Getz Better
-
- 
- With updated styling and a range of new engines, Hyundai’s popular hatchback now feels more up-market than its predecessor
By Sheldon Trollope
DESPITE MAKING MILLIONS, Julia Roberts and celebrities like her have recently been spotted driving a Toyota Prius.
Obviously, Ms Roberts can afford anything she wants, but cars like a petrol-electric hybrid Toyota do make a statement about the rise in petrol prices. More importantly, the Prius’ chic styling makes a relatively affordable car, desirable.
Although the current Prius might not be sold here, fortunately there are affordable cars here that design-wise, have enough chutzpah to make their owners feel like they’re driving a car they want to rather than have to. Examples of these include the Kia Picanto and the Volkswagen.
The latest car to join this fold is the new Hyundai Getz. Strictly speaking, the Korean hatchback is a facelifted mode that sports a restyled front and rear end, as well as a range of new engines. The current line-up of Getz engines has now been joined by a 1.1-litre unit, bringing the total number of variants to three.
At the top of the range, the 1.6-litre unit remains unchanged but a newly-developed 1.4-litre four-cylinder unit now takes over from the previous 1.3-litre model.
Where the previous model was concerned, there wasn’t much that was wrong with the way it drove but it’s nice to see that Hyundai’s engineers seem to have given the Getz a newfound level of refinement.
In the 1.4-litre model we tested, even hard acceleration could not bring out the harshness that would have emanated from the previous 1.3-litre unit. When cruising at expressway speeds, there’s even less to be heard from the engine while wind and road noises are impressively minimal.
The Getz’s grown-up road manners are also helped by a four-speed automatic gearbox which complements the engine with smooth shifts and well-matched ratios. What isn’t so good is that on the inside, the lack of an adjustable steering column forces the driver to stretch to reach the wheel. This necessitates the need for the seat to be moved further forwards than would be comfortable, especially for those with longer legs, giving rise to the classic “Italian Ape” driving position.
Road warriors who frequently charge their mobile appliances will be pleased to know that the centre console now features two power outlets while the air-conditioning vents have classy VW-style louvers that close flush with the fascia.
One area that hasn’t been improved on is safety equipment or more accurately, the lack of it. As with the previous model, items such as airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are still omitted on local Getz models.
At $50,000 with COE though, the Getz and all that it offers is put into sharp perspective. It remains one of the most affordable cars in the market and those looking for more are unlikely to find it at this price level.
While there may be other 1.4-litre hatchbacks that offer clever folding seats or chic styling, this car offers an honest approach to what makes a good car.
It drives well, is comfortable and its reasonably priced. You could even say that Hyundai Getz it right!
NEED TO KNOW
HYUNDAI GETZ 1.4 5DR (A)
ENGINE TYPE 1,399cc, in-line 4
MAX POWER 95bhp at 6,000rpm
MAX TORQUE 125Nm at 3,200rpm
GEARBOX 4-speed automatic
TOP SPEED 168km/h
0-100 KM/H 13.8 seconds
PRICE $50,000 with COE
WARRANTY 3 years / 100,000km
CONTACT Komoco Motors Pte Ltd
TELEPHONE 6475-8888
