When Hyundai launched its i30 two years ago, the Korean conglomerate did nothing to hide its intentions to challenge the world’s top car manufacturers in terms of volume.
The car was designed in Europe for both European and world markets.
As they say, the rest is history.
The i30 went on to win Car of the Year awards in Australia (2007) and Spain (2008), and has achieved worldwide acclaim.
I suspect part of the reason for this adulation was the surprise that Hyundai could succeed in developing such a high-quality car, given that some of its previous products were not exactly paragons of quality.
While the i30 is reasonably accommodating to both people and luggage, there were customers who felt that a wagon would be even more practical and versatile.
A wagon is also something the European consumer likes.
For such, the new crossover wagon would suit his or her needs admirably.
i30 CW cabin looks and feels robust, if not extravagantly equipped.
Though elongated, the new i30 CW retains the original model’s neat lines.
Hyundai’s engineers have managed to graft an elongated tail without making the car look awkward or unbalanced.
In fact the i30 CW appears more graceful and sophisticated – and definitely more upmarket – than the i30.
The i30 CW is some 230mm longer than the i30, with its wheelbase stretched by 50mm.
This translates into a significant increase in rear leg and headroom, as well as luggage capacity.
With all seats in place, luggage capacity rises from 340 litres to 415 litres.
When all the rear seats are folded, the i30 CW boot is a cavernous 1395 litres – a significant 145 litres more than what the hatchback i30 offers.
Can’t go wrong with simple graphics.
Four golf bags can be ferried, even with the rear seat backs upright.
This ease of transporting golf bags transversely is something the Japanese and Koreans seem to understand.
Golf is obviously of low priority in Germany, if the narrowness of the boot or luggage area of many German cars is anything to go by!
Any golfer will tell you that bags carried diagonally are quite a hassle to load and unload.
The i30 CW is not just about space.
Interior trim and plastics are the same high quality as the original’s.
Ergonomics cannot be faulted, with all major and minor switchgear falling nicely to hand.
Audio remote controls on the steering wheel operate both the factory-fitted sound system as well as the iPod.
Possibly the only bit missing is leather for the steering wheel.
Leather would feel nicer to the touch, besides enhancing luxury.
Other practical and useful features are the multiple cup holders and storage areas, sunglass holder, spacious glove box and centre console bin.
And the piece de resistance is the glass sunroof, which improves cabin ambience quite a bit.
The engine is the same all-aluminium 1.6-litre used in the i30.
Unlike the previous generation 1.6-litre Hyundai engines, the current one offers decent fuel economy.
i30 CW has a boot with plenty of room for lifestyle needs.
During my stint with the car, it returned a creditable 10km per litre over a mix of expressways and suburban roads, with no effort at economy driving.
What is most impressive is its overall refinement.
The i30 CW is quiet, with excellent suppression of road and engine noise.
It feels safe, solid and well put together.
While not the quickest 1.6 available, 0 to 100km/h in 12.3 seconds is about par for the course.
While, the i30 CW lacks the outright agility of the shorter i30, it still handles reasonably well.
The 1.6-litre 4-pot is relatively refined and does its job well.
But for quick lane changes, the extra mass and length put it at a little disadvantage compared to its shorter sibling.
For everyday driving, however, most drivers will not be able to detect the difference.
Hyundai’s new car is certainly testimony to the Korean manufacturer’s ability to develop world-class products.
The i30 CW is a clever niche model that will appeal to those who want a stylish, sensibly sized car with enough space and versatility to make it both fun and easy to live with.
After all, there are not many good wagons available in this price and size range.
2009 Hyundai i30 CW 1.6 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1591cc
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.4mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max power 122bhp at 6200rpm
Max torque 154Nm at 4200rpm
Power to weight 95.68bhp per tonne
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox
Driven wheels
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12.3 seconds
Top speed 182km/h
Consumption 14.3km/L
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / discs
TYRES
Type Kumho Solus KH15
Size 185/65 R15
SAFETY
Traction aids ABS
Airbags 2
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4475mm
Width 1775mm
Height 1520mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb weight 1275kg
Turning circle 10.4m
BUYING IT
Price $60,599 excl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Balanced styling, impressive cabin and luggage space, overall refinement
– Premium pricing, electric power steering lacks feel, outbox doesn’t have manual override
