The Hyundai i30 II CW (facelift 2015) 1.6 is a compact station wagon produced by the South Korean automaker Hyundai from 2015 to 2016. Part of the second generation of the i30 (codenamed GD), the CW designation denotes the ‘Cross Wagon’ or estate body style. This particular variant, powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine producing 120 horsepower, occupied a mid-range position within the i30 lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability. It was primarily aimed at European markets where the station wagon body style remained popular, offering a compelling alternative to hatchback models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | i30 |
| Generation | i30 II CW (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 150 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp, 87.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.8 kg/Nm, 113.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 156 Nm @ 4850 rpm (115.06 lb.-ft. @ 4850 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Gamma II / G4FG |
| Engine displacement | 1591 cm3 (97.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.44 mm (3.36 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.6 l (3.8 US qt | 3.17 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1373 kg (3026.95 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1820 kg (4012.41 lbs.) |
| Max load | 447 kg (985.47 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) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| 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 | 1555-1563 mm (61.22 – 61.54 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1557-1571 mm (61.3 – 61.85 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| 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 i30 CW 1.6 utilizes Hyundai’s Gamma II engine family, specifically the G4FG code. This 1.6-liter inline-four engine is a naturally aspirated powerplant featuring multi-point fuel injection. The engine’s design emphasizes fuel efficiency and smooth operation rather than outright performance. It employs a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to improved breathing and power delivery. The engine’s 10.5:1 compression ratio is a typical value for a naturally aspirated gasoline engine of this era, balancing efficiency and performance. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. The six-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a reasonable spread of gears for both urban and highway driving.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter engine, paired with the six-speed manual transmission, delivered adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 10.6 seconds, and top speed was around 118 mph. While not particularly sporty, the engine provided sufficient power for overtaking maneuvers and maintaining comfortable cruising speeds on the highway. The gear ratios were well-matched to the engine’s torque curve, offering reasonable responsiveness in most situations. Compared to higher-output versions of the i30, such as those equipped with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, the 1.6 naturally aspirated model felt less powerful, particularly at higher engine speeds. However, it offered a smoother and more predictable driving experience, and its fuel economy was noticeably better.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The i30 CW 1.6 typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features such as ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and multiple airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and climate control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher trims. 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 a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort over sporty handling, making it well-suited for everyday driving. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering was electrically assisted, offering light and precise control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai i30 CW 1.6 was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable station wagon. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. However, some critics noted that the 1.6-liter engine lacked the punch of more powerful alternatives. Compared to other station wagons in its class, such as the Volkswagen Golf Estate and the Ford Focus Estate, the i30 CW offered a competitive level of equipment and value for money. Its fuel economy was comparable to its rivals, and its reliability was generally considered to be good.
Legacy
The Hyundai i30 II CW 1.6 has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle in the used car market. The Gamma II engine is known for its longevity, and the overall build quality of the i30 is generally good. While not a particularly exciting car to drive, it offers a practical and affordable solution for those seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient station wagon. Parts availability is good, and maintenance costs are relatively low, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers. Today, these vehicles can be found at very affordable prices, representing a good value proposition for those needing a dependable and economical family car.
