Hyundai 'Getz' Polo
2003-01-20 12:20
Author: Wilmer Müller
The Getz replaces the Hyundai Accent and we think that it is a big improvement on the very ugly (sorry to be so blunt!) Accent. With its European styling the Getz is something completely different of what one is used to when thinking of Hyundai's design.
At last Hyundai has a car with lots of style and elegance and this trend will continue when they launch their new Tiburon coupe and latest Sonata later this year.
Hyundai has also made the best possible efforts to develop the Getz as an environmentally friendly vehicle. To emphasize this, the Getz recycle rate is 89%.
With the launch of the Hyundai Getz, the South Korean manufacturer took its first steps into the strongly competitive market of super minis in South Africa. The primary target market for this vehicle is female buyers between the ages of 19 and 35.
Hyundai hopes that the Getz will help them to achieve their sales figures for this year and even to surpass it. Unlike the Accent the Getz has all the right elements to be a popular model.
There are three models available in South Africa and all features a 1.6-litre power train. The entry-level Getz with manual transmission has a price tag of R109 995 followed by a high spec version, the HS, at R129 995. The range-topper is a four-speed automatic for R132 995.
The automatic version will probably also be quite popular because the Getz's direct competitors don't offer any auto models in their line-up.
Design
As already mentioned the Getz has attractive styling and the car has elegant design elements. With its short, sloping nose, spacious interior and short hatch design it appears funky as well as sophisticated.
By using simple lines and wide planes Hyundai successfully conveys the strength and spaciousness of its compact body. The forward location of the cowl identifies the Getz as a fresh and contemporary super-mini design with compact exterior dimensions
Like the Citroen C3 the Getz has a high-set roofline to optimise interior space. There are more than enough room for four adults and boot space are also acceptable..
The balanced lines blend the clear multi-reflective headlight assembly, combining indicator lens for improved brightness, and a solid single horizontal slat grille with a prominent Hyundai logo.
The colour coded impact resistant bumpers with black bumper moulding project a strong stylish finish, incorporating the front fog lights for improved visibility under all driving conditions.
Hyundai?s technology allowed for an extra long wheelbase with a wide track for better safety and performance. The curved roof with a sturdy C-pillar enhances a stable appearance while multi spoke wheel covers sport the freshest design.
Interior
On the inside there is a lot of déjà vu - oh yes, it is very similar to that of the new Polo. For example the Getz has the same chrome-ringed dials as the Polo.
Overall the dashboard appears crisp, simple and chunky and all controls are within easy reach of the driver. The dials are big and easy to read but there is no rev-counter on the base model.
There is an improvement of overall interior quality if one compares it to the Hyundai Matrix MPV which we tested last year. But the quality of materials used is still lacking the superiority of the Polo.
The Getz is well specked with power and tilt adjustable steering, power windows, central locking and numerous storage compartments. Air conditioning and a front-loader CD-player are standard on the automatic and HS model. Air conditioning is R5 999 option on the entry-level Getz.
The rear seating set up has been designed to facilitate maximum passenger legroom as well as seat folding versatility. The rear seat features a 60/40 split for easy seating configuration changes.
Despite the "super-mini" name, the Getz has more than ample luggage space, with the addition of luggage side trays, turning what would normally be dead space into useful space. The parcel shelf at the rear facilitates shipping of smaller, light items.
Engineering
The Getz is powered by the 1.6 Alpha engine. The engine generates a maximum power output of 77 kW @ 5 800 rpm and torque is 143 Nm @ 3 200 ,rpm. The DOHC engine features compact combustion chambers through a contained-angle valve arrangement, while the light-weight, high strength engine block features low noise and optimum cooling efficiency.
The suspension system on the Getz comprises independent McPherson struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar up front. This maximises comfort and safety at high speed and improve roll responsibility.
Coupled Torsion Beam axle rear suspension provides outstanding driving stability and durability. The shocks on the Getz consist of oil filled shocks, up front and gas filled shocks at the rear, utilising the best of both worlds by absorbing minor shocks from the road whilst providing a stable ride with little or no pitching and bouncing.
Safety
The Hyundai Getz has already achieved a four-star safety rating in the European New Vehicle Assessment Program (NCAP).
The hardness of the Getz's body has been reinforced using high-tensile steel, which takes up 58,3% of the total vehicle weight. A safe body structure has been designed by using one-piece side outer panels. Twisting and bending of the body is minimised at the time of impact, protecting the cabin and its occupants.
To further protect the occupants in the event of a side impact, the doors are reinforced with high tensile steel beams. Dual airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners in the HS model further enhance passenger safety. The HS also features ABS brakes incorporating EBD.
Conclusion
On the launch we had a short drive with the Getz and the car is a happy cruiser and offers acceptable handling.
The 1.6-litre power train is willing and offers more than enough power when needed. On our drive we had to deal with a large number of potholes and bad road conditions. Surprisingly the Getz absorbed these uneven surfaces with ease and there were no obvious rattles in the cabin.
The Getz is a nice car for everyday city driving and the 1.6-litre engine is lively. It will even do long distances with ease and it offers acceptable comfort to make long distance driving less tiring.
All in all the Getz is a huge improvement on the Accent. It also seems if Hyundai is on the right track with better quality materials. The car has a sophisticated feel to it.
Its pricing is perhaps a bit steep, especially the HS model but the car is a worthy competitor. There are rumours that Hyundai may introduce a 1.3-litre base model depending on market demands - if they can introduce such a model below a R100 000 it will definitely be a hit.
The new Getz has guts and as Hyundai says, it will get you going. This car will probably also get Hyundai's local sales going and we expect to see quite a number of these cars on our roads. The Getz promises to be a hit for Hyundai.
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