Just five years ago, Hyundai had a slightly iffy image. People who owned the Korean cars invariably raved about their reliability — I know, because whenever I met Hyundai drivers I made a point of asking how they enjoyed the experience — but drivers of other marques were usually reluctant to spend their cash on what they saw as an unknown entity.
In the few short years since then, the company’s image has improved immensely, thanks to the huge improvement in styling and build quality, and the excellent ratings the Korean products have earned in various customer-satisfaction surveys.
As facelifts go, the one the Getz underwent involved minor rather than major surgery. The bonnet and front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, as have the head and tail lights. On the inside, a new centre console tray adds stowage capacity, and the glove box is now illuminated. The instrument panel has been updated and interior trim and upholstery upgraded.
The cosmetic adjustment may be relatively minor, but the base-model Getz also received a heart transplant. The 60kW/117Nm, 1,3-litre engine has been replaced by an all-new 71kW/125Nm, 1,4-litre unit that brings it perilously close to the 78kW/144Nm, 1,6-litre Getz in terms of output, so I suspect Hyundai will pinch customers from itself. I thought that the old 1,3-litre engine was pretty close to its bigger sibling in terms of performance, so if I were in the market I’d take a long, hard look at the smaller-engined car before splashing out any extra money on the 1,6-litre version.
Specification levels are excellent throughout the range. The 1,4-litre base model comes with a driver’s airbag, central locking, electronic power steering, electric windows, air conditioning, front fog lights and a transponder immobiliser, all for R99Â 900. This, in my book, places it right up there with the Daihatsu Sirion in terms of value-for-money at less than R100Â 000.
The rest of the Hyundai Getz range is made up of three models — high-spec 1,4- and 1,6-litre manuals, and a 1,6-litre automatic. These all boast extras such as dual airbags, disc brakes at the back to match those up front, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, electric exterior windows and an audio system. Each Hyundai Getz comes with a two-year, 45Â 000km service plan and a three-year, 100Â 000km factory warranty.