Used Hyundai Getz Hatchback 2002 - 2009 review

While other superminis rely on clever tricks and gimmicks to attract customers, the Getz concentrates on providing as much space and as much kit for as little cash as possible.

The Getz is very roomy for four people, and there's a large, well-shaped boot to accommodate their luggage. It's jam-packed with equipment, and you'll get more than the average supermini gives you for less money.

The cabin isn't quite up to European standards of build, but Hyundai has closed the gap in quality between itself and its competitors. Some interior panels do feel a bit cheap and flimsy, but it's not that far behind overall.

The drive is geared towards comfort rather than fun, with a soft, supple ride coming at the expense of sharp, fun handling. There's plenty of grip, but the car leans in corners and the engines are focused on economy rather than performance.

Even the youngest examples in a high spec can be picked up for considerably less than buyers will pay from new, and when you consider the amount of car you get for your money, the Getz is a real bargain.

Running costs are pretty good, too, if not spectacular for the class. Early versions of the 1.1 return 48.7mpg and sit in group 3 for insurance, while later versions of the 1.1 improved fuel consumption to 51.4mpg.

The low-powered diesel gives the best consumption at 62.8mpg, and while the oil burners are the costliest versions to insure, they're still very reasonable at group 5. The old 1.6-litre petrol gives the worst fuel economy, and even that isn't bad at 44mpg.

Servicing the Getz won't be particularly cheap, though. Even the more desirable cars in the class, such as the Honda Jazz, cost less to maintain.

There are lots of petrol engines to choose from, depending on what age of car you're considering. Originally, a 1.1, 1.3 and 1.6 were offered, and we like the 1.1 best. It has just 62bhp, but performance is okay and it's extremely lean on petrol.

Later on, the 1.3 and 1.6 units were binned in favour of a 95bhp 1.4. This engine was the sweetest yet, but not as frugal as the 1.1.

Two versions of a 1.5-litre diesel engine were also sold, one with 87bhp and the other 109bhp. Both give excellent fuel economy, but neither is very quick.

Early cars were offered in GSi or CDX trim. All come with power steering, a CD player, anti-lock brakes and electric front windows, while CDX cars also has air-con, side airbags, remote central locking and powered rear windows. Later examples all have air-con, while newer CDX cars also get alloy wheels. And, given how cheap they are, you might as well go for the CDX.