The Hyundai i30 III CW (facelift 2019) 1.6 CRDi, producing 136 horsepower, represents a significant offering within the third generation of Hyundai’s globally successful i30 compact family. Introduced as part of the 2019 facelift, this variant combined a diesel engine with a station wagon (estate) body style, aiming to provide a practical and fuel-efficient option for European buyers. Production of this specific configuration ran from 2019 to 2020. It was positioned as a mid-range option, bridging the gap between the base engine models and the more powerful gasoline variants, appealing to drivers prioritizing economy and space. The i30 CW, in general, was Hyundai’s entry into the competitive European compact wagon segment, offering a compelling alternative to established players like the Volkswagen Golf Estate and Ford Focus Estate.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | i30 |
| Generation | i30 III CW (facelift 2019) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CRDi (136 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| 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) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 116 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d – TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.9 kg/Hp, 101.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm, 209 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 85.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4FE |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1340-1495 kg (2954.19 – 3295.91 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1920 kg (4232.88 lbs.) |
| Max load | 425-580 kg (936.96 – 1278.68 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 602 l (21.26 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1650 l (58.27 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4585 mm (180.51 in.) |
| Width | 1795 mm (70.67 in.) |
| Height | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1559-1573 mm (61.38 – 61.93 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1567-1581 mm (61.69 – 62.24 in.) |
| Front overhang | 905 mm (35.63 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1030 mm (40.55 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| 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 brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the i30 CW 1.6 CRDi is the D4FE engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine utilizes a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power output and improve torque across a wider rev range. The engine produces 136 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a substantial 280 Nm (206.52 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500 and 3000 rpm. This torque curve is particularly beneficial for everyday driving and provides good pulling power. The engine also incorporates a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to reduce harmful emissions, meeting Euro 6d-TEMP standards. The transmission is a 6-speed manual gearbox, chosen for its efficiency and driver engagement. While an automatic transmission was available on other i30 variants, it wasn’t offered with this specific engine and power output.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 CRDi engine, paired with the manual transmission, delivers a balanced driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 10.4 seconds, which is respectable for a diesel wagon. The engine feels responsive at lower speeds, thanks to the readily available torque, making it well-suited for urban driving and overtaking maneuvers. The 6-speed gearbox is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, providing smooth shifts and allowing drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the higher-output gasoline engines in the i30 range, the 1.6 CRDi prioritizes fuel efficiency over outright performance. It doesn’t offer the same level of brisk acceleration, but it excels in providing a comfortable and economical driving experience. Compared to other diesel variants, like the 1.7 CRDi, the 1.6 offered a slightly more refined driving experience with a bit more power.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The i30 CW 1.6 CRDi typically came equipped with a solid range of standard features. These included air conditioning, electric front and rear windows, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), and multiple airbags. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials available. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, a rear parking sensor, cruise control, and a more advanced infotainment system with navigation. The dashboard layout was functional and user-friendly, with a focus on ergonomics. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a premium sound system.
Chassis & Braking
The i30 CW features a typical front-wheel-drive chassis configuration with MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. This setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The steering is electrically assisted, providing a light and precise feel. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension tuning is geared towards comfort, making it a pleasant vehicle for long journeys.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai i30 CW 1.6 CRDi was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be a bit noisy under hard acceleration. Compared to its rivals, such as the Volkswagen Golf Estate and Ford Focus Estate, the i30 CW offered a competitive price point and a generous warranty. Fuel economy was a key strength, consistently achieving combined figures around 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg). Reliability was also considered good, with Hyundai having made significant strides in build quality in recent years.
Legacy
The Hyundai i30 CW 1.6 CRDi has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle in the used car market. The D4FE engine is known for its longevity, provided it has been properly maintained. Common issues are typically related to the DPF, particularly on vehicles that have primarily been used for short journeys. Overall, this variant represents a practical and economical choice for buyers seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient station wagon. Its combination of affordability, practicality, and reliability has ensured its continued popularity in the used car market.
