Anointed Australia’s best small car in both 2003 and 2005, and widely heralded as the most affordable to own and run in the country, the Hyundai Getz has by now firmly established itself towards the top of its particular tree. Looking at it, it’s easy to see why it might have picked up such a reputation. Suave and polished from front to rear, the sophistication that Hyundai’s experienced design team brought to the table is nicely illustrated by the tight bonnet contours that culminate in the wrap around headlights at the front. The mesh grille houses the proud silver Hyundai badge, and the low raking windscreen elegantly blends in with the nice high roofline that hints toward plenty of cabin space inside. The black bumpers and door protectors look very neat as they glide around the Hyundai Getz bodywork.

The Getz’s seating arrangements cannot be faulted. A well supported and capacious driver’s seat provides substantial comfort, and won’t play up on longer trips. While luxuriating in this premium quality manufacture, the driver will be presumably primarily occupied with the toings and froings on the road ahead. So the aesthetic satisfaction to be garnered from a perusal of the interior lay-out and features will be left entirely to the passengers, who will meanwhile be more than happy with the leg-room they are afforded. The dashboard is especially pleasant. All of this, of course, is entirely customisable as per the whims of those who get to decide, and a broad palette of colours and tones and finishes can be matched with one another to maximise your enjoyment of the journeys you will have inside..

There is, of course, more than one way to skin a cat – three, in fact, in the case of the Getz. There is the S model, the SX mode and also the SXi – all are hatchbacks, and in the case of the first two there is the choice of either three or five doors. The SXi, by contrast, always comes in a 3-door form, and is a little more sporty than its more serious stable-mates. It’s something of a head-turner, actually, especially when set off by the 15-inch alloys that Hyundai offer for it.?

Under the bonnet of the Hyundai Getz S, a spunky little 1.4 litre motor whirrs into action. The S model has the option of a five speed manual or a four speed automatic transmission. They’ve got safety covered, as you would rather hope: in the base model Hyundai Getz, for a fairly inexpensive (in terms of comparison with the majority of competitors) $13,990, airbags in the front are standard. So, too, is power steering, front seat belt pretensioners, keyless entry, central locking, a six speaker stereo with audio controls on the steering wheel, and cupholders front and rear. Add to this ABS and a leather steering wheel, and the Getz SX is looking very good. Jacking the price up above $16,000, and you can grab those alloys I was banging on about earlier – I reckon they add a certain something something. The SX and SXi models have the more powerful 1.6 litre engine that delivers 78 kW of power at 5800 rpm. Also on tap is a useful 144Nm of torque at 3200 rpm. The chassis and suspension setup is well balanced and comfortable. Running costs are class leading, and in spite of the frugality for which many Hyundai’s are known, it is my impression that the game has been ratcheted up a couple of notches with this most recent update to the range.

I recommend at least a test drive, if you think that something along the Getz’s lines is the sort of thing you’d be up for. As small, city-based cars go, this one competes with the best; also, the price is great and you’ve got the reinforcement, psychological if nothing more, of Hyundai’s support team and parts suppliers. So at least give it a go – you might sound as effulgent as I do in pretty short order.

Specifications:
• Engine: 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder (16-valve)
• Power: 78kW @ 5800rpm
• Torque: 144Nm @ 3200rpm
• Induction: Multi-point
• Transmission: Five-speed manual
• Driven Wheels: Front
• Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
• Top Speed: N/A
• CO2 Emissions: 148g/100km
• Fuel Consumption: 6.2L/100km claimed
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 litres
• Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
• ANCAP Rating: Four-star
• Airbags: Dual front & side
• Safety: ESC with Traction Control
• Spare Wheel: Full size steel
• Suspension: Strut(F)/Torsion beam(R)
• Tow Capacity: TBC
• Turning Circle: 10.0 metres
• Warranty: 5 year/Unlimited Kilometre
• Weight: 1100kg (Tare)
• Wheels 14-inch steel