Hyundai releases updated i30 wagon

Three months after the i30 Series II hatch went on sale in Australia, Hyundai has announced the arrival of a similarly upgraded wagon variant.

The load-lugging small car receives more equipment including an automatic seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) as standard.

The downside is pricing now starts at $27,990 plus on-road costs for the i30 Tourer 1.6-litre GDi petrol variant, following the discontinuation of the previous entry-level i30 Tourer Active 1.6 petrol manual ($24,990), and tops out at $34,190 for the 1.6-litre CRDi turbo-diesel auto (previously $33,440).

As with the i30 Series II hatch, the refreshed wagon gets the new-look corporate grille inspired by the Genesis luxury car and featuring more chrome accents.

Drivetrain tweaks include the adoption of the seven-speed DCT across the Tourer range, while the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engines pump out an extra 6kW and 40Nm, now generating 100kW and 300Nm.

Hyundai says fuel consumption is lower too – by 1.0L/100km at 4.8L/100km – while the 98kW/163Nm 1.6-litre petrol version uses a claimed 6.0L/100km with the DCT.

The updated Series II wagons also get a stack of new equipment, such as a reversing camera, new-look 16-inch wheels and an updated infotainment system with 5.0-inch touch-screen interface and Pandora audio streaming functionality, all of which are fitted as standard.

Other features mirror those of the i30, including seven airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system, LED driving lights, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, steering wheel audio, phone and cruise controls and manual air-conditioning with rear vents.

The boot retains its 528 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1642 litres when the flat-folding 60/40-split rear seats are collapsed. A cargo blind and safety barrier net are included, along with an extra luggage net. Roof rails are also standard.

Top-spec Tourer Elite models get a larger 7.0-inch touch-screen with satellite-navigation and – unlike lesser models – an old-school CD player. Automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate-control and keyless start are likewise standard on the more expensive model.

As with most Hyundai vehicles, all i30 Tourers come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, 12 months of roadside assist and a lifetime service plan.

Although i30 sales are down more than 17 per cent for the first five months of 2015 compared to the year prior, the 10,280 units sold so far this year make it the third best-selling vehicle in the small car segment. The Toyota Corolla (17,598) is the most popular vehicle in the segment followed by the Mazda3 (16,300).

2015 Hyundai i30 Tourer pricing (plus ORCs):
i30 Tourer 1.6 petrol DCT -- $27,990
i30 Tourer 1.6 diesel DCT -- $30,590
i30 Tourer Elite 1.6 diesel DCT -- $34,190