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Hyundai Getz 1.1 GSi

Is the Getz the motoring equivalent of boxing's Prince Naseem? Compact, cocky, and punching well above its weight, the Hyundai could easily leave rivals cowering in their corners. Tested here for the first time in full UK spec, the Korean upstart is bringing the fight to such heavyweights as Ford's new Fiesta and Fiat's Punto.

By Matt Master

October 2002

  • Rating:
Is the Getz the motoring equivalent of boxing's Prince Naseem? Compact, cocky, and punching well above its weight, the Hyundai could easily leave rivals cowering in their corners. Tested here for the first time in full UK spec, the Korean upstart is bringing the fight to such heavyweights as Ford's new Fiesta and Fiat's Punto.

With styling that's influenced by the Matrix mini-MPV, the Getz has the Euro-friendly flair of its Pininfarina-penned brother. Looking poised and eager, the overall effect is a subtle, stylish understatement that will blend in on Britain's image-conscious roads.

Inside, the switch from left to right-hand drive has been made without a hitch, and with no compromise on the quality which so surprised us when we drove the car abroad. The superb leg and headroom for all occupants remains, while visibility is top notch thanks to a generous glass area.

The dash is clear and simple, too, with some excellent detailing borrowed from the company's latest Coupί¿½, and there is ample storage. Our previous quibble over insufficient seat support remains, though. While the driving position is generally good, spending longer than an hour behind the wheel can result in a numb backside.

However, for zipping in and out of the urban crawl, the Hyundai is truly accomplished. The modest 62bhp 1.1-litre engine in our GSi test model was very well suited to ducking and diving around congested city streets, while light and direct steering made being at the helm an effortless experience.

On the open road, though, things get a little tougher, as the Getz struggles from 0-60mph in 16 seconds and tops out at 91mph. Once you have built up the pace, it cruises with relative refinement for a car with such a modest powerplant, but overtaking is hard work and, pretty soon, you'll be yearning for traffic jams again.

Where the car really scores, though, is on price. Hyundai has done what rival Daewoo could not quite manage with its Kalos and made the Getz a proper bargain. The entry-level three-door GSi will start at ΂£6,995 on the road, easily undercutting competition from the likes of the Nissan Micra and SEAT's Ibiza. What's more, a 1.3-litre version will cost from ΂£7,495 - that's ΂£1,000 cheaper than the equivalent Fiesta. All models feature generous standard equipment, including ABS, twin airbags, power-assisted steering and an immobiliser. Combine this with CO2 emissions of only 138g/km for the 1.1-litre engine, a fuel consumption figure of 48.7mpg, plus Hyundai's standard five-year warranty, and you have a real money saver on your hands.

It seems corners have not been cut in creating the Getz. As discreet as it is attractive, the car mixes fun with practicality, and has a price tag that will send shivers through competitors. Hyundai's latest supermini is a big achievement for such a small package.

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FIRST OPINION

    The Hyundai Getz will be a welcome alternative to the firm's unaccomplished Amica for UK motorists. As well as being simple, stylish and spacious, the newcomer is sensibly designed and honestly priced. There is little else in the supermini sector that can offer so much for so little.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Hyundai Getz goes on sale this month, from £6,995 to £10,145
    All models come with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty
     
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