Hyundai Getz 2003 Review

A brilliant light blue with alloys and all the gear, the Getz is a car that plenty of Aussies would like to own and most could afford.

It is a replacement for the popular Excel and takes over Hyundai's entry level mantle from Accent which now slips into a slot between Getz and the larger Elantra.

Though it's a funny name for a car, you will never forget the name Getz.

It sticks in your mind.A good looker with styling cues from any number of popular European light cars, Getz offers more performance and features for less money than anything else in the class.

'Leo' as we have dubbed our long termer, is powered by a perky and extremely economical 1.5L, twin cam four cylinder engine with a handy 74kW of power and an even handier 133Nm of torque, available at an accessible 3200rpm.

Torque low in the engine rev range makes a car easier to drive and such is the case with Leo.

He makes light work of zipping around town, hauling four adults to a weekend break or simply acting as an around town hack for the shopping, picking up bits and pieces, heck, we even had the mower in the back to take for repairs.

Bloody mowers they always break down.

That's something Leo won't do given the reputation for reliability earned by his predecessor Excel.

Leo's engine is basically the same as the last version of the Excel and has been tried and tested in millions of cars over millions of kilometres.

We were stunned at how frugal Leo can be on petrol.

Where a normal small or medium car will need about $30 to $40 worth of petrol a week, Leo likes about $15.

It's a direct benefit to the hip pocket if you have a car that is this economical. Money that can be spent on other stuff.

He's a well endowed little car with power operated windows and mirrors, central locking and power steering. The steering is light and gives a tight turning circle for easy manoeuvres in tight spaces.

Brakes are disc at the front and drums at the rear but

Leo has the optional safety package that includes four wheel discs. They deliver strong consistent stopping with light pedal pressure.

ABS is part of an optional safety package with a passenger air bag and electronic brake force distribution. It's definitely worthwhile considering.Leo will faithfully protect his owners with a front air bag, a safety cell passenger compartment, front seat pre-tensioners and load limiters, five three point seat belts, anti-submarining front seats, front and rear fog lamps and no less than three child seat anchor points handily located right behind the rear seat.

There is plenty to surprise and delight too – remote fuel filler release, twin visor vanity mirrors, digital clock, driver's lumbar support adjustment, dual height adjustable driver's seat for the shorties and plenty more.

Leo is a well thought out car that's obvious.We have been checkin' him out from all angles and reckon he's looks especially good from the front with a smiling face and big eyes.

The five door body is particularly handy for families or when you have adults to take in the back seat.

The boot is a good size and is expandable by folding the rear seats to form a small van.

Hyundai has listened to its market research and fitted Leo with a good CD audio system that rocks along nicely when you are cruising or slogging it out in the traffic.

Leo is shaping up well, we've already cranked up about 2000km on him and spent very little money doing, so. Christmas is looking good.