Hyundai Getz 1.4 CDX

A stronger engine line-up addresses one of the weak points of the orig-inal Getz. The prices are competitive and while the lacklustre 1.4 petrol version isn't going to set hearts racing, the flagship diesel impresses. It's the 88bhp oil-burner, however, which offers the best blend of value and practicality - and it's on sale now.

It's tough at the top of the supermini class. As newer, bigger, safer and better-equipped models fight for the number one spot, older cars slip down the sales charts.

To make sure it isn't left behind, Hyundai has revised the Getz with a subtle facelift and three new engines. The existing 1.1-litre petrol car has been updated, and there's now a fresh 1.4 unit - plus a new 1.5 diesel, available with either 87 or 108bhp.

With so many variants to choose from, the first car we tested at the European launch was the five-door 95bhp 1.4 petrol model. On the outside, styling tweaks give the supermini a fresh appearance. There's a new bonnet, striking clear-lens headlamps and a revised bumper. The updated rear has a centre-mounted foglight, similar to that on Peugeot's 206.

New instrumentation and minor detail changes aside, the cabin is much as before, which is a mixture of good and bad news. On the plus side, there is plenty of space front and rear; less impressively, some of the interior plastics still look cheap - although the build quality is excellent.

On the road, the surprisingly refined engine doesn't feel as powerful as the figures suggest, but a claimed 0-60mph time of 11.2 seconds is perfectly acceptable in this class. The five-speed manual gearbox has a positive action and the clutch is feather-light. Likewise, the precise but uncommunicative steering requires little effort. While that's great around town, it proves frustrating at higher speeds.

The ride is supple, but proves a little soft over uneven surfaces, and there's lots of body roll in tight corners, which eats into the traction. Handling is neutral, even if the tyres are quick to squeal in protest if you begin to push too hard. Happily, the brakes are a strong part of the package, and are fitted with ABS and EBD as standard.

Buyers can also opt for a four-speed automatic option when choosing the 1.4-litre unit. Its longer gearing makes for more relaxed cruising, but the responsive self-shifter blunts performance.

We also drove the new three-door 1.5-litre diesel, Hyundai's new sporting supermini flagship. With its 235Nm of torque, merging into fast-moving traffic is easy and the car isn't fazed by motorway speeds, which are maintained with impressive refinement. The styling is eye-catching, but the chassis is largely the same as that of the 1.4. In town, the low-speed ride lacks the polish of some rivals and on winding roads, the car pitches and rolls at speed.

However, a five-year/100,000-mile warranty is likely to add appeal. Throw in three years' free servicing - available on all variants registered before 31 December - and the Getz is a compelling all-round package.