Hyundai hatchback as good as it Getz

By ALASTAIR SLOANE motoring editor

Hyundai executives are getting together over the next few days to sign off the marketing programme for the Getz, the Korean carmaker's new three-door hatchback that goes on sale here in about 10 days.

They are not expected to approve a hugely expensive advertising campaign like the nearly $10 million Hyundai Australia is spending - the sales potential obviously isn't there.

But they do believe the strategy they have for the new car will boost Hyundai sales and help it to claw back some of the market share it has lost.

A few years ago Hyundai Automotive New Zealand regularly cut itself out an annual slice of more than 4 per cent, most of it in fleet sales.

So far this year it has 2.1 per cent of the passenger car market and 1.1 per cent of the commercial - an overall share of 1.9 per cent.

Used imports and cheaper new cars from rival Koreans and mainstream Japanese and European makers have eaten into Hyundai's share. It needs the $17,990-$20,990 Getz to kickstart sales in the last quarter of this year.

Hyundai general manager Philip Eustace has started the bidding. 'It is an extraordinary motor car," he said.

"It will give its competitors a true run for their money.

"Not only is it priced at about $4000 less than the Holden Barina and Toyota Echo and $500 less than the 5-door Honda Jazz, it has specifications that set it apart as a class leader."

New Zealand gets the same Hyundai models as Australia these days, under a head office rationalisation programme.

The Getz was unveiled at the Geneva motor show last March and has since received widespread acclaim.

It was penned at Hyundai's design studio in Germany, where it is aimed at competing with the Opel Corsa (rebadged Barina), Peugeot 206 and Volkswagen Polo.

It is roughly the same length and width as the Barina but has a higher roofline and offers a roomy, versatile interior.

Four GL models - three- and five-door - will be available, each powered by the 12-valve 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine from the Accent, developing 60kW at 5800rpm and 116Nm of torque at 3200rpm and mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.

All four have the same overall dimensions and wheelbase - and share 60-40 split-folding rear seats for a flat load area.

The seats also tumble forward. There are plenty of pockets, and front passengers have three cupholders, one of which doubles as a removable ashtray.

The front seatbelt mounts on the door pillar are height-adjustable and there are three child-restraint anchors in the back.

Brakes are front discs and rear drums. Equipment includes dual airbags, electric windows, CD player, air-conditioning, electric mirrors and optional anti-lock brakes.