The Hyundai i30 II CW 1.6 CRDi, produced from 2012 to 2015, represents a practical and fuel-efficient offering within the second generation of Hyundai’s popular i30 compact family. The “CW” designation signifies the “Combined Wagon” body style, distinguishing it from the five-door hatchback version. This variant, powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 128 horsepower, was aimed at buyers prioritizing economy and versatility, particularly in European markets where station wagons (estates) remained highly sought after. It occupied a mid-range position in the i30 lineup, offering a balance between performance and running costs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | i30 |
| Generation | i30 II CW |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CRDi (128 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 197 km/h (122.41 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp, 92 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm, 186.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 128 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1900-2750 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 1900-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4FB |
| Engine displacement | 1582 cm3 (96.54 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77.2 mm (3.04 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.9 l (7.29 US qt | 6.07 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1392 kg (3068.83 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1920 kg (4232.88 lbs.) |
| Max load | 528 kg (1164.04 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 528 l (18.65 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1642 l (57.99 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l (14 US gal | 11.66 UK gal) |
| Length | 4485 mm (176.57 in.) |
| Width | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1563 mm (61.54 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1571 mm (61.85 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.0J x 15; 6.5J x 16; 7.0J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the i30 CW 1.6 CRDi is the Hyundai-Kia D4FB engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine utilizes a second-generation common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. The D4FB is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and an intercooler, enhancing both power and torque across a broad RPM range. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its efficiency and responsiveness. A particulate filter was standard to meet Euro 5 emission standards. The 128 horsepower output and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque were achieved through careful calibration of the engine management system. The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel-drive configuration were typical for vehicles in this class.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 CRDi engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, provided adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) took approximately 10.9 seconds, and the top speed was around 122 mph (197 km/h). While not a particularly sporty setup, the engine delivered strong low-end torque, making it well-suited for overtaking and navigating city traffic. Compared to the more powerful gasoline engines available in the i30 range, the 1.6 CRDi prioritized fuel economy over outright speed. The six-speed gearbox offered a good spread of ratios, allowing the engine to operate efficiently at highway speeds. The wagon body style did add some weight compared to the hatchback, slightly impacting acceleration, but also providing increased cargo capacity.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The i30 CW 1.6 CRDi typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Higher trim levels offered features such as alloy wheels, fog lights, a more advanced audio system, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher-spec models. Safety features included ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and multiple airbags. The dashboard layout was functional and user-friendly, with a focus on ergonomics.
Chassis & Braking
The i30 CW featured a McPherson strut front suspension and an independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing braking performance and safety. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and precise control. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort over sporty handling, making it well-suited for long journeys.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai i30 CW 1.6 CRDi was generally well-received by automotive critics for its fuel efficiency, practicality, and value for money. It offered a compelling alternative to established European rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf Estate and Ford Focus Estate. The 1.6 CRDi engine was praised for its refinement and torque delivery, although some reviewers noted that it could be slightly noisy under hard acceleration. Compared to the more powerful gasoline engines in the i30 lineup, the 1.6 CRDi offered significantly better fuel economy, making it a popular choice for drivers covering long distances. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the diesel particulate filter.
Legacy
The Hyundai i30 II CW 1.6 CRDi has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle in the used car market. The D4FB engine, while not without its quirks (such as potential DPF issues if not properly maintained), is generally considered robust. The availability of affordable spare parts and a relatively simple mechanical design contribute to its ongoing appeal. Today, these i30 CWs represent a practical and economical choice for buyers seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient station wagon. Their continued presence on roads across Europe is a testament to their build quality and enduring practicality.
