Hyundai GETZ 1.5 CRTD GSI
To tell the truth, it came as a bit of a surprise to hear that Hyundai were launching a diesel version of their hot selling Getz supermini, the reason being Id assumed that they were already offering a diesel model already. A quick perusal of their model range revealed that Id been labouring under a misapprehension. Despite the massive popularity of little diesels in this country, the Getz had been battling with one arm behind its back. The 1.
5-litre CRTD GSI model we have here will doubtless sell like hot cakes or at least, their Korean equivalent, hot tteok.
| Build |  |
| Comfort |  |
| Depreciation |  |
| Economy |  |
| Equipment | |
| Handling | |
| Insurance | |
| Performance | |
| Styling | |
| Value | |
The Getz CRTD GSI is exactly as youd expect if youd been lucky enough to drive a petrol Getz and a diesel Accent or Matrix. Generating 80bhp of power and 191Nm of torque, this engine may not be hugely muscular, but with such a compact car to haul off the mark, it turns in some respectable figures. A combined fuel economy showing of 58.9mpg is the standout feature and on a longer run youll see the far side of 70mpg.
Even around town, youll need to be fairly merciless with the loud pedal to drop the consumption below 44mpg. Acceleration isnt scorching, but the top speed of 106mph means that motorway cruising wont have you pulling off at the first exit ramp to buy some ear defenders from Machine Mart. Peak power is developed at 4000rpm pretty high for a diesel although the torque band is sufficiently wide that you wont feel the need to stretch the engine that far too often. Its a decidedly unusual unit, the only mass-produced common-rail three-cylinder diesel, and its all Hyundais own work.
"Even around town, youll need to be fairly merciless with the loud pedal to drop the consumption below 44mpg"
There is a little diesel clatter on start up, the CRTD unit not being the most silky of its ilk, but youll appreciate its character and mid range flexibility which keeps gear changing to a minimum. Its only available in one trim level, the mildly sporting GSI, which features twin airbags, anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, power steering, electric front windows and a split fold rear seat. ISOFIX child seat mountings are also standard and a CD stereo is a welcome fitment. A rear spoiler gives the car a little bit of attitude.
Just a little, mind. 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. Designed to slot into Hyundais range just above the evergreen Accent, the Getz looks set to be the first Hyundai to really shift in serious volumes here in the UK.
Priced at £8,695, this is a car that will keep the Ford Fiesta, the Vauxhall Corsa and the Citroen C3 at the very top of their respective games. Hyundai has done its homework, realising that around 80% of worldwide appetite for sophisticated superminis is accounted for by Europe. Derived from the Clix sports car concept, the chassis and suspension of the Getz has been designed from the outset to provide a fun drive. Another advantage of that wheel-at-each-corner design is that internal space is optimised.
The high roofline and tapering waistline of the car give a pleasantly airy feel. Versatility is a big feature of the Getz. The rear seat is a case in point. As well as sliding to allow for more legroom or more boot space, the bench seat can recline and split in a conventional 60/40 fashion.
Unlike many rivals who only offer a split rear backrest, the Getz offers additional utility by splitting the cushion too, allowing for all sorts of novel configurations. One of the downsides of such a system is often a compromise on safety, but Hyundais designers have ensured that all three rear seats are fitted with proper three point belts. Up front the seat belts are fitted with pretensioners and are adjustable for height. Twin front and side airbags are a welcome feature and its worth bearing in mind that there are plenty of cars that cost twice the Getzs asking price that dont offer such a provision.
Electronic brakeforce distribution and anti-lock brakes are also standard on every model. At 3800mm long, the Getz is simplicity itself to park and the 1660mm width makes it easy to slot through gaps in city traffic. Despite these compact dimensions, its realistic transport for five, as long as the five in question arent rugby league players. As well as being spacious, the Getz is also easy on your conscience.
Around 89% of the car is said to be recyclable, which may well be a record in this class. If anything, Hyundai is perhaps being a little modest about the Getzs prospects, looking to sell 12,000 cars in 2003. With decidedly modest pricing, the Getz is within reach of most new car buyers and should easily make this conservative target. The Getz CRTD diesel makes a lot of sense.
So much, in fact, that it seems odd that its such a comparatively recent addition. Although Hyundai might score low marks for maximising their profits, they ve certainly cottoned on to building very good small cars. If you havent driven a Hyundai recently, try this one. We werent surprised by it but you may be.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Hyundai Getz 1.5 CRTD GSi range
PRICE: £8,695 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 5
CO2 EMISSIONS: 127g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 106mph / 0-60mph 16.2s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 44.8mpg (extra urban) 70.6mpg (Combined) 45mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, seatbelt pre-tensioners / ISOFIX child seats
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 3800/1600/1485
