IT'S just three years since Hyundai introduced the Getz supermini to the UK and in that time it has become the Korean company's biggest seller.
It's a budget motor that has proved very popular over here with more than 15,000 sales in 2004, and the same amount predicted for this year.
Now Hyundai hopes to cash in on its new, facelifted Getz which went on sale at the beginning of October.
In outward appearance the new Getz looks better, with clear, wraparound headlamps and black bumper inserts. The tweaks give the car a cleaner, more sporty appearance which Hyundai hopes will appeal to younger drivers.
New wheel trims and alloy wheels come as standard and top specification models come with front fog lights.
Three new colours have been announced - Sky Blue, Space Silver and Midnight Grey. It is also available in Hip Hop Red and Ebony Black.
On the inside new features include a dual tone improved texture fascia and redesigned instrument panel and centre console. For added comfort, the rear headrests in the five-seat supermini have also been redesigned for better rearward vision for the driver.
The centre console has a new digital clock and the instrument panel has been improved with LED colour graphics which make them easier to read. There is a trip computer on the CDX models.
It's a much more pleasant cabin that the previous model with more supportive and comfortable seats than before, stacks of head and legroom for rear seat passengers and a light airy feel.
Luggage space is still on the tight side without the rear seats folded but Hyundai claims there are around 20 other useful storage spaces in the Getz. Unfortunately I found the bottle holders up front didn't hold them in place with the result that they had to be stuffed in the door pockets.
Additional soundproofing has been incorporated into the new Getz and this has resulted in a quieter drive with road and wind noise well under control. But there is still a fair bit of engine noise, especially from the petrol versions when you are under fierce acceleration.
The revised engines, which all give excellent fuel consumption, are a definite improvement.
The top of the range model is powered by the new four-cylinder DOHC 1.5-litre CRTD turbocharged diesel engine that is mated to a new five-speed manual transmission.
It is available in two power options - 87bhp and 110bhp - each of which is claimed to be capable of returning more than 60mpg in mixed driving. Top speed for the 110bhp Getz diesel is claimed to be 112mph with a 0-60mph sprint time of 11.1 seconds. Petrol engines are 1.1 and 1.4-litre.
My favourite was the 110bhp diesel which has plenty of torque for overtaking and pulling up long uphill stretches.
Increased safety has also been taken into consideration on the new Getz. It has been strengthened with more robust side impact bars, improved rear head restraints, side airbags and anti-lock brakes on all versions.
Prices start at £7,495 for the entry level 1.1 GSI three-door and go up to £9,995 for the 1.5 CRTD CDX+ three-door, but even the cheapest model has standard air conditioning, electric front windows, brake force distribution, ABS and central locking, RDS radio with CD, power steering and height adjustable steering column.
Hyundai may appear to be a small player in the UK but you may be surprised to know it is the sixth largest car manufacturer in the world.
The Getz is its big seller over here and on this showing it should increase its sale in the value-for money supermini sector.