Sydney show: Hyundai's wagon tale

TRUE to form, Hyundai presented a plethora of new and upgraded models at this morning’s opening of the 2008 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

Headlining the rampant South Korean brand’s Darling Harbour exhibition was the first Australian appearance of the i30 CW, a stylish five-door wagon version of the popular i30 small car that rides on a longer wheelbase to liberate more cargo space.

Debuting in Sydney in highly-specified UK guise with unique-to-Australia steering and suspension tune, the i30 CW is expected to go on sale here in early 2009, when it should be launched with a modest price premium over the i30 hatch.

While Australian specifications for Hyundai’s upcoming small wagon have not been finalised, the Sydney show car featured 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45-section tyres, side repeaters in its wing mirrors, USB/Aux/iPod connectivity, a six-speaker sound system with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, twin side and curtain airbags, and ESP stability/traction control.

Aside from a guest appearance by new Hyundai ambassador and champion swimmer Leisel Jones, Hyundai also announced a number of 2009 model year upgrades for its Getz, Accent, Elantra, Sonata and Tucson.

Currently being shipped to dealers ahead of its imminent release, the 2009 Getz will feature similar upgrades to this month’s upgraded Tucson, including standard stability/traction control and Bluetooth connectivity with media streaming.

The upgraded 2009 Elantra and Accent will go on sale later this month.

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