Four-star safety option for Hyundai Getz

Hyundai's Getz has been mildly facelifted for the 2009 model year. The facelift is limited to a new grille, but -- more importantly -- the new Getz also features an upgraded specification to go with the facelift.

All models are now equipped with Bluetooth audio and the exterior colour range has been revised. The Bluetooth audio system has already been reported by the Carsales Network (more here) and the changes to the exterior colour range boil down to two new colours, Light Green metallic and Tango Red metallic -- optional for $320, as are other metallic paints.

Both grades of the Getz are now offered with a 'Protectz' pack option, which differs according to the level of trim specified. In the case of the base Getz S, the Protectz pack brings the 1.4-litre variants' safety features up to the same level as the standard Getz SX -- with standard ABS/EBD, stability control and traction control.

For the Getz SX, the Protectz pack comprises dual side-impact airbags to protect front-seat occupants' thorax region and an audible alert for the seatbelt fastening. With these features added, the higher-specification Getz attains a four-star rating, according to ANCAP crash-safety testing.

Hyundai has moved pricing upwards by $350 for the 1.6-litre Getz SX, but pricing for the basic 1.4-litre Getz remains just below $14,000. That extra cost for the Getz SX reflects the standard inclusion of stability control and traction control for the larger-displacement models.

The Getz S three-door manual continues to fill the role of the entry-level model, priced at $13,990. $1000 extra will get you two extra doors (Getz S five-door manual, $14,990). Positioned upmarket of the Getz S, the Getz SX three-door manual variant kicks off at $15,340 and the five-door is -- once again -- $1000 steeper ($16,340). Automatic transmission is a $2000 option for all variants and the Protectz pack is priced at either $1290 for the Getz S or $550 for the Getz SX.

The upgrade for the Getz more or less coincides with the Hyundai notching up 100,000 sales in Australia. The sales achievement is something unaccomplished by any light car nameplate in Australia, according to Hyundai. It's possible that Holden might argue that point -- although that company's Barina model has been variously built in different guises and by different companies in South Korea, Spain and Japan since 1985. Still, the nameplate itself hasn't changed...

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