Ever since the Hyundai Getz arrived in South Africa in 2003, it’s been a winner for AMH, importers of the Korean brand. Although Hyundai doesn’t report sales figures, rumour has it that about 1Â 000 of the little cars are sent off to new homes each month, which makes it a serious player in a hotly contested segment — for every Getz sold, there’s a Volkswagen, Toyota, Renault or other brand salesperson crying into their tea.
Hyundai kicked off the Getz range with the 1,6-litre petrol model, and followed up with a 1,3-litre petrol and a 60kW/191Nm three-cylinder turbo-diesel displacing 1,5 litres. Earlier this year, when the face-lifted models arrived, the 1,3-litre petrol engine made way for a lively new 1,4 litre unit, while the turbo-diesel triple faded from the scene.
After attending the launch of its replacement last month, I can see why — the new 1,5 litre Hyundai diesel engine is remarkable. With 81kW on tap from 4 000rpm, matched to 235Nm of torque at just 2 000rpm, the new Korean engine — a four cylinder unit this time — is a class leader. It generates considerably more power and torque than anything else remotely close to it in size, and humbles quite a few larger engines.
With a 0 to 100kph time of just 11,1 seconds and top speed of 181kph, the oil-burning Hyundai is only slightly slower off the mark than the 1,6-litre petrol Getz, and its 181kph top speed is marginally faster than the petrol version, making it the fastest Getz yet. Hyundai says that this is all possible thanks to the sophisticated variable-vane turbocharger now fitted, which controls boost by opening and closing turbine vanes in relation to throttle opening and exhaust and inlet manifold pressure.
From the outside the diesel Getz can be identified by a high-mounted spoiler at the rear, and the use of nifty 15% alloy wheels shod with sexy low-profile rubber. The car comes with all the usual gadgets and safety measures, including ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, alloy rims, disc brakes front and rear, power steering, front fog-lights, remote keyless entry with immobiliser and alarm, aircon, a radio/CD player, and electric mirrors and windows.
On the road the new Getz feels much like — well, a Hyundai Getz, which means that it’s pretty good. The biggest difference is the massive wave of torque that allows you to surf along at Reef altitudes, without let or hindrance, where the petrol models would be pleading for a beating with the gear stick.
Hyundai has achieved remarkable results in customer satisfaction surveys, both here and internationally, and the brand is probably the most improved in a decade. At R139 900, complete with a three year/100 000 km warranty and a two year/40 000 km service plan, anybody in the market for a small turbo-diesel hatchback would be very foolish to ignore the Getz.
Fact file
Model: Hyundai Getz 1,5 CRDi VGT
Price: R139Â 000
Engine: Four-cylinder 1 493cc direct-injection diesel
Tech: 81kW, 235Nm
Top speed: 181kph, 1-100kph in 11,1s
Services: 40 000km