2009 Hyundai i30cw wagon – the lifestyle
March 13, 2009 by Karl Peskett
2009 Hyundai i30cw Wagon – the lifestyle
The i30 hatch has been a runaway success for Hyundai, not to mention a benchmark for the brand, in terms of styling and quality.
Building on this, Hyundai has introduced the i30cw Wagon – touted as the lifestyle choice for the budget buyer. To demonstrate this aspect of the car’s intended market, Hyundai invited lifestyle journalists to participate in the launch of the i30cw.
Entitled “Full of unexpected surprises”, tying in with Hyundai’s image for the car, we were loaded up in 17 wagons, and directed to the Hunter Valley wine region of New South Wales. Hyundai says that this sort of trip is what buyers of the i30cw will be undertaking, once they settle in to ownership.
The drive route took in all sorts of surfaces and styles of driving, to enable us to explore fully the dynamics and ability of the new wagon. Straight roads, freeways, smooth, pockmarked, lumpy bitumen, windy, wide, narrow – you name it, it was thrown at us.
This is a good thing, too, because normally, car makers focus on the strengths of their cars only, and drive programs are tailored to suit. The route we had marked out threw up some interesting features of the new car.
Firstly, the wheelbase has been increased by 50mm, which liberates more rear legroom. It also allows the wagon boot, which, if we’re honest, isn’t huge, but it’s certainly bigger than the hatch. There are standard roof rails, so any bigger loads could be taken care of – along with a myriad of accessories which cater for various lifestyle choices.
The ride also is said to be similar to the i30 hatch, although it did seem a little stiffer, which might be down to the wheelbase change. Certainly Hyundai tells us that it has tried to emulate the hatch as closely as possible.
The engines also mirror the hatch, with a 2.0-litre petrol, and 1.6-litre turbo-diesel on offer.
Surefooted it was, too, hanging on in wet and dry conditions, with superb body control, and neutral handling. The diesel is the pick, too, with its ability to climb hills without changing down gear, unlike the petrol.
David Twomey will have a more comprehesive look at the technical aspects of the i30cw wagon in the next few days, so we’ll change tack slightly, because Hyundai had some other surprises up its sleeve.
What does a family do when holidaying in the Hunter Valley region? Go to Cessnock airport and have a joyflight, of course.
After arriving at the airfield, two Czechoslovakian fighters called Yaks, and a Tiger Moth awaited the eager crowd. But before we could strap ourselves in, an engine revved in the hangar. The new Hyundai i10 launched out, and whizzed its way through the motorkhana set up on the apron. Clapping ensued.
Not a moment after, a deeper, gruntier engine was heard from inside the hangar. Blasting out was a bright, green, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, piloted by none other than Hyundai’s own tame racing driver ‘The Stag’. A drift session through the cones followed, with cheering from the assembled media.
CarAdvice had a word with Hyundai’s affable PR manager, Ben Hershman. Something to the effect of “Bring it! Bring it! Bring it! Bring it! Bring it! Bring it! Bring it!”….
After our joyflights, replete with barrel rolls and steep take-off angles, designed to test our stomach’s integrity, we were treated to a ride in the passenger’s seat of the Genesis Coupe with The Stag, whose sideways skills were certainly never in doubt.
What is in doubt is whether Hyundai will bring it to Australia. With a collective cross of the fingers, we ask that you all wish it to be here. Trust me, it’s worth it.
A slalom challenge in the i10 was next, with everyone asked to run two up, zigging and zagging through the cones, and a small straight, before braking hard at the finish line. Ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud to announce, the winner of the i10 slalom challenge – me. Yes, CarAdvice was at the top of the field.
Apart from car racing, and fighter flying, what else do you do in the Hunter region? Drink wine. And lots of it. So, the obligatory reds and whites were sunk in the evening (after all the driving was done, of course). In the morning, when everyone’s head was sore, we took off from behind the hotel, in two hot air balloons, for a peaceful ride across the valley.
If you’ve never done it, I highly recommend the experience, despite the early start. It’s as peaceful and quiet as you can get, save the occasional blast from the burners. And at this time of year, the Hunter is about as green as you can get, thanks to flooding several months ago.
Sure, it was aimed at helping us experience new things, but the message from the i30cw launch is clear. Grab a Hyundai wagon and get out there. Make the most of life, and go and see some new things.
The i30cw wagon is a neat little package, that offers good space, practicality, and decent prices, with the petrol positioned at $20,890 and the diesel at $23,390. Forget the petrol, go the diesel, and benefit from the five year warranty included with it.
Oh, and keep wishing for that Genesis Coupe.
Print it: 
It’s hard to be critical with such lavish treatment.
I can write plenty of nice things about a manufacturer too – are you still recruiting ?!?!?!
Ok so I dream of the Genesis coming to OZ and I also dream about receiving the spoils motoring journo’s get!
Good looking budget priced wagon with a luxy looking interior.
We have to get that Genesis Coupe ! All those owners that miss their Sillycar would have to consider one of these.
The Stag…………hahaha nice one !
Karl, hate to be picky, but I do value the opinions of you guys on this website. I’m puzzled by your opening statement, “The i30 hatch has been a runaway success for Hyundai”.
Wasn’t it only yesterday that Alborz posted an article pondering just why Hyundai can’t sell more of these in Oz? Or are you referring more to the global success of this car?
Do like the look of the Genesis coupe though, but won’t hold my breath for it to be coming here.
HAL, yes, the global picture is indeed what I was commenting on.
Still, Hyundai Oz is very happy with the Aussie numbers, too, although it’s hoping that adding the wagon to the lineup will boost sales as well.
If they start to market it properly (ie not continually discounted) i30 could become Hyundais Liberty. I just hope the guys at the top seize the opportunity that is in front of them.
HAL,
as stated yesterday I thing Hyundai would be pretty happy that they sold all their stock and had a waiting list for this model.
Most car companies think this is success.
They need to discount it, otherwise why would Joe Bloggs buy Korean if for the same price they can get a more reputable brand? If they don’t discount those vehicles, they will sell nothing.
Just out of interest Karl what engine combination was in the Coupe ? What sort of interest has it generated in Australia ………any indication on price ? I think it will start at 22k in the US .
This will be a great seller for them around the world I think!
Dan which manufacturer doesnt use some sort of enticement to sell cars,especially at the moment . Toyota are offering fleet prices to the local punters at the moment aren’t they ?
What more reputable model would that be by the way Dan……
A Uk review wrote this 12 months ago.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarRe.....le/231907/
But you would disagree cause you are in DAN-IAL the Koreans will ever match the Japs. But then who does in your eyes ?
(sigh) Ok Projet-L, I’ll take the bait. As stated in Alborz’s article yesterday:
“In January of 2009, the Hyundai i30 sold 975, during the same period Toyota Corolla sold 2763, Mazda3 sold 3124, Ford found 1346 new Focus buyers, Honda managed 1216 sales with the Civic and even Volkswagen sold 992 Golfs.
To put that into perspective, the i30 outsold the Holden Astra (which is now nearing five years old), by just two cars.”
They are hardly ‘break out the cigars’ sales figures in comparison to it’s competitors in Oz, hence my reason for asking Karl to clarify the opening line of today’s article. He did, and I’m happy. Even if Hyundai shouldn’t be with the i30’s sales performance in Oz.
As I said yesterday Dan, why is a Korean made car worse than one made in Thailand?? Or how about Spain, Checkoslovakia, Ubukestan, South Africa etc.? VW, M/benz, Honda, Toyota et-al don’t have to discount those cars. Sorry but a badge does not mean better built.
Oops. Sorry Bavaria. I was making a general comment in terms of a normal market, not in a temporary crisis market. Regardless, they discount their cars heavily whether there’s a crisis or a boom. Because whether there is a crisis or a boom, no one will pay for a Korean equal or higher price than a reputable brand. And I’ve had the displeasure of driving a few Korean cars lately, hence I am not surprised at the discounts, as they just would sell enough (if at all) if they priced them the same. Sales numbers prove it, and it’s a fact. Their sales numbers, even with heavy discouting, sit on the bottom of the list, below the reputable brands. Facts are FACTS. Don’t attempt to deny them bavaria!
Hmmm Don’t Hyundai outsell BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi in OZ? So by your reckoning then Hyundai are better? It’s exactly the same when comparing Mondeo to Passat. Both natural competitors in there native country, but don’t go head to head here because of blind badge snobery.
Yesterday someone mentioned LG being accepted as good quality Korean TV but everyone of their sets I looked at come from China.
The NEW generation of Hyundais are good enough to go head to head with the current Japanese offerings, and a fari amount of Euro vehicles as well. (Peugeot, Renault, Fiat & small Citroens)
Hey Karl, Small point. The Yaks are russian, not Czech.
And by the Way, Czechoslovakia Doesn’t exist anymore
Dan, I agree there needs to be less difference between the diesel and petrol variants in pricing, but don’t you think the Hyundai marketing department might have some idea?
BM is correct insofar as most manufacturers offering some sort of discount. Isn’t that precisely what you are suggesting Hyundai do?
You have made it clear you don’t like them – fine. But you are saying no one will pay for a Korean made car against a reputable brand. The whole point of the story Alborz posted yesterday is that this brand is now reputable. People are buying this car. I’ve no doubt Hyundai would be happy with their market share which only stands to increase. You have an anti-korean attitude towards cars which you have shown is born out of ignorance. Having driven one car (getz as you indicated) from the whole range does not equate into knowing the I30 or any other hyundai. Take Alborz advice, take off the blinkers and test drive one before you bag it.
I’d like to know what “heavy discounting” you refer to.
It is obvious you are pro-toyota. I have no issue with that whatsoever. They are a brand with clear strengths. The truth is they aren’t the only manufacturer who can do things well and you would do well to recognise that.
Tomas, the pilots told us they were Czech planes. And seeing as they own the planes, we thought that was reliable information.
You’ll probably find that these are C-11s but called Yaks casually. They were built in the former Czechoslovakia.
Frontman – “Peugeot, Renault, Fiat & small Citroens”
Having lived in Europe for many years, I can tell you now, those brands are considered as just the normal bread and butter brands, nothing prestigious or extraordinary.
And of course there will be more cheap cars sold than expensive cars. The average person won’t buy a 100K car. Your point has FAILed.
Simon, it’s not that I am anti Korean or whatever. Or blindly pro-toyota. I’ve never owned either (other than supra). But lately, I have decided to take on the same attitude with the same methods as bavaria, wheelnut and others do in regards to toyota. Just to ‘balance it out’ a little bit. Effectively I am immitating their attitude to Toyota :)
Guys….just to throw a spanner in the works, the up-coming Hyundai i20 destined for Australia (and the i10) will be built in India! How will the new-car buyers perceive these model, if and when they find out that these will be built in India? No offense to the Indian’s but like Frontman and many others say, we are all driven by the facts of where our cars are made and what badge they wear. I like Hyundai, they’re a great car company but I get turned off when I hear they are going down the same road that Suzuki is with their new Alto.
Karl,
Fair enough, my mistake.
Dan so you are aware that you are being abrasive?
You now want to add Frontman to the list?
Just curious, but how would you feel if someone said you “Your point has FAILed.” ?
Let me reaffirm, I’m glad for you to post, happy for you to point out any short commings to a car from your perspective. I’m just seeing a history of offensive remarks.
Sure others have done the same, we all know who they are. I too am guity of being less than polite, and let me hereby appologise for doing so.
I’m just suggesting we try to avoid butting heads with other people over what amounts to opinions only.
CA has guidelines for posting, I’m disappointed that they even need to have one. It says a lot about us really.
Thanks to all who have been constructive here. I really value this site and the opportunity that it presents to garner public opinions. They mostly make for a good read.
First time I started posting here all polite and stuff, I got jumped on by the usual suspects. It’s only second nature to respond back the same way. Reaction opposite reaction etc.
But I apologize if I have been rude to anyone unjustly.
You might like to realise the word ‘wagon’ for this car. So ummm, why no picture of the actual rear….we have already seen the interior/front end of the i30.
Overall fantastic car, much better than the Corolla/Lancer crap out there. And the Genesis is such a great car…please bring it here Hyundai!!!
can you ask why the manual is only available in base spec?
Tim, sounds like you have first hand experience with the Genesis. Do tell?
Genesis is amazing have some friends who just brought one after selling up ther 2000 7 sereis and they love it. I really like the i30 but prefer the 3 overall
Karl,
Great timing. For some time I was considering the i30 but the hatch was a bit small. The cw seems perfect for wifey and my 2 teenage kids. We are used to owning petrol cars but are game to try out diesel. On fuel savings alone, the premium on diesel car price cannot be justified as wifey plans to use it as a run around. However, long term factors might justify the premium.
Wifey is indifferent towards auto or manual although she has been driving auto for the past 4 years (she appreciates the ease of use of the auto ‘box). Is the manual ‘box difficult to live with?
JamesL,
The drive experience is what will swing you towards diesel. The rush of torque is addictive, and as mentioned, pulling up hills in the same gear is where it makes a difference.
The manual ‘box is excellent, and the clutch is quite light, too, so it’s an easy drive. If she doesn’t care, get her to take a diesel for a drive.
You’ll be sold.
Thanks a million mate :)
I used to own the hatchback i30 version, I think the CW has a much better looking tail light.