My Getz GLS(1.3 Ltr) is a 2004 model car and I bought this car a month back for a reasonable price. This is my first long trip in this car between Chennai - Bangalore and back.
First impression: Not one of the best looking cars from outside but much better once inside the car, the interiors are far better than some new age hatchbacks and Hyundai has done a good job with respect to space utilization as well, driver and passenger seats are comfortable with ample leg room for all.
Drive: Left Chennai at 6:30 PM and filled the tank to check mileage. Getz lacks initial pick-up but has a good mid-range and top-end speed. As many will know NH-4 Chennai-Bangalore highway is one of the best and this car is known for its driving pleasure, honestly the car comes alive on the highway. I managed to do a max speed of 165 KMPH at a few stretches and there was no issues what so ever with the car. It was stable at high speeds and stable in corners as well. This highway has a lot of fly-overs and a few sweeping bends I managed to take a few bends at 110 kmph. This is brilliant considering the fact that I was diving a 6 year old car. Noise level inside the car is bare min and its got a pretty powerful AC as well. Suspension is superb and you barely feel a thing when you go over a small speed bump of a pot hole.
Fuel consumption: Citi - 11 - 12.5 KMPL depending on traffic. Highway: Chennai to B’lore 15 KMPL.(I was constantly above 100 KMPH) so if one is careful and can keep to between 80-100 KMPH I’m sure you can get better mileage. but hey with a car that drives so well I just did not bother about mileage.:)
Tips: keep the front tire pressure at 30 or 31 and the rear tire at 33 PST you’ll see a jump in performance as well as mileage, this is the recommended tire pressure by Hyundai(see the running board on the driver’s side).
I plan to install Iridium spark plugs with will help my mileage and initial pick-up.
I plan to install an after market filter(HSK, K&N, Cosworth filters).
Verdict: Can’t wait for my next long rive.