Hyundai Getz Range : HYUNDAI GETZ SMART

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With revised styling and a range of uprated powerplants, the current Hyundai Getz is worth a second look. Andy Enright reports

When I heard that Hyundai had facelifted the Getz, I have to admit that my heart sank. The Korean company doesnt have the greatest track record when it comes to mid-life makeovers and the Getz was always a very clean and attractive supermini shape. The pre-launch pictures arrived at our offices and it was with a little trepidation that I opened the envelope, wondering what curiously homespun manifestation Id see. The results of the redesign are very restrained yet impressive.

In turning many of the Getzs frontal angles into curves, it refreshes and modernises the look. Few facelifts really improve the looks of a car. Heres one that does.

The clear, wraparound headlights soften the Getzs visage, giving it a more feminine look than its cubist predecessor. The black bumper inserts integrate far better with the number plate surround and upper specification cars feature fog lights that are now integrated design features rather than what appeared to be tucked away afterthoughts. Revised wheel trim and alloy wheel designs complete the exterior upgrade. The cabin has been given a spruce up too, but again the changes are restrained.

Higher quality soft touch plastics and a centre console with better switchgear and superior ergonomics also feature but unless you were very well acquainted with the original car, chances are you wont spot the differences. What is a more material change is the choice of engines.

"Theres both art and discipline required to build a decent cheap car: Hyundais Getz has both"

The 80bhp CRTD three cylinder diesel engine that was slotted into the Getz line-up has been retired, replaced by a pair of more powerful four-pot engines. Buyers get to choose between 87bhp and 109bhp versions of the 1.5-litre engine thats mated to a new five-speed manual transmission, offering a far sweeter shift than the somewhat scratchy gearbox fitted to the old car. Also helping the perception of quality is excellent refinement, the 110bhp version making its peak torque of 173lb/ft as low as 1,900rpm.

This means that you wont need to rag the engine to within an inch of its life in order to make swift progress. If you decide to give it everything in the cause of statistical research, you could try to replicate Hyundais claimed 11.1 second sprint from rest to 60mph and if you find enough derestricted tarmac, 112 mph should be attainable. Both diesel engines will average more than 60mpg.

The 66bhp 1.1-litre petrol engine is carried over but gets a few tweaks to help meet Euro IV emissions standards. Most customers will prefer to spend a little more to get hold of the impressive 1.4-litre unit which replaces the old 1.

3-litre powerplant. Also Euro IV-compliant, this engine features four valves per cylinder and continuously variable valve timing to punch out a very creditable 96bhp. In a car as light as the Getz, this translates to punchy sprinting ability and also means more than 47mpg on the combined fuel cycle. This engine also has the power to run nicely with a four-speed automatic option.

High top gear ratios are designed for high economy and refinement at motorway speeds and the internal software constantly monitors engine speeds and driver demands, adapting itself to suit various driving styles. Its worth reminding ourselves how far the Getz has come. First unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the Getz proved an instant hit with most that had the opportunity to view it up close. The styling was clean without being boring, devoid of the fussiness that marred many small cars.

Designed to slot into the volume-selling supermini market, the Getz proved something of a breakthrough car for Hyundai. It was their first model to really shift in serious volumes here in the UK, helped by winning a number of industry awards. Since its launch, the Getz has sold more than 550,000 units worldwide with half of those sales coming from Europe. Britain has weighed in with 15,000 Getz models finding happy owners between 2002 and 2005.

With lower prices now starting at £6,495 for the 1.1-litre model, the success story looks set to continue. Three trim levels are offered with the current car. The line up starts with GSI, moves up to CDX and summits with the CDX+.

A range-topping 1.5CRTD110 CDX+ will still leave enough change from £10,100 to buy you a burger on the way home. Generous equipment levels have long been a Getz byword and the range-topping car is finished with a rear spoiler with integrated brake light, leather trim for the steering wheel and gearshift and a metal grain effect for the fascia. 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 and the rear head restraints have also been redesigned for better visibility.

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. The Getz has always been a solid recommendation.

The latest set of changes merely reinforces our impression that this could well be the best car to come out of South Korea. Its now a very well rounded little package.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Hyundai Getz range
PRICES: £6,495-£10,057 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 4-7
CO2 EMISSIONS: 118-141g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.5CRTD 110] Max Speed 112mph / 0-60mph 11.1s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.5 CRTD 110] (Extra Urban) 68.9mpg (Urban) 50mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, seatbelt pre-tensioners
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 3800/1600/1485