What they said when the Hyundai Getz was new … (Oct 5 2002)
A FIVE-YEAR warranty, the choice of three or five doors, three engine sizes and a sub-£7,000 starting price are being offered by Hyundai if you buy its new Getz.
It's the Korean company's first entry into the highly competitive supermini sector.
Strange name, but then so are Elantra, Amica and Trajet, which also come from the Hyundai stable, not to mention Shuma, Carens and Magentis - names which adorn models from Hyundai's sister Korean company, Kia.
But, believe you me, there is nothing strange about the new Getz, which is in your local, friendly Hyundai dealership from this week.
It has been designed with European tastes in mind and although its style is hardly
mould-breaking, it's easy on the eye and nice to drive.
As we've come to expect from Hyundai, it comes with lots of goodies. Even the cheapest version comes complete with anti-lock brakes plus electronic brake force distribution, power steering, radio/CD player with RDS, electric front windows, central locking, driver and passenger airbags and three 3-point seat belts.
Prices for the Getz start at £6,995 for the 1.1 GSi three door, rising to £7,495 for the 1.3 GSi three door, and culminating with the well-equipped 1.6 CDX five door and stylish 1.6 Sport both at £10,145.
With a "wheel at each corner" layout, the Getz is claimed to be one of the most spacious motors in the supermini field. I must say I found it very roomy, even for a 6-footer-plus, and even leg-room was okay in the back.
Power for the Getz line-up comes from Hyundai's existing range of 1.3 and 1.6 litre engines, plus a new 1.1 motor. A 1.5 litre common-rail turbo-diesel, currently available in the Accent and Matrix, will be available from summer 2003.
I covered around 200 miles in the Getz, behind the wheel of the three engine variants. The 1.1, as expected, was a little slow of the mark and constant gear changes were needed to Getz it going (sorry about that!). It handled well, but the amount of road noise was unacceptable.
Hyundai PR personnel admit this is a problem and have already requested additional soundproofing for UK spec cars.
The 1.3 and 1.6 versions, surprisingly, didn't have the same level of intrusive noise. Performance from them was brisk, especially from the 1.6 Sport which has a top speed of 109 mph and a 0-62 mph sprint time of under 10 seconds.
Fuel economy on all models is good with the 1.1 returning a claimed 48.7 mpg on a combined run, the 1.3, 45.6 mpg and the 1.6, 43.5 mpg.
Seats, especially in the 1.6 CDX and Sport, are very supportive and comfortable and the cabin has a light and airy feel.
On the whole the Getz feels well screwed together, has good storage space for its size and will be ideal for youngsters and golden oldies alike.
Words: Stewart Smith
Copyright