After the 2005 facelift, the cute face of the Hyundai Getz seemed to swell slightly, the headlights became narrower and acquired a sly squint. The rear lights were simplified, and the radiator grille again gained a vague, indistinct shape — just like in the days when the Korean brand produced faceless and characterless cars. And why?
Who needed to spoil a successful design? Perhaps they tried to slightly reduce the load on factories that were choking on demand for the Getz. That's an amusing version, but I think the reason is deeper. The Koreans are certainly flattered that their cars are being bought and called "almost European." But they don't want to remain a manufacturer of affordable "almost European" cars forever. It seems Hyundai dreams of their products being perceived as genuinely Korean, but with a positive connotation. That's how it was with the Japanese — they also needed years to find their own identity. So Hyundai followed the same path.
The interior was, fortunately, less affected by "Korean identity." The shape of the steering wheel and hub changed, a clock appeared on the center panel (unfortunately, without a cuckoo), and a couple of other small details. The rest is as before: seats are moderately firm with a proper profile, trim is at an acceptable level, ergonomics are pleasing. Tall people will fit in the cabin without issues, but broad-shouldered ones will find it cramped — as expected in this class, it's a bit narrow inside. However, now the interior can be livened up with colored inserts on the doors, seats, and steering wheel. In our blue example, they matched the body color — you look at them, and your mood improves.
So the Getz, if you will, returns to its roots. And now it looks at the world with an unfriendly squint. Are the games over? Not at all! After all, it's still the same nimble city hatchback, a sneak that has no equal in traffic. We have two cars for the test — a blue five-door with a 1.4-liter engine and manual gearbox for $14,290 and a green three-door for $16,290. Interestingly, the "senior" here is the three-door: it has a 1.6 engine, automatic, and a higher price. Watch out, city!
The first game of tag showed — the cars are indeed quick! Both drive briskly and about the same, unable to break away from each other. From a standstill, perhaps the "junior" will launch faster thanks to the manual, but the driver will have to constantly work the left foot in traffic, while behind the wheel of the "green" one, that foot might even atrophy.
But what fun! The car hums, runs, turns. And, pleasantly, the Getz handles quite well. No ostentatious sporty stiffness or sharpness, no instant reactions, but everything works cohesively and balanced. The steering always has an appropriate, quite "adult" effort, and the automatic clicks through gears without annoying pauses. Not a machine gun, of course, but livable.
For hide-and-seek, both cars are quite suitable. On one hand, the car is quite noticeable, especially in bright red or yellow. But not our case. Moreover, these hatchbacks have become so familiar in city traffic that nobody pays attention to them. However, I think in Monte Carlo, they also don't stare at Porsches and Ferraris — unless it's an Enzo or Carrera GT.
We didn't get to play tag, but the company claims we missed out. Both Getz scored 4 stars in EuroNCAP crash tests. So, together they have a total of 8 stars! Tough little guys. Together, they could even beat five-star competitors, so it's better not to mess with them in traffic.
Jokes aside, the Getz is indeed lively and agile. Again, without fanaticism: it doesn't "shoot" or dart away from steering input. It just does everything as it should, smoothly and timely. The word "proper" perfectly describes all driving qualities — from acceleration and handling to suspension stiffness and seating. Not a straight-A student, but no D's or C's either.
Overall, the Getz is a very versatile car. You can drive slowly or fast, far or near — however you like. It's hard to imagine a person it wouldn't suit. No contraindications. Except for avid gardeners — the trunk is a bit small. In other cases, folded rear seatbacks turn the little one into a small van. And if you install a roof rack, the path opens to the rapidly growing cargo transportation market.
All in all — $30,580 for both. The five-door with manual and 1.4 engine is exactly two thousand cheaper than the three-door with automatic, and it brings more joy. Plus, it's more practical: the "green" one's long doors are inconvenient in tight parking lots, the rear is not as spacious, and reaching for the seatbelt at the middle pillar is an exercise for gymnasts. In short, the "junior" is more fun! And if an automatic isn't essential for you — feel free to save two thousand. Or one, by taking an even more spirited Getz — also with manual, but with a 1.6 engine.
Specifications
| Specifications | Getz GLS 1.4 5 MT
$14290 | Getz GLS 1.6 4 AT
$16290 |
| Body type | hatchback |
| Engine | Petrol 1.4 | Petrol 1.6 |
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | DOHC |
| Displacement, cm3 | 1399 | 1599 |
| Number of valves | 16 |
| Power, hp | 97 | 106 |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Drive | front |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson struts with springs
and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent beam |
| Tires | 175/65 R14 (185/55 R15) |
| Front brakes | 14" disc |
| Rear brakes | 14" disc |
| Curb weight, kg | 1025—1113 | 1057—1145 |
| Gross weight, kg | 1510 | 1540 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 174 | 170 |
| Acceleration time 0—100 km/h, s | 11.2 | 11.9 |
| Fuel consumption, urban cycle* | 7.4 | 9.2 |
| Fuel consumption, extra-urban cycle* | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Fuel consumption, combined cycle* | 5.9 | 6.7 |
| Fuel tank, L | 45 |
| Dimensions |
| Length, mm | 3825 |
| Width, mm | 1665 |
| Height, mm | 1490 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2455 |
| Track, front / rear, mm | 1450 / 1440 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 135 |
Equipment of tested cars
Getz GLS 1.4 5 MT $14290
- power steering
- immobilizer
- tachometer
- driver airbag
- front disc brakes
- rear drum brakes
- bumpers in body color
- door handles and mirrors in black
- side moldings in black
- mud flaps
- cupholders in center console
- clock
- interior lighting
- ashtray
- cigarette lighter
- glove box light
- fabric headliner
- carpet floor covering
- pockets in front doors
- heated rear window
- rear wiper and washer
- additional brake light
- rear fog lights
- plastic trunk trim
- trunk lighting
- parcel shelf
Here is the revised test drive text:
## Getting to Know the Hyundai Getz: A Compact City Car with Character
When I was offered to test the Hyundai Getz, I immediately remembered how this little car gained popularity on our roads. This compact hatchback, which the Koreans created specifically for the city, still attracts interest. And here I am standing in front of the car in the GLS trim with a 1.6-liter engine and automatic transmission.
It immediately catches the eye that the Getz is not just a budget subcompact, but a quite well-thought-out car. Even in the base version, everything necessary is present: power steering, immobilizer, tachometer, and a driver's airbag. The equipment list is impressive — from air conditioning with a cabin filter to heated front seats. It's nice that the manufacturer didn't skimp on little things like a power outlet on the center console, pockets in the seat backs, and a net in the trunk.
I was especially pleased with the details that make the driver's life more comfortable. The steering wheel and gear shift knob are leather-wrapped, there's an onboard computer, power windows on all doors, and mirrors with heating and electric adjustment. Fog lights, light window tinting, and chrome handles in the cabin add solidity to the car. It's hard to believe that for this money you can get such a full set of options.
## On the Move: A City Steed
Getting behind the wheel, I note the comfortable seating position. The driver's seat is height-adjustable, and there's an armrest — a small thing, but pleasant. Mirrors in the sun visors, an adjustable steering column — all this creates the feeling of a higher-class car. The only thing that's a bit confusing is the 14-inch steel wheels with decorative hubcaps instead of the alloy wheels available in the more expensive version.
I start the engine. The 1.6-liter motor with automatic transmission runs smoothly and quietly. Acceleration is confident, though without sporty zest. The suspension is reinforced, which for our roads is more of a plus than a minus. It's quite stiff, but this allows you to feel confident on uneven surfaces. The car obeys the steering wheel, and body roll in corners is moderate.
Fuel consumption is pleasing — in mixed driving it stays within reasonable limits. The brakes are effective: ventilated discs in front and discs in the rear, which is rare for this class. ABS and EBD work clearly, not letting the car lose stability even on slippery surfaces. The automatic fuel cut-off system adds safety points.
## Practicality and Little Things
The interior is thought out to the smallest detail. Air ducts for rear passengers are a rarity in this class. The rear seat folds in a 60/40 split, allowing you to carry long items. The trunk, of course, isn't a record holder in volume, but it's enough for city needs. The shelf and trunk net help secure cargo.
Sound insulation could be better — at speed, you can hear the wind whistling around the mirrors, and the 175/65R14 tires transmit road noise into the cabin. But for a budget car, this is forgivable. The climate control with air conditioning handles its task, and the cabin filter cleans the air from dust.
Summing up, I can say that the Hyundai Getz is an honest car for its money. It doesn't claim to be a sports car or a premium sedan, but it performs its functions conscientiously. Compact dimensions, good maneuverability, rich equipment, and reliability — these are the main trump cards of this little car. If you need a practical city car without unnecessary showiness, the Getz will be an excellent choice.
We thank Karnet-2000 CJSC, the exclusive importer of Hyundai in the Russian Federation, for providing the car.
