For Hyundai, the Getz has been its premium hatch in India. Poor marketing support have scuppered the chances of what would have otherwise been an ideals large hatch to upgrade to. It’s a no-nonsense hatch with good ride quality, good build and decent driving dynamics to assist. It won’t be seen dead on a Saturday night drag, but as a family wagon it ticks the right boxes. Hyundai’s efforts to rescue this hatch have been too little and perhaps too late. Last year they introduced the 1.1 to help the Getz’ 1.3’s fuel economy woes, but that hasn’t been as successful as one expected, thanks to a price tag that’s put it out of the reckoning. Hyundai tend to offer great deals on this hatch and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to give it a look, even though the i20 is round the corner.
It’s been around for nearly two and a half years but the civic refuses to age. It space age interiors and flamboyant exteriors continue to excite and entice people, so what if the competition has started chipping away at some of its market share. With the big digital dial for a Speedo and paddle shifters for the auto, the civic offers novelty value that no other car in its class can boast of. The 1800cc i-VTEC has good shove and if you give it some stick, you will be pleased by what you get. Handling is decent for its class, while ride is a bit stiff. Rear seat comfort lacks good back support with its awkward low seating, but you won’t complain about lack of legroom for sure. If you care about the environment, Honda will also offer you the hybrid, with its 1300cc petrol engine mated to an electric motor. A facelifted version is imminent and expects it sometime in the first-half of 2009.
