Competitively priced, the stumpy Hyundai Getz is the latest addition to SA’s burgeoning supermini market. But does it have what it takes to challenge the Polo, Corsa, Clio, 206 or C3?
Competitively priced, the stumpy Hyundai Getz is the latest addition to SA’s burgeoning supermini market. But does it have what it takes to challenge the Polo, Corsa, Clio, 206 or C3?
Hyundai launched the Getz, with its short, sloping nose, space-optimising interior and short hatch design in South Africa at the weekend. The manufacturer is aiming the product at young buyers, especially women between the ages of 19 and 35.
Prices range from R109 995 for the five-speed 1,6 manual through R129 995 for the HS (high-spec) version, with twin-airbags and air conditioning, to the top-of-the-range 1,6 four-speed automatic for R132 995. A three-year / 100 000km factory warranty is standard.
The Getz follows the popular European style trend, with cab-forward, almost one-box, mini MPV architecture, long wheelbase and wide track. It should comfortably seat three children or two adults in the back.
The exterior features colour coded impact-resistant bumpers with black bumper moulding, fog lights, curved roof, fitted with a bee-sting antenna and aerodynamically-designed side mirrors and door handles.
Power windows, rear screen demister and wiper, tilt-adjustable steering wheel and central remote-controlled locking are standard. ABS with electronic pressure distribution is fitted to the HS model.
First impressions indicate that the rear seating space is comparable to the best in class. The back seats tumble forwards in a 60/40 split. The Getz also has height adjustable head restraints, electric windows, a seat back hook (located behind the rear seat), luggage side trays and a parcel shelf.
The Getz is powered by Hyundai’s 1,6-litre four-cylinder d-o-h-c Alpha engine. Hyundai claims that the engine generates 77 KW at 5800 r/min and maximum torque of 143 N.m at 3 200 r/min.
The suspension system on the Getz comprises independent McPherson struts with coil springs and stabiliser bar up front and a coupled torsion beam axle rear suspension.
For optimum NVH (noise vibration and harshness) performance, Hyundai fitted sound deadening pads to seven key areas of the body and doors, and redesigned the Getz’s hydraulic engine mountings. The exhaust system features one intake and two exhaust resonators.
The Getz recently achieved a four-star rating in Europe’s NCAP impact crash testing programme by virtue of what the company calls its H.A.I.S.T (Hyundai advanced integrated safety technology) engineering. To further protect the occupants in the event of a side impact, the doors are reinforced with high tensile steel beams.