One of my main goals when going to Singapore is to capture some wagon models that aren’t offered stateside. So many models are being offered in different parts of the world and it’s difficult to keep track of them all. As of a matter of fact, I never knew that Hyundai made the i30 wagon until I saw a few photos of Farhan’s. The blue paint on Farhan’s i30 wagon really caught my attention; something that Farhan is proud of from this wagon acquisition. The 140HP from its 1.4 Turbo engine is deemed enough to make it as a zippy little wagon around the streets of Singapore.
Just like most of the Singaporeans I had met on this trip, Farhan upgraded his vehicle to a wagon because of his growing family. He plans on making the car enjoyable to drive and of course to make memorable trips and stories with his family. Farhan’s modification concentrated on the exterior of the wagon: starting from lowering the car, adding ground effects all around and a set of Work Emotion ZR10 wheels. Those modifications and the wagon’s attractive color make it stand out from the rest of the crowd; though Farhan admitted that his car was mistaken to be a local taxicab many times in the past because of its color.
A rooftop parking lot near Orchard Road was chosen to be the photoshoot location per Farhan’s recommendation. He mentioned on how local car enthusiasts randomly came across that location during the pandemic shutdown. I personally think the location fits well with Farhan’s wagon. Following the photoshoot session, Farhan and I got to chat about his plans for the wagon and life in general. All I can say is I can’t wait to see the next phase of Farhan’s i30 wagon!
Introduce Yourself:
I’m Farhan and I’m from a sunny island called, Singapore. I’m working in an IT department for a school.
WHY A WAGON?
I’ve driven Honda Fit, both GD and GK models previously, and as my family is expanding, so are the car’s boot space. Owning a wagon is having the best of both worlds for me. You get performance and space for things (Groceries to be exact).
Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?
Not at the moment.
What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?
Objective is to keep it looking clean, nice fitment and a practical daily.
What style would you say best describes your car?
The wagon which always gets mistaken as the local Elantra cabs. Lol.
Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?
I’m lucky enough to get married with someone who supports my ideas. So, aesthetically, I give it to my wife. Fitment wise, shoutout to the boys from our local car scene group STNCSG. They’re always there to help out with my queries on fitments.
What do you feel makes your car unique/special in your eyes?
The OEM “Ara Blue” paintwork.
What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?
Well, it’s a wagon! Long wheelbase, big booty-space.
If you could pick one thing you aren’t satisfied with about your car, what would it be?
The driver seat for sure. It’s a bit uncomfortable during long drive. But I guess, getting some back rest cushion helps. Well, it adds on to the look of “backache-daddy seat”.
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?
Besides financial matters on car parts and the uncomfortable seats, as mentioned above. The next factor are the body kits. Most of the aftermarket kits are for the i30 hatchbacks, unless I could find a place to retrofit it professionally. As of now, I’ll just go for the universal lips.
What’s one word or phrase that best describes your car?
Far beyond complete.
What is your final goal with this car?
Just go with the flow of ideas. Most probably hunting for a set of new wheels to attain the desired fitment, some performance upgrades and I guess, that’s about it. Keeping form and function as balanced as possible. Well, it’s a daily family car for me, gonna make it a fun daily and a memorable wagon for the loved ones.
