Home | News | Road Tests ROAD TEST:   Hyundai i30cw SX  (diesel/manual) by Ken Walker 16th July, 2009 Home > Road Tests > Hyundai This is a vehicle with Euro-ish looks, built in South Korea, which charges along the highways like a herd of wild brumbies stampeding in the Victorian high country. Maybe not, but it has a lot of potential and the feel of a great touring vehicle. A Hyundai i30cw wagon is the subject of this road test. The package is the latest in the i30 range small size vehicles. Our test car is the base model, the SX. Other variants are SLX and Sportswagon. All are available with either a 5 speed manual gearbox or 4 speed automatic transmission. Choose between a 2.0 litre fuel injection petrol engine and a 1.6 litre common rail turbo diesel engine. The diesel option is not available in the Sportwagon, which is considered a little restrictive given the additional features of this version. Our test package is fitted with a 5 speed manual gear box with propulsion supplied by the extremely frugal 1.6 litre diesel power plant which pumps out 85 Kw at 4,000 rpm and 255 nM of torque between 1,900 & 2,750 rpm. Fuel economy is quoted by Hyundai at a miserly 4.7 l/100 km on the combined cycle. For long distance or highway cruising the figure of 4.3 l/100 km is quoted. Fuel tank capacity is 53 litres giving a possible touring range in excess of 1,000 kms. We consider this to be an outstanding result and believe it to be achievable. The cw wagon has a longer (by 230 mm) wheel base than its hatch 'stable mate' and at a length of 4,475 mm provides a comfortable ride quality. Settling into the height adjustable drivers’ seat, the package is neat, functional and well finished. The steering column is adjustable for reach and rake angle. Naturally, power assisted steering is also standard. Remember this is the lowest spec version but it is built-up with a lot of 'goodies' that the every day 'techno geeks' will savour, such as a USB port in the centre arm rest console allowing an iPod to be plugged in and the tune list displayed on the radio/CD (with MP3 compatibility) player screen and from there the tunes are selectable. How good is that? The only downside being that this, the lowest spec model has only 4 speakers. Other features include a glove box chiller that keeps a drink cool whilst the air con unit is operating. The external power adjustable rear view mirrors also fold inwards against the doors to reduce potential damage in tight places or shopping centre car parks. All doors feature power windows, with the drivers’ door having an auto down function. The seats are comfortable with leg and shoulder room for five adults around town, but the rear seat would be better suited to younger passengers on a long trip. Getting in or out of this machine is hassle free with wide opening doors. The rear seat swab also folds in the traditional 60/40 manner for long or bulky loads. The tailgate has a low load height for easy access. Towing capacities are useful, but not great, at 1,200 kg braked and 500 kg unbraked. The ball download allowance is 75 kg. Safety features abound with this excellent machine gaining a 5 star ANCAP rating, the highest available for any vehicle on the Australian market. To receive this rating is indeed an accolade to the Hyundai Motor Corporation, something we also applaud. Six SRS airbags reside inside the i30, 2 at the front, 2 at the side and 2 curtain bags help ensure some protection in the unfortunate event of a collision. Power assisted disc brakes all round ably assisted with ABS, EBD, ESP and TCS. And, in regard to passenger security, the central locking system activates when the vehicle speed reaches 40 km/h. This reduces the ability of an unwanted person to gain entry when the becomes stationary in traffic (such as when you stop at traffic lights), but unlocks when an internal door handle is used or in the event of an accident. Our road test vehicle was mounted on 15” x 5.5” steel wheels, with a 7 spoke plastic cover, running 195/65 R15 radial ply tyres, with a full size spare under the cargo space floor. Overall we were impressed by the quality of finish, high standard of features in this base model, including steering wheel mounted cruise control and extremely good fuel consumption. The 5 star safety rating should also attract prospective purchasers. Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more More Hyundai News ..... here About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2009   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.