Hyundai Getz 1.5 CRTD Range
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 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 oil-burner arrived and sold strongly, so strongly in fact that there are now two CRTD engines in a mildly facelifted Getz line-up.
Both deserve to sell like hot cakes - or at least, their Korean equivalent, hot tteok.
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The current Getz has also received a mild facelift with reshaped wraparound headlamps and black inserts in the bumper. Generating 87bhp of power, the lesser of the two CRTD units 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 over 60mpg 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 to a worrying level.
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. The more powerful 109bhp version is far feistier. It produces 173lb/ft of torque between 1,900 and 2,750rpm. This enables the Getz to hit the 60mph barrier from standstill in 11.
1s before running on to an eventual top speed of 112mph. Despite this handy performance, theres little fuel economy penalty. You should return figures that are nigh-on identical to those of the 87bhp unit give or take a few mpg.
"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 units not being the most silky of their ilk, but youll appreciate their character and mid range flexibility which keeps gear changing to a minimum. That gear changing is done through a pleasant 5-speed manual transmission that should engender few complaints. The CRTD engines are available in the GSI or CDX+ trim levels with the less-powerful one restricted to GSI trim and CDX+ customers getting the full 109bhp Monty. The mildly sporting GSI features air-conditioning, 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. Go for the CDX+ and youll gain alloy wheels of the 14" variety, side airbags, body colouring for the door handles and mirrors, remote central locking, a rear spoiler, a metal effect facia plus leather on the steering wheel and gearknob. Its actually a very well-equipped car. Priced from £9,207, the CRTD Hyundai Getz models are cars 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 the worldwide appetite for sophisticated superminis is accounted for by Europe.
Derived from the Clix sports car concept, the chassis and suspension of the Getz was 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. The Getz CRTD diesels make a lot of sense - so much so, in fact, that they should sell in substantially greater numbers than they do.
Although Hyundai might score low marks for maximising their profits, theyve 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 range
PRICE: £9,207-£10,057 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 5
CO2 EMISSIONS: 1118-122g/km
PERFORMANCE: [109bhp] Max Speed 106mph / 0-60mph 16.2s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [87bhp] (Combined) 61mpg
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
