Hyundai Getz

1.6-litre, five-speed manual
Three-door hatchback
Price: $14,490

Best features

• Handling 
• Pricing 
• Build and finish quality 
• Performance

Hyundai’s greatest strength is a commitment to small car affordability, which results the award-winning edge for Getz in 2005. The Korean manufacturer is among the best in the business at keeping prices lean and minimising the ongoings for budget-blinkered buyers.

The company’s top-selling three-door Getz is a standout on stemming losses at resale time, and for its feats in running and repair costs.

Even though Getz now gets along with a bigger 1.6-litre engine, its gearbox has been changed to keep fuel economy at a penny-pinching 6.2l/100km for its manual version. And time and again that five-year new car warranty has stitched up a sale.

Hyundai’s focus on the fiscal hasn’t compromised the standard features afforded to the Getz. This version gains rear disc brakes, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), active front head restraints and wheel-mounted audio controls.

Despite an improved layout and the usual creative use of cabin space, Getz drops off the pace in design and function. Blame its mediocre showing in independent crash tests, and consequently the ABC safety scores.

In a category well known for its noise levels and buzzy engines, Getz is gifted at dismissing din, while its cosseting ride is a rung above for bump absorption. However, in other on-road assessments and for seat comfort Hyundai is back among the pack.

Last year’s winner, the Ford Fiesta, is still the champ for dynamics but, increasingly, a chump for noise suppression.

The Fiesta remains a stirring driver’s device that transcends its peers. However, small car buyers rate those qualities low and Fiesta fails to match Getz’s advantages in value and the functionality on offer elsewhere.

Cost cutting has gifted an older model with a second chance. A third placing for the 2005 Volkswagen Polo Club is testament to its original outstanding design and surprisingly modern dynamics. Its weaknesses include a measly 1.4-litre powerplant and a penchant for premium unleaded petrol. Otherwise, this is a worthwhile alternative. In fact, its scores for build quality, security, environment and handling are as good as it gets in this class.