by Hyundai is preparing to discontinue station wagon production, and the i30 Wagon, a long-standing model in the market, is facing the axe. Spy photos from last year hinted that the most practical version of the compact model might survive the update, but a fresh report claims the long-roof body style will not get a reprieve.
This news is not from an anonymous source. It comes directly from a high-ranking official. Xavier Martine, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, made it clear that station wagons are not a priority for the brand, signaling the end for their last representative.
Why station wagons are no longer a priority
Speaking to Auto Express, Martine said:
There is a reason why we do not talk much about station wagons – demand in this segment is not growing. The i30 is a car that was historically predominantly a corporate vehicle, where the price is often low and profits are not as high.
The numbers no longer add up
The European head called global demand for station wagons “minimal,” noting that buyers in China and the USA are abandoning long-roofed bodies in favor of crossovers and SUVs. The math no longer works in favor of station wagons, and Hyundai has noticed.
Hyundai i30 Wagon N Line
Martine explained that SUVs generally generate more profit than station wagons, making the arguments for retaining this body style less convincing:
You allocate your investments and resources in research and development to projects that make the most sense. Currently, there is some demand, but it is small, so it does not justify the costs.
The i30 Wagon, also sold under names CW, SW, and Kombi, is still available for order in European markets, including Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. Martine’s comments point to a quiet phase-out of the model without a successor.
This nameplate has been present in the lineup since 2007, with the second and third generations appearing in 2011 and 2017. Under the hood, the i30 Wagon shares its platform with the Kia Ceed SportsWagon, which has already been discontinued, so the signs were obvious.
Where Hyundai is directing its funds
While Hyundai is currently not developing any station wagons, much else is happening behind the scenes. The Korean brand will soon introduce the European version of the new subcompact hatchback i20, which debuted in Brazil.
Hyundai i30 Wagon
The already outdated third-generation i30 is expected to receive a third facelift, but it is unclear if this will apply to both the hatchback and the fastback. The Elantra sedan is also preparing for a mid-cycle update and may even return to the Old Continent after its previous departure.
In any case, the main focus is on SUVs, which are fighting for sales in Europe’s most crowded segments. The Bayon, Kona, and Tucson will soon receive updates, each getting sharper design and new infotainment equipment.
Spy photos of the i30 Wagon from August 2025. Source: Baldauf
This decision by Hyundai is a logical step in response to global market trends where crossovers and SUVs dominate. Abandoning station wagons allows the company to focus resources on more profitable and popular models, such as the Kona and Tucson, which better meet current consumer demands. Although the i30 Wagon had its audience, especially in Europe, its era is coming to an end, making way for new, more modern vehicles.
