The Hyundai Getz, designed in Germany and produced in South Korea, got her first spin in 2001 at the Tokyo Motor Show as the Hyundai TB concept car. In 2002, the Getz had its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Hyundai released this light passenger car, or segment B super-mini in three- and five-door hatchback body styles. Its production run lasted for about nine years, with the last unit made in 2011.
Aside from the Getz nameplate, Hyundai released it under several names, viz.:
- South Korea – Hyundai Click
- India – Hyundai Getz Prime
- Japan – Hyundai TB (for Think Basic)
- Venezuela – Dodge Brisa
- Malaysia - Inokom Getz
Engines
At launch, three four-cylinder petrol engines, one four-cylinder diesel option, and one three-cylinder diesel engine were available for the Hyundai Getz. After 2005, a new 1.4L petrol engine replaced the 1.3L unit, and in place of the three-cylinder option, a new 1.5-litre diesel with variable geometry turbocharger and two power output levels was introduced. Below is a summary of all these engines:
- 1.1L Epsilon (G4HG) I4 (petrol) – 46 kW, 94 Nm
- 1.3L Alpha (G4EH) I4 (petrol) – 60 kW, 117 Nm
- 1.4L Alpha (G4EE) I4 (petrol) – 71 kW, 126 Nm
- 1.5L Alpha (G4FK) I4 (petrol) – 65-75 kW, 132-142 Nm
- 1.6L Alpha (G4ED) I4 (petrol) – 78 kW, 144 Nm
- 1.5 L D-Line I3 (turbo diesel) – 59 kW, 182 Nm
- 1.5 L U-Line (D4FA) I4 (turbo diesel) – 81 kW, 235 Nm
Upon introduction to the Australian market, the Getz had only a 1.5L petrol G4EC engine. In 2005, the newly introduced 1.4L DOHC and the 1.6L DOHC replaced the 1.5L motor. The 1.3L and 1.6L petrol versions came with four-speed automatic transmission with torque converter and overdrive. An option for a five-speed manual gearbox was available for all engines.
Trims
The Getz Cross, which is a special trim level, features SUV design elements, e.g. extended wheel arches, raised suspension, roof racks, and larger wheels. It comes with the 1.5L diesel and the 1.4L and 1.6L petrol engines.
Hyundai introduced the SR Sport edition in South Africa in 2010 and continued manufacturing it until 2012. It had full Special SR rims, leather interior, badges, and a body kit amongst others.
In Australia, Hyundai offered the Getz in XL, GL, and FX trims but dropped the first two trims following the facelift. A Sporty SXi package replaced the FX trim, while the rest of the models were designated as "Getz". Hyundai discontinued the SXi in 2006, leaving the Getz with only the 1.4L and 1.6L variants. In 2008, these two variants were renamed the S and SX, respectively.
The range-topping level included: air conditioning, electric tilt-and-slide sunroof, heated electric door mirrors, remote central locking with alarm, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electric front and rear windows, front and side airbags, 14-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, CD player and a trip computer. Other optional features are metallic paint, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, traction control system, MP3 player with USB connectivity, leather upholstery, and electronic stability control. The 1.6L version is equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels.
Facelift
In 2005, the Getz got a facelift, which restyled the new front and rear exterior and upgraded the interior. New engines also came with the facelift – a 1.5L diesel option (only available in Europe) and a 1.4L petrol engine. The facelifted version wasn't available in all countries, though. For example, the local arm of Hyundai in Venezuela continued to sell the pre-2005 version of the car (marketed under the name Dodge Brisa).
Electric Version
An electric version of the Getz, known as the Blade Electron, was sold in New Zealand and Australia from 2008 to 2011. It has a maximum speed of 120 km/h and a range of 120 km on a full charge.
Safety
In 2004, the NCAP tested a Getz model that featured dual front/thorax/head airbags and seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters for the front seats. It scored an overall rating of four stars. The details of the score show how NCAP rated it: reasonably-balanced performance, generally good in-car protection for children, but lacked features to protect pedestrians. It got an additional point for a seat belt reminder to the driver.
In 2008, the Australasian NCAP awarded it four stars out of five based on the test performed by the Euro NCAP.
The Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR), however, gave a 2002-04 Getz a failing grade for providing significantly-worse-than-average protection for its occupants should a crash occur.
Awards
The Hyundai Getz has won several awards. Some of these are:
- Denmark's Best Seller (2003)
- Australia's Best Small Car (2003 and 2005)
- Scottish Small Car of the Year Award (2003)
- Budget Car of the Year (2003) - What Car? UK magazine
- Budget Car Champion (2003) - Fifth Gear, UK motoring TV series
- Portugal's Car of the Year (2004)
Successors
After almost seven years of dominating the market, the Getz was succeeded in 2008 by the Hyundai Accent (RB series) in South Korea and the Hyundai i20 in Europe. In Australia, it continued to sell until December 2010 and until 2011 in other parts of the world.