Getz you noticed...

RIGHT, let's get the quibbles out of the way - and there aren't many. First of all is the name. Getz? What does that mean? Great word for headline puns, but when people in the pub say ''What car is that?'' the inevitable ''Oh, I suppose it Getz you from A to B'' can wear a bit thin!

But you can live with that. The one thing I would have difficulty living with is the driving position. The car on test was the Getz 1.1 GSi five-door which, at £7,495, comes well-equipped and offers a height-adjustable steering wheel.

But, a fairly flat non-adjustable seat cushion and high-set pedals left me as a six-footer struggling for leg support. Moving the seat back to compensate had my poor short arms stretched out straight.

My partner Lynne, who is six inches shorter, also drove the car and reported the same difficulty, although more expensive models in the Getz range do have driver's seat height adjustment.

That aside, this is a pretty good car and boasts tremendous interior space for its size. It represents the Korean manufacturer's first foray into the supermini sector and comes with the added bonus of the UK's first five-year unlimited mileage warranty. So what's it like to live with?

Has it got style?

Boasting a high roof line, the Getz has attractive if somewhat unadventurous styling with large areas of glass giving it an airy feel. I particularly liked the distinctive rear lights which shine with a classy dimpled effect.

Interior comfort

The aforementioned driving position aside, the Getz really scores for interior space. There is good head, leg and shoulder room for four with room for a fifth at a squeeze in the back.

There are head restraints in the back (although these can impede rear visibility when parking) and the backs of the rear seats adjust to give more space in the boot.

The view out is good thanks to the large areas of glass, although it can be difficult to judge just where the bonnet ends when parking. There are plenty of cupholders and even a hook behind the rear seat for your shopping bag.

Another big plus point is the simple MPV-style fold-and-tumble mechanism for the rear seats which allows more boot space to be created quickly for those bigger-than-expected buys at the local DIY store.

Behind the wheel

The driver gets a stylish, aluminium-ringed instrument panel which is clear and easy to read.

All the major controls are to hand, although the fiddly wiper stalk on the left and the indicators on the right caused me to make turns with the wipers going full blast on more than one occasion. One other gripe: the CD/radio. It sounded fine on the move but once you turn off the engine it bleeps at you to remove the front panel, place it in a little box and take it away with you. Fine for deterring thieves, but fitting the thing back on isn't that simple and I wonder how durable it will be in the long run.

On the road

The Getz is a doddle to drive, with a light clutch, slick gearchange and nicely-weighted steering.

The 62bhp SOHC 1.1-litre engine is no ball of fire and can sound a bit vocal under acceleration. But anticipation of the road ahead and judicious use of the gear lever will maintain brisk progress. Around town it is nippy and manoeuvrable, along country lanes the secure grip and anti-lock brakes inspire confidence and on the motorway it can cruise happily at the legal maximum.

On the school run

With bags of interior space, loading up the kids is easy and there are child anchor holders and ISOfix lower anchor points to ensure child seats are held securely in place.

The boot is fine for taking all the shopping and can be opened or closed with one hand for those returning heavily laden. Parking is helped by wide door mirrors and the car's high seating position and compact shape, but those rear head restraints and the invisible end-of-bonnet do make an element of care necessary.

Technical data

Engine: 1086cc SOHC Epsilon 12-valve generating 62 bhp at 5,500 rpm. 0-62 mph in 16.1 sec, top speed 93 mph.

Economy: 39.2 mpg urban, 56.5 mpg extra urban, 48.7 mpg combined.

Brakes: Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution.

CO2 emissions: 138 grammes per kilometre.

Standard equipment: Includes CD player, power steering, electric front windows, driver and passenger airbags and three three-point seat belts in the rear.

Warranty: Five-year manufacturer-backed unlimited mileage.

Price: £7,495.

Conclusion

The Getz is roomy and practical supermini with a great warranty.

It does most things well and without fuss. For me the driving position let it down, so make sure you take a test drive.

An extra touch of class....

THE Hyundai Getz supermini now has a full range of smart and stylish accessories to help customers to give their new purchase a personal touch.

On the outside, customers can choose reversing sensors, headlamp protectors, fog lights, front and rear mudflaps, a silver grille mesh, a sunroof, cycle carriers, towbar, alloy wheels on 14-inch rims and ski and snowboard carriers.

There is also a range of roof storage boxes large enough for skis.

Moving inside, owners can choose a leather steering wheel, sill guards, dog guard and carbon effect dash trim.

Also on offer is an in-car DVD system with back-of-headrest monitor and headphones, which is fully removable for use in the home. A satellite navigation system from market leaders VDO Dayton is also available.

Updated: 11:08 Friday, April 11, 2003