FIRST LOOKS

Inokom’s version is the latest facelifted Getz with a new nose and some other cosmetic changes around the body

Rear spoiler is standard

EuroNCAP crashed the Getz and it scored 4 stars, an impressive result in its class

As mentioned in our report late last year, Inokom (part of the Sime Darby Group) will add a fourth model to the line-up which has so far consisted of the Lorimas , Atos and Matrix. This month, the company will launch the new model which is the Getz 1.4. As with the other models which are adapted from Hyundai models, the Getz is assembled at Inokom’s own plant in Kulim, Kedah, which began operations 8 years ago.

The local assembly of the Getz is certainly timely and while it may seem like a quick response by Inokom following the announcement of the National Automotive Policy (NAP) which encourages local manufacturing of vehicles, such things cannot be done so fast. Planning is needed at the plant to accommodate the new model and suppliers need to prepare selected parts for local manufacture. So Sime Darby was lucky on this occasion that it had made plans before knowing what the NAP would be all about.

Priced at RM58,888 without insurance, the Getz is the latest ‘TB’ version which was launched worldwide last year. This is basically a facelift rather than a model change for the Getz which is still in its first generation. It’s a highly successful model for the Korean company, with worldwide sales of over 700,000 units to date (of which some 12,000 units have been sold in Malaysia since 2003).

The Getz comes with a new 95 bhp/125.5 Nm 1399 cc DOHC 16-valve engine developed by Hyundai. Though it has a rather high 10:1 compression ratio, the minimum fuel requirement is RON91, which means you can use the cheaper RON92 petrol. It’s also a clean-burning engine, able to meet Euro-4 emission control standards (two steps ahead of the current Malaysian standard). Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is available.

Like its rivals in the same class, the Getz has a simple suspension set-up with independent MacPherson struts in front and a Coupled Torsion Beam Axle under the rear end. The shock absorbers for the rear suspension are oil-filled which gives more consistent damping performance even when the units are worked hard. The suspension is a low-cost arrangement which works well and provides a good combination of ride and handling.

Standard wheels are alloys which are 14 inches in diameter with 65-series tyres. To save weight and space, the spare tyre is a high-pressure space-saver type which is meant only for emergency use.

Buyers will be pleased that Inokom has set high standards of safety for the Getz. A driver’s airbag is standard and there’s also ABS + EBD fitted as standard – plus disc brakes for the rear wheels. While the rear brakes use discs, the parking brake does not make use of them; instead, there is a small drum brake provided for the purpose. This feature is not found on all cars and often only on the more expensive models.

The bodyshell has 58.3% (by weight) is of reinforced, high-tensile steel and one-piece stampings are used for side panels to give strength and stiffness. The independent EuroNCAP organization has crash-tested the Getz and it scored an impressive 4 stars (out of the maximum of 5 stars) for occupant protection as well as child protection.

The interior of the Getz has received praise for its spaciousness, a fine example of intelligent packaging within a wheelbase of 2455 mm (longer than the Satria Neo). It’s not surprising that Hyundai’s interior designers worked hard on this as the Getz has to fight against European rivals which are notable for cabin spaciousness. The rear section has a lot of flexibility with the divided backrests able to fold flat and the seats also able to be folded forward against the front seats. Maximum volume available is 977 litres, which should be useful for those trips to IKEA.

One point which is highlighted is the high hip point – a crucial dimension in cabin design. The one in the Getz is set high which allows easier entry and exit as the person does not have to bend the body so much. The door opening have also been made as wide as possible for convenient movement.

The new 1.4-litre engine has a high 10:1 compression ratio but can run on RON92 petrol. Note fairly flat torque curve on the chart (right). The latest Getz has some changes to the dashboard with a revised instrument panel that has a tripcomputer in between the speedometer and tachometer. On the central part of the dashboard, there is now a small digital clock and the hazard warning light button is a prominent round one instead of a rectangle. Slide out holders are provided for four CDs, a feature rarely found in cars. The audio system looks like a locally-installed unit and in use, the controls didn’t seem intuitive enough. Front (top) and rear suspension layouts are simple but effective. Rear shock absorbers are gas-filled for more consistent performance under hard usage Dashboard has been changed in a few places and so has the instrument panel For a compact car, the Getz offers very good interior space and flexibility is also a strong point Teh tarik hook behind front passenger’s seat – why don’t our own national carmakers think of such a feature? There are numerous storage spaces around the cabin and in the boot so everything will be nicely kept from rolling about. While our own Malaysian national carmaker doesn’t bother to provide its customers with a hook to carry their teh tarik or nasi bungkus, Hyundai’s designers have thoughtfully installed a retractable hook at the back of the passenger’s seat. Inokom last year said that they plan to sell 8,000 – 10,000 units a year but this included a 3-door variant which has not been announced at this time. Though 3-door hatchbacks have never been big sellers historically, the fact that the Proton Satria has sold well all these years may mean that there is a place for a Getz 3-door. The price is over RM10,000 more than a Satria Neo 1.3 and RM4,000 more than a Satria Neo 1.6 but there could be many people who will like this alternative instead. BRIEF DRIVING IMPRESSIONS At the media preview, Inokom provided the opportunity to get some first driving impressions of the latest Getz. However, journalists were also invited to participate in an economy run using the cars so those who wanted to win prizes for their efforts used ‘unusual’ driving techniques to stretch each litre of fuel. As such techniques would rarely be used in normal driving, the figures obtained should not be quoted but suffice it is to say that the Getz should be able to achieve up to 18.8 kms/litre (factory claims for extra urban driving cycle). I had tested the Getz 1.3 before and on both occasions I was impressed. It’s a nippy little car with taut handling and a nice ride. Though compact, it has the feel of a larger car behind the wheel and also commendable is the good sound insulation. The new 1.4-litre engine is a willing revver and you are only reminded of its small displacement on steep inclines. In urban driving conditions, its performance should be okay and kickdown with the automatic transmission is also smooth. With the fairly flat torque curve, there’s good acceleration even low down though if you are rushing, you may feel that just a bit more power would be nice. Build quality was so good in the unit tested that had we not been told it was assembled in Kulim and not Korea, it would have been mistaken for a CBU model. But then again, this was the same positive impression that the Atos Prima gave – everything was screwed on tightly and gaps were consistent. Sure, the number of parts sourced locally are still minimal at this time but we have seen some other models using imported parts which are poorly assembled. Anyway, JD Power’s surveys have shown that the Atos built at the Kulim plant has been improving in quality and rated tops in its class in initial quality so it’s not just a subjective impression. Related article: Inokom to assemble fourth model in 2006 Talk about the new Getz in the MTM Forum Looking for a used Hyundai? Check out our used car database which is updated weekly