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A commitment to small car affordability is Hyundai's greatest strength and hands the Getz its award-winning edge for 2005.
The Korean manufacturer is among the best in the business at keeping prices keen and minimising the ongoings for budget-blinkered buyers.
The company's top-selling three-door Getz is a standout on stemming losses at resale time and for its feats in running and repair costs.
Even though Getz now gets along with a bigger 1.6-litre engine, its gearbox has been changed to keep fuel economy at a penny-pinching 6.2 litres /100km in manual versions.
And time and again that five-year new car warranty has stitched up a sale.
Included in Hyundai's focus on the fiscal, Getz has stocked up on standard features. This version gains rear disc brakes, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution, active front head restraints and wheel-mounted audio controls.
Despite an improved layout and the usual creative use of cabin space, Getz drops off the pace in design and function. Blame its mediocre showing in independent crash tests, and consequently the Australia's Best Cars safety scores.
In a category well known for its noise levels and buzzy engines, Getz is gifted at dismissing din while its cosseting ride is a rung above for bump absorption.
However in other on-road assessments and for seat comfort Hyundai is back among the pack.
Last year's winner, the Ford Fiesta is still the champ for dynamics but, increasingly, a chump for noise suppression.
The Fiesta remains a stirring driver's device that transcends its peers. However small car buyers rate those qualities lowly and Fiesta fails to match Getz's advantages in value and the functionality on offer elsewhere.
Cost cutting has gifted an older model with a second chance. A third placing for the 2005 Volkswagen Polo Club is testament to its original outstanding design and surprisingly modern dynamics.
Its weaknesses include a measly 1.4-litre powerplant and a penchant for premium unleaded petrol. Otherwise this is a worthwhile alternative. In fact its scores for build quality, security, environment and handling are as good as it gets in this class.
Top 5
 Hyundai Getz, Ford Fiesta LX, VW Polo Club, Suzuki Swift, Honda Jazz VTi

Previous Results
2007 - VW Polo TDI
2006 - VW Polo TDI
2005 - Hyundai Getz
2004 - Ford Fiesta
2003 - Hyundai Getz
2002 - Renault Clio Expression
2001 - Hyundai Accent GL
2000 - Hyundai Accent GL
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