Ten Point Test

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 76%

The Hyundai Getz is Hyundai’s biggest selling car in the UK and Europe shifting 270,000 since its launch in 2002.

Hyundai bill the Korean supermini as a fresh and dynamic motor offering safety, comfort and convenience.

But does it live up to its image? We drove one for a week to find out.

1. Looks 7/10

The Getz is quite a conservative looking supermini lagging behind the more contemporary Renault Clio and Citroen C2. It’s not that curvy, but it’s not that boxy either and Hyundai has tried to make it sportier by fitting a rear spoiler and laying more emphasis on the grille, headlights and front bumper. Our model featured sporty 14-inch alloy wheels, which come as standard on all CDX and CDX+ models.

2. Looks inside 7/10

Like with the outside, the Getz plays it safe with a basic, functional interior. The CD player looks so Eighties it’s almost retro, but is easy to use and pretty good quality. A metallic silver finish frames the centre console with, again, easy to understand heating and air-conditioning buttons. The Getz’s instrument panel is clear and the trip computer (only available on CDX models) is a helpful tool.

3. Practicality 8/10

We tested the three door model, but the Getz is also available with five doors. Inside there is plenty of room for people in the front and while there are three seats in the back, we’d only recommend seating two occupants. The boot’s volume is 288 litres with the seats up, which is around the same as rivals the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. Fold the seats down and the capacity increases to 987 litres, which is larger than the Fiesta (947 litres) but smaller than the Corsa (1,100 litres). Thanks to its compact size, parking and manoeuvring is easy.

4. Ride and Handling 7/10

The Getz handles and grips quite well for a supermini, but the suspension is quite soft. While this makes driving on the motorway at 70mph a pleasant ride as the springs soak up the bumps, it means a compromise on cornering. There is a bit of roll, but less than some other superminis.

5. Performance 8/10

Our 1.5-litre turbo diesel produced and impressive 108bhp and 173lb/ft of pulling power. This accelerates the Korean motor from 0-62mph (100kph) in 11.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 112mph. While this doesn’t seem quick, as the maximum pull is delivered between 1,900 and 2,750rpm the Getz is great for city driving and overtaking.

6. Running Costs 8/10

Another plus for the Getz. The excellent diesel engine means a combined fuel economy of 61.4mpg, which is better than the 1.5-diesel Micra (60.1mpg) but slightly less than the diesel Peugeot 207 (62.7mpg). And with carbon emissions of 122g/km, the Getz is in Band C – meaning you’ll be giving the government £115 a year in duty.

7. Reliability 9/10

While there was a fair bit of plastic inside the Getz, it felt fairly sturdy and the engine and gearbox haven’t got a record for reliability problems. And according to research by Warranty Direct, Hyundai came 12th out of 33 for reliability. But as with all Hyundais, the Getz comes with an unprecedented five-year fully transferable, unlimited warranty, so if anything goes wrong you’ll be covered. This makes a Getz an excellent used buy as well.

8. Safety 7/10

Hyundai has fitted the Getz with front and side airbags as standard on the CDX and CDX+, but not on the entry level GSI models, while the front passenger ‘bag can be deactivated if being used as a child seat. The supermini also comes with anti-lock brakes and electronic brake distribution as standard. The Getz is yet to be tested in the EuroNCAP crash test

9. Equipment 8/10

Our top-of-the-range CDX+ boasted air-conditioning, electric, heated mirrors, electric windows, CD player and a useful trip computer, but base models also boast air-con and electric windows.

10. X-Factor 7/10

Superminis are cool cars offering drivers a compact, practical motor. And the Getz adds nippy and economical to the list. But while it’s a competent car, it lacks the panache of its European rivals such as the Renault Clio and Citroen C2.

Key facts

Model tested: Hyundai Getz 1.5 CRTD CDX+
On the road price: £10,045
Price range: £6,495 – £10,045
Date tested: June 2007
Road tester: Adrian Hearn