Another hatchback feature then?
Myk Belmonte gives in to your desires by reviewing one more for this week then.
2005-2011 Hyundai Getz
History
For students like you and me, have the pops give us a car and were good to go. But then, there are some limitations to remember. Space (especially those whose schools have limited parking spaces or access through roads similar to Milan) is one, so SUVs and lengthy vehicles are not suitable. Fuel consumption is one factor too, same goes with budget. But then, I do not advice to sacrifice everything (which means skipping meals just to save) to get a car. Sometimes, commuting is a practical option but for those insisting on getting a car, may I suggest you one option without resorting to a tight budget.
The Hyundai Getz is a success for the Korean car industry since it is sold in nearly every place in the globe (except Canada, United States, and China) for low prices that first time owners can look forward to. Different names have been used which includes a Dodge (Mexico and Venezuela) and Inkom (Malaysia) counterpart (they are badge engineered, not knockoffs). So successful that even their successors (like the case of the i20 in Europe) existed, the Getz is still available. However, some countries had to let go with some as early as 2008.
As part of Hyundai Asia Resources' product portfolio expansion, the Getz was added to the roster in 2005. The hatchback market wasn't that crowded and it was an opportunity for the brand to be known for more than the Starex van. It was a hit since it offered more room for less prices, and with the fuel prices soaring during that time, it made sense. The i10 was definitely not the direct replacement but the two complimented one another, and with time, 2011 saw the Getz being placed six feet underground. This vehicle did not have any direct predecessor from the line-up. There is one trim variant per engine, but 2009 saw the GL having a base and a spec-up model which had a rear wiper, power door locks, and body color door handles.
Value and Costs
Students, do you like a new car but your parents hate to pay the monthly amortization bundled with it? Then, a pre-owned Getz is the prudent choice, with most units lingering in the P200,000-P340,000 range. But then, there are other choices in the price range from the same era, so study your options well since you might not be satisfied with a Getz.
The cost of having one wont drain your wallet, so your parents will have money for your one term of school while having spare money for the barkada gimiks and school requirements. Parts can be acquired from Korean specialist shops and fueling this baby does not hurt the bank vault.
Exterior and Interior
Despite having a Korean badge, it has some European design cues from the doors and bumpers. Match it with some eye popping colors (including a color that matches a beverage company) and you get a European hatchback without the expensive maintenance costs.
You'll be surprised with the room it comes especially for the price. It had the room to compete the Jazz but for versatility, the Honda comes victor. You can fold the seats to accommodate that school project at the expense of ferrying two people (you and a classmate) or going to a bike trail during weekends. Interior quality isn't a strength, as hard plastic dominates the cabin, but then, you wouldn't expect much. Airbags aren't standard, but another safety feature (if you will consider this as one) is that the chassis code is located under the front passenger seat. Perfect for registering in the LTO, your parents would thank that feature.
Engine
There are four fengines for this vehicle, but all of them are less than a party size bottle of a Coke. First (and the longest among them all) is a 1.1 (1,086cc) engine which carries 66hp at 5,500rpm and 86Nm at 3,200rpm. The rare one is a 1.3 (1,341cc) that has 82hp at 5,500rpm and 117Nm at 3,200rpm due to the fact it was only available in 2005 and replaced by a 1.4 (1,399cc) that possess 95hp at 6,000rpm and 125Nm at 3,200rpm. All of them are gasoline ones but there is one diesel, and it is a 1.5 CRDi which has 110hp at 4,000rpm and 235Nm at 1,900-2,750rpm. For the gasoline engines, they offer decent acceleration but for fuel economy, the top choice is the 1.1 engine. The diesel (which is hard to find) is extremely more efficient but acceleration is something to be desired.
Driving Impressions
As a city car, maneuvering is a breeze especially if you encounter eskinitas on your daily grind. It has the grip, but quivers on corners, but then you wouldn't expect much. While the clutch pedal is soft, it is somewhat a challenge to manipulate especially for the diesel variant, which has its reverse beside the first gear
similar to the Accent (gasoline models make do with an ordinary gear shift).
Verdict
From salespeople to first time owners, the Getz was a winner. With a roomy cabin that can fit four people and at the same time offer it at low prices, where can you find one? Despite the shortcomings, you'll forgive them, after all you will love the convenience and savings it has.
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