2004 Hyundai Getz GSi review from UK and Ireland

Nothing has actually gone wrong with my car. Its been more of a case of comparing my Getz to my previous car, the VW Polo and thinking something was wrong. Small issues that I picked up on within 2 weeks of driving from the showroom were the fuel consumption for starters. Here I found the car using a lot of fuel and no way on par with the official mpg figures in the brochure. Hyundai informed that all their cars from the engine to the wheel-bearings at new are "very tight" and need breaking in. It was only after around 1500 miles that I have noticed the fuel consumption improving and for 20.00 UK pounds I can drive 250, miles on the motorway at about 75 to 80 mph. Totally on par with the VW Polo which was a 1.2 3 cylinder engine.

Next I heard a knocking sound from the rear suspension over the terrible roads in South London and over speed bumps - Hyundai informed me that the suspension on their cars is quite firm and once again I was comparing the Getz to the Polo. I have really got used to the firmness of the ride and only seems to be so in the city. On the motorway my car is very smooth.

As far as tracking and steering goes, I had some Hyundai standard alloys added to my car at new. I found the steering pulling to left on the motorway and not on city roads. Hyundai informed me these wide wheels had a habit of taking to the camber of most roads and having said that I have no uneven tyre wear after nearly 2000 miles.

Great little engine. The 1.3 is the right balance throughout the whole range. Sweet and powerful.

Slow acceleration in 3rd gear.

Engine noisy at 90mph, but so quiet at 70 to 80 mph.

Interior trim is high quality yet in some places looks very cheap.

The stereo/CD player needs to be improved to a model with bigger buttons. Its too fiddly.

Handling is perfect. The steering is very sensitive and great all round.

Trim level is amazing considering what you would pay for a European manufactured car with the same specification.

Seats are fine, but could of had a longer base to sit on.

The 3 door in black with the Hyundai alloys make the car look very cool indeed and at such a competitive price in UK, I can see this car appealing to a very young age group from 18 to 25 as well as middle aged drivers too.

I can't bear to miss the main reason why I bought the Getz and that was the amazing after-sales package which included a transferable 5 year unlimited mileage warranty, 3 years/30,000 miles free servicing and 3 years RAC breakdown cover. Enough said!!!