Review: Hyundai FD i30cw (2009-12)

Overview

Released in March 2009, the Hyundai FD i30cw was a mid-size, five-door wagon with the ‘cw’ in its name standing for crossover wagon. Manufactured in Ulsan, South Korea, the front-wheel drive i30cw range was powered 2.0-litre petrol (2.0i) and 1.6-litre turbo-diesel (1.6 CRDi) engines.

The i30cw was initially available in SX, SLX and Sportswagon editions, though limited-run Trophy editions were released in August 2010. In September 2011, the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel underwent a minor upgrade and a six-speed manual transmission replaced the five-speed unit previously available.

G4GC and D4FB engines

Of the engines,

• the 2.0-litre G4GC ‘Beta II’ petrol engine had a cast iron engine block, an aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, variable intake valve timing (CVVT), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1; and,
• the 1.6-litre D4FB ‘U’ diesel engine had a cast iron engine block, an aluminium cylinder head, common-rail injection, a variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 17.3:1.

Dimensions

Compared to the FD i30 hatch on which it was based, the i30cw was 230 mm longer (at 4475 mm), the same width (1775 mm), 85 mm taller (1565 mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2700 mm). As a result, the rear overhang extended by an additional 180 mm (to 900 mm), giving the i30cw a 415 litre cargo area which could be increased to 1395 litres if the rear seats were folded down.

Suspension and steering

The i30cw had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, ‘torsion blade’ multi-link rear suspension; the i30 was also fitted with electric power-assisted steering.

Safety equipment

Initially, standard safety equipment for the i30cw SX included dual front airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints, anti-submarining front seat pans and rear seat ramps and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; beyond this, the SLX edition added front side (thorax) airbags and full-length curtain airbags. From October 2009, however, the SX edition was also fitted with front side (thorax) and curtain airbags.

ANCAP safety assessments

Hyundai provided evidence to ANCAP that the i30cw could be expected to provide comparable protection with the i30 hatch tested by Euro NCAP . ANCAP assessed that a comparable i30 hatch with dual front airbags – but not side airbags or curtain airbags – had a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.1 out of 37; in the side impact test, there was a moderate risk of serious chest and abdomen injury for the driver.

For i30cw models further equipped with front side airbags and curtain airbags, a five star adult occupant protection rating was awarded with a score of 32.54.

Features

Standard features for the i30cw SX included 15-inch steel wheels, a four speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3/WMA compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), air conditioning, a cooled glovebox, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, a 12 volt power outlet, cargo blind, roof rails, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the i30cw SLX added 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment and cargo net.

The i30cw Sportswagon was further differentiated by its 17-inch alloy wheels, six-disc CD player, automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers.

2010 i30cw Trophy edition

In August 2010, a limited-run Trophy edition was released. Based on the SX edition, the Trophy was distinguished by its 16-inch titanium-grey alloy wheels, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, front fog lights and ‘Trophy’ badging.

October 2010: i30cw update

In October 2010, the i30cw underwent a minor update with integrated Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and silver painted roof rails fitted as standard across the range; there was also a headlight escort function for the SLX and Sportswagon editions.

September 2011: i30cw update

From September 2011, standard features were extended to include Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming and auxiliary sound system inputs (i.e. 3.5mm/USB).

Brochure

• Brochure: Hyundai FD i30 and i30cw (March 2011)

Specifications

• Specifications: Hyundai FD i30 and i30cw (November 2011)
• Specifications: Hyundai FD i30cw (June 2012)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Hyundai FD i30cw