 With
the addition of Getz into its expanding product lineup, Hyundai is
finally
targeting the huge European supermini market. Getz is sized and
positioned
between Atoz and Accent. However, its modern architecture actually
provides
more interior space than the outdated Accent. Though being 400mm
shorter,
its wheelbase exceeds the Accent’s by 15mm and, more importantly, its
roof
is a massive 100mm taller. This means it is very close to the biggest
European
superminis, such as Volkswagen Polo, in every dimension. As a result,
Getz
provides a spacious cabin matching the best of its rivals. In
particular,
the rear seats provide plenty of legroom so that 6-footers can travel
comfortably
for long distance.
 From
styling, packaging and mechanical design, Getz follows the trend set by
its European rivals. But this also mean the car lacks character, let
alone
any innovations or new ideas. It looks ordinary, not ugly but just like
another no-one-knows product. It handles well and rides OK, has fluent
steering, well-weighted controls and slick gearbox, but then it does
not
offer an impression of refinement because the suspensions get bouncy on
bumpy roads and the engine is noisy on motorway. Both engines - 82hp
1.3-litre
sohc 12-valver and 105hp 1.6-litre dohc 16-vavler - are coarse at the
latter
half of their rev range, and both of them are not strong performer.
Hyundai’s
engine department is still far from world class.
 However,
the worse of Getz is that it lacks a modern interior packaging. The
whole
dashboard is not only dull to look at but also constructed with poor
grade
hard plastic. Switch gears and nylon fabrics feel as cheap. Front seats
are flat and unsupportive. While European and Japanese superminis
succeeded
to upgrade their visual quality to match bigger cars, the new entry
from
Hyundai feels hopelessly cheap and outdated.
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