Evolution Hyundai Getz
The Age
Saturday June 28, 2008
HYUNDAI has long been a major player in the mini-car segment and, since September 2002, the Getz has been its mainstay.
The initial line-up comprised the three and five-door GL and the three-door FX sporty model. All came powered by a 74 kW/133 Nm, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine with the choice of a five-speed manual or optional four-speed auto transmission.Standard equipment included a driver's airbag, single-CD audio and lap-sash seatbelts for all passengers.The FX added air-conditioning, powered mirrors and windows, remote central locking, foglights and leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob. The auto cost $1863 and air-conditioning added $1800 in the GL.Hyundai soon made air-conditioning standard for the GL, then in March 2003, introduced the 60 kW/117 Nm, 1.3- litre, three-door Getz XL. Priced from $14,490, it included air-conditioning and a driver's airbag.An October 2003 update added a passenger airbag, central locking, powered windows and mirrors to the XL and GLs, while the FX was dropped.The next major change came in October 2005, when the XL and GL were replaced by three and five-door models named the 1.4 and 1.6. The new engines produced 70 kW/126 Nm and 78 kW/144 Nm respectively. Pricing climbed slightly, with the 1.6 adding ABS with EBD and rear disc brakes.In February 2006, the dressed up, $16,490, SXi three-door was added to the line-up.The Getz went through another naming change 12 months later when the 1.4 was replaced by the S and the 1.6 by the SX. -- BRUCE NEWTON OUR PICK The Getz is quite good looking and became better equipped as time went on. Recently, it has even been offered with stability control. The five-door 1.6 provides more flexibility and response.
© 2008 The Age