Hyundai Getz going
There have been huge new markets created recently in automotive terms. Think a few years ago and you had never heard of SUV, or MPVs, now they are the norm and recently one of the explosions has been in the mini MPV sector.
Hyundai has entered into this market place with the Getz launched into the UK in 2002.
Externally the Getz is a miracle, a miracle of engineering and design. When you open and venture inside you wonder how they can create so much interior space from a vehicle which appears to be rather miniscule.
The Getz follows other manufacturers in that ample and huge amounts of glass have been incorporated in the vehicle and I think that this is the start of one of the secret ingredients, because if you give a vehicle lots of glass you create an aura of spaciousness and a nice airy feeling when you are cocooned inside the vehicle.
Add to these ingredients some carefully selected trims and colours and this all adds to this feeling of spaciousness.
Getz prices start at £6,995 for the 1.1 litre GSi 3 door model, and the top specification 1.6 litre CDX and 1.6 Sport will set you back £10,125.
There can be little doubt, and it would be a brave man to argue, that the Getz is probably one of the best-protected cars in terms of warranty and servicing. Hyundai led the industry by introducing a five-year unlimited mileage fully transferable warranty in addition to three years RAC Assistance and a six years anti corrosion cover. Peace of mind is absolutely wonderful.
Standard equipment on the Getz has introduced features that were rarely seen in the super minis; all the Getz benefit from ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, power steering, a stereo radio with a CD player with RDS, electric front windows, central locking, driver and passenger air bags and engine immobilisers.
If you choose the top specification CDX then obviously even more equipment is included as standard, such as air conditioning, electric mirrors and remote control central locking.
The rear windows are now electrically operated and there are front fog lights and side air bags. A tilt and slide sun roof is standard on 1.3 litre and 1.6 litre versions and, also on that particular engine derivative, a trip computer.
Engines for the Getz come from the existing 1.3 litre SOHC, and the 1.6 litre DOHC, and in addition there is a new 1.1 litre SOHC, which has been modified from the company's existing one-litre engine.
As you would expect the 1.1 litre is just down a little bit on power producing 62 bhp and a top speed at just over 90 mph and a very, very lethargic 0 - 60 in 16.1 seconds, but be honest we don't buy 1.1 litre engines for the performance, we buy them for the economy.
The 1.3 litre engine, which was in the vehicle which I had on test, was deceptive, a Jekyll and Hyde. Around town it was absolutely superb, it was spirited, the acceleration was excellent and it was a very able performer without needing to be thrashed.
Even on dual carriageways and motorways it cruised comfortably but show it twisty "B" roads or show it the hills or climbs and you realise that this was a 1.3 litre engine. Having said that it produces 81 bhp. Top speed if you are interested is 102 mph and the 0-60 was marginally over 11 seconds.
The top specification will be equipped with 1.6 litre engines, these are producing 104 bhp, and 9.6 seconds is the 0 - 60 time and a 109 mph top speed is possible.
There can be little doubt if you are in this market for a small vehicle then economy is always going to feature highly, and the figure that we should really take interest in is the combined figures. The 1.1 litre will achieve 48.7 mpg, the 1.3 litre should give you 45.6 mpg and the 1.6 litre should be capable of producing 43.5 mpg on the combined run.
Hyundai is contemplating introducing a diesel at some stage and this will probably be the 1.5 litre common rail turbo engine that is currently available in the Accent and Matrix.
If you have a young family and are in the market place for a second car this would be ideal. During my time with this vehicle we were transporting our new grandson and the pushchair, when folded, fitted into the boot without having to fold down one of the seats. His safety chair was also secure in the rear of the car, as the front passenger air bag could not be turned off.
The amount of space both in the vehicle for passengers and also boot space for shopping was astounding for a vehicle of this size.
By Bob Hickman
