Hyundai Getz - A Super Mini Car

The Hyundai Getz is a supermini car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai from 2002 to 2011.

Marketed world-wide (except in the United States, Canada and China) in three and five-door hatchback body styles.

First unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the Getz proved an instant hit with most who had the opportunity to view it up close. The styling is clean without being boring, devoid of the fussiness that mars many small cars.

The Getz offers lots of room, is well equipped and an impressively designed hatchback.

Only the five-door body-styles was offered in South Africa.

Engines

The 1.4-litre petrol engine is strong but the 1.5-litre diesel is excellent, if more expensive. All Getz are well stocked, which helps them compete with the likes of the Kia Rio and Citi Golf.

Comfort

The Korean company has succeeded in making the Getz feel more upmarket inside than you might expect. All-round packaging and practicality is good.

In the rear, it has lots of legroom, and is a feasible carrier for three thanks to a wide rear bench, lots of shoulder room and three full seatbelts and head restraints.

The seatback has two positions - reclined for relaxed passengers outright to maximise load space.

The boot is big too, and the split-fold rear seats create a large, flat load area. Space is adequate in the front, and the seating position comfortable, if somewhat high.

Quality is good and equipment levels high, while a low kerb-weight helps boost economy - particularly from the impressive four-cylinder diesel.

Driving

Through the corners, the Getz is capable and safe. It has a tendency to push its nose wide and understeer earlier than you perhaps would like, but body roll is well controlled.

However, the steering weights up while the Getz is cornering and seems particularly dead when you apply more lock. It's stable under braking despite a soft pedal, and offers a light, easy gearbox that's compromised by a long clutch pedal travel and high biting point. 

Petrol engines are smooth in town but can become whiney when pressed; the diesel, in contrast, is very refined at all times, and one of the smoothest in its sector.

Overall Rating

Although it's not a car that will create too many headlines, the Getz is a Hyundai you can take pride in. With sharp styling, a range of zippy engines and a class leading after sales package, the Getz is a sound bet.

Hyundai has made massive strides in the past decade. Whereas the badge once signified lowest common denominator motoring, it now stands for the best that south-east Asia can produce. In the compact shape of the Getz supermini Hyundai have a car that can mix it with the likes of the Opel Corsa, the Ford Fiesta and the Citroen C3. What's more it boasts lower running costs and sharper styling than any of these rivals, making it a very good used buy.