Review: Hyundai TB Getz (2002-11)

Review: Hyundai TB.I Getz (2002-05)

Overview

Released in October 2002, the Hyundai TB Series I (TB.I) Getz was available as three- or five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Ulsan, South Korea, the Getz was initially powered by 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines – mated to four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmissions – and available in three-door FX and five-door GL variants. In February 2003, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engines in the three-door XL variant.

Dimensions and suspension

Both three- and five-door Getz hatchbacks were 3810 mm long, 1665 mm wide, 1495 mm tall and had 2455 mm long wheelbases. Furthermore, the Getz had MacPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the TB.I Getz included a driver’s airbag, anti-submarining front seat steel pans and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. An optional ‘Extra Safety Pack’ added ABS, electronic brake force distribution and, prior to September 2003, a passenger airbag. From September 2003, all Getz models were fitted with a passenger airbag as standard.

ANCAP and Euro NCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a Getz GL with a single driver’s airbag received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 21.78. In the front offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver; in the side impact test, there was a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a left-hand drive Getz with a 1.3-litre engine – and fitted with front side-thorax airbags – received a four star adult occupant safety rating with a score of 25.35, including one point for a driver’s seatbelt reminder which was only introduced in Australian-delivered Getz models from 2008 . Furthermore, front side airbags were only available in Australia from the TB.II Getz which, unlike the 2004 Getz tested, was also fitted with active front seat head restraints.

Features: Getz XL, GL and FX

Standard features for the Getz XL and GL variants included 14-inch steel wheels with 175/65 tyres, a four speaker sound system with CD player, cloth seats, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, height adjustable steering wheel and immobiliser. From September 2003, the XL and GL were fitted with air conditioning, central locking, power windows and mirrors and a height adjustable driver’s seat.

Compared to the XL and GL, the Getz FX added 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55 tyres, a six speaker sound system, air conditioning, front fog lights, remote central locking with alarm, power mirrors and windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, height adjustable driver’s seat and rear roof spoiler.

2004 and 2005 updates

The TB.I Getz underwent some further updates during its production –

• From October 2004, the Getz was fitted with a remote entry system with rolling codes; and,
• From March 2005, the GL manual had a lower gear ratio (3.842:1, previously 3.65:1) and the 1.3-litre engine in the XL achieved a slight power increase due to an increased compression ratio and recalibrated electronic control module (ECM).

Review: Hyundai TB.II Getz (2005-07)

Overview

Released in October 2005, the TB Series II (TB.II) Getz brought new 1.4- and 1.6-litre engines, improved safety equipment and a revised range. The XL, GL and FX variants were discontinued, with the TB.II Getz models initially distinguished by their body shape (i.e. three- or five-door hatchback) and engine size, though an SXi variant was introduced in 2006. The suspension was also revised with minor spring and damping changes to provide a more compliant ride.

Visually, the TB.II Getz could be identified by its softer nose contours, more oval-shaped headlights and grille opening, simplified front air intake and revised tail light lenses and bumpers. Inside, there were new seat fabrics and door trim inserts.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment was improved with active front seat head restraints fitted as standard across the range; 1.6-litre models were also fitted with ABS, electronic brake force distribution and rear disc brakes. From February 2006, an optional ‘Getz Protectz’ pack was available for the 1.6-litre models which included front side airbags, electronic stability control and traction control (though the active front seat head restraints were omitted to accommodate the front side airbags).

Features

Compared to the TB.I XL and GL, standard features were also improved with a more powerful 45 watt six speaker sound system, MP3/WMA-compatibility and a new leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

2006 Getz SXi

In February 2006, the range was expanded with the introduction of an SXi variant. Solely available as a 1.6-litre, three-door hatchback, the SXi was differentiated by its 15-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 185/55 tyres, circular front fog lights, red fabric seat facings and rear roof spoiler with integrated brake lights.

Review: Hyundai TB.III Getz (2007-11)

Overview

Released in August 2007, the TB Series III (TB.III) Getz range featured a revised line-up: the 1.4-litre models were known as the ‘S’ variants, with the 1.6-litre models comprising the SX and SXi variants. Safety equipment and features, however, were substantially the same as the TB.II Getz.

2007 Getz Click editions

To coincide with the release of the TB.III Getz, a limited run ‘Click’ edition of the three-door S and SX variants was released; these models were distinguished by their 14-inch alloy wheels, blue cloth trim, chromed interior door handles, brushed alloy-look dashboard and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

Related links

• Specifications: Hyundai TB.III Getz (April 2011)
• Wikipedia.org: Hyundai TB Getz