HYUNDAI Getz 5 Doors
Generations Timeline, Specs and Pictures
Hyundai’s supermini was unveiled for the first time to the public in 2001 at the Tokyo Motor Show as a high-roof, 5-passenger car available in 3-door and 5-door body styles.
After 4 years, the small Getz was starting to look dated and Hyundai presented the facelifted version in 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Aesthetically, the new model featured rounded headlights, a refreshed front grille, as well as an updated interior. For Europe, Hyundai brought new powertrains, a 1.5-liter diesel unit and a 1.4-liter gasoline, both a result of the new Euro 4 pollution norms adopted in 2005.
The base model came more equipped with standard frontal airbags, side airbags and air-conditioning.
Inside, the revised cabin was fitted with new front seats. While the interior design was rather dull, everything was well laid out and within easy reach. The biggest improvement was the new dashboard and the instrument cluster. Hyundai chose to keep the gear stick on the floor, like in a regular hatchback. Other carmakers moved it closer to the driver and thus made more room for the center console. There was enough room for adult passengers in the back if they didn’t have long legs.
Safety wise, the Getz received an overall rating of 4-stars at the Euro NCAP, offering great protection for its occupants.
Different trim levels were available depending on the market. In Australia, the facelift version was available in the base and the SXi trim level.
The top-of-the-range trim level generally included front and side airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, remote central locking, 14-inch alloys, fog lights, air-conditioning, power mirrors, electric front and rear windows. Other stand-alone features were also available.
While the small Getz wasn’t equipped with the punchiest engines, it handled great around town and with its reduced dimensions, it was easy to park even in the most crowded areas.
Hyundai introduced the Getz MPV in the mini segment in 2002 and refreshed it in 2005.
The car was available in a three or five doors configuration.
While the MPV segment was declining, Hyundai tried to make its way into the small-sized minivans’ niche market with the Getz. When it launched the vehicle, it hoped that the customers who were looking for a compact-sized vehicle would appreciate their car’s interior room and the small exterior size.
Based on the same platform as the Kia Picanto and Hyundai Accent, the Getz was in the middle between a small-segment hatchback and a minivan. Its raked hood and windshield were continued by a flat roof and a vertical tailgate. The angular-looking headlights were designed in the new-edge-design style, with corner-mounted turn-signals and clear lenses. Hyundai knew that most of the small dents happen in the parking lots, and that’s why it protected the bodywork with black, plastic molds on the sides and the bumpers.
Inside, due to its tall greenhouse, Hyundai’s designers installed higher seats to provide better legroom for the rear passengers. For the trunk, they couldn’t offer the same volume as a regular, compact hatchback. It was two thirds the size of a VW Golf, which wasn’t the best in class anyway.
Under the hood, Hyundai installed a choice of four engines, both diesel, and gasoline-powered. Its only flaw was the lack of an automatic transmission, which was in turn available for Kia Picanto.