The Verdict

Series: Crossover Wagon March 2009 onwards

Want a big small car? Sick of squeezing all that shopping into the boot? Can’t fit the Malibu on the roof? These questions Hyundai Australia has been asking and in 2009 has the answer. As we sit back and watch the automotive industry is downsize it seems the perfect time for Hyundai to release this big small car, the i30 CW.

CW translates to ‘Crossover Wagon’, the i30 CW is aimed at people with active lifestyles, catering for inner urban driving and then the weekend country amble.

Hyundai have introduced a variety of two engines and various grades to suit your lifestyle.

People eying off the i30 CW are typically aged between the mid twenties to mid thirties, ideally the wagon compartment will always be crammed with the mountain bike or the snowboard or even the picnic basket with a bottle of your finest. The styling of the CW is appealing to both chromosomes so expect to hear the best of the Spice Girls in one car and some Metallica in another.

 

The i30CW is a small Passenger Wagon with 5 seats, it has 415 litres luggage capacity with the rear seats up and 1395 litres with the seats down. The i30 CW has additional room all over with a 5cm longer wheelbase, more head room front and rear, and loads more leg room to keep the in laws at ease.

How much?

$20,890 - $29,990 (depending on grade)

Fuel economy (Combined L/100kms)

7.3 L - 7.7 L /100 km for the 2.0 litre petrol engine
4.9 L - 6.0 L /100 km for the 1.6 litre turbo diesel engine

How Green?

3.5 to 4.5 stars (Green Vehicle Guide rating)

174 g/km – 183 g/km for the 2.0 litre petrol engine
128 g/km – 159 g/km for the 1.6 litre turbo diesel engine

How safe?

ANCAP rating – 4 to 5 stars

Active Safety: ABS, EBD, ESP, Traction Control,

Passive Safety: Front driver and passenger airbags standard. Side and curtain airbags optional on SX, standard on the other grades.

Warranty

5 year / unlimited kilometre

The Verdict

Design and Engineering

For: The i30 CW looks as good from the rear as it does from the front, and no its bum does not look big in this. The stretched wheelbase keeps the overhangs in proportion unlike other wagons, which is very important and hard to achieve without looking like an overweight hatch. Every i30 CW comes standard with roof cross bars, cargo nets and barriers. The subtle hints of chrome garnish add style and sportiness to an already good looking design. Hyundai have added indicator lights into the side rear view mirrors for extra safety and they look effective too.

Against: Nothing groundbreaking; not sure about the alloy chrome mix wheels on the Sportswagon model.

Interior

For: How can you have an i30 without an iPOD®? You cant, so Hyundai have installed iPOD® connectivity incorporated with Apple software meaning the driver can control the music on the iPOD® via the steering wheel controls, this technology is quite rare in the auto industry so it will keep the techno gadget buffs eye brows raised for a while.
I’m a big fan of the soft touching plastics and rubbers Hyundai have sourced and the fit and finish gets the thumbs up.

Against: There’s not much to criticize, Hyundai’s i30 interior styling is smart and simple, and it won’t date or go out of fashion anytime soon.

Performance

For: The 1.6 litre turbo diesel engine produces 85 kW, although this figure does not seem outstanding on the screen, it is impressive when you get behind the wheel of one. The i30 CW launch was held in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, a luscious scenic part of Australia with some fine roads encompassing some steep hills where the i30 CW diesel model climbs effortlessly. The 2.0 petrol model is quite good for day to day driving, and will satisfy the average driver, but for performance and excellent fuel economy try the 1.6 L turbo diesel on for size.

Against: Hyundai’s decision not to introduce the 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine currently available in Europe. The four speed automatics need another cog with closer ratios.

Ride and Handling

For: Handling is significantly better that previous Hyundais I have driven. Hyundai Australia played a key role is modifying components of the suspension and steering system to be more suitable for Australian roads and drivers. The suspension is firm, but not stiff. It reacted positively with Hunter Valley’s twisty bits and imperfections in the road surface.

Against: The ESP system has its safety hat on and will cut-in at the drop of a hat, with a moment’s understeer or the slightest bit of wheelspin. I probably won’t criticize it when I really need it to kick, or will I?

Buying and Owning

For: i30 CW’s list of standard features; the generous five year unlimited kilometer warranty. My pick of the bunch - currently available in the bunch are the Peugeot 308 Touring, Holden’s Astra and Viva wagons.

Against: The name ‘Crossover Wagon’ as it implies four wheel drive, that’s about it.

Overall

For: Slick looking design on the out; smart looking on the inside. Modified suspension and handling.

Against: Average economy for the 2.0 L petrol model; four speed automatic transmissions.

Car Verdict Rating

4.5 stars

Grades/Variants

SX, SLX and Sportwagon – 2.0L Petrol 4 cylinder
SX and SLX – 1.6L Turbo Diesel 4 cylinder

All information correct as at 11th March 2008