If you decide to purchase a new Genesis you’ll need to adapt to the on-line marketing and sales environment – because there are no regular dealerships.
Instead there are a couple of options. You can go to a ‘Genesis Studio’ in Sydney where you can walk around and sit in the car. Alternatively the ‘Genesis To You Concierge Service’ has a test drive car that can be brought to you.
Once the car has been purchased there will be a concierge pick-up and delivery for scheduled servicing with a complimentary courtesy car to replace yours.
All Genesis models get a five-year unlimited kilometre standard warranty along with 50,000 km complimentary scheduled servicing for the first five years; five-year roadside assist and satellite navigation map upgrades.
STYLING
Big and bold at the front with particularly neat cutouts for the extra lights G70 is almost coupe-like at the rear although not to the extent of making entry to the back seats a problem. The kick up at the tail was approved by all our regular car-lover contacts.
Inside, the upholstery treatment wasn’t to all tastes. Those looking for something out of the ordinary should arrange to have a sit in the Genesis (see previous notes on how this can be rather complicated).
The dash area works well, with large dials that are easy to see at a glance. However, the central infotainment display almost looks like an add-on.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Genesis G70 comes with a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines, a single-turbo four-cylinder 2.0-litre and twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6.
The 2.0 T-GDi, has a single twin-scroll turbocharger that produces 179 kW of power at 6200 rpm and 353 Nm of torque from 1400 to 3500 revs.
The 3.3 T-GDi V6 displaces 3.3 litres with direct fuel injection and two single-scroll turbochargers. Peak power of 272 kW comes in at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 510 Nm with a nice spread between 1300 and 4500 rpm so most owners will have the engine at peak torque all the time.
Both engines require 95 RON petrol, which is seriously overpriced at many service stations. Combined fuel consumption is listed at 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres for the 2.0T and 10.2 L/100 km for the 3.3T.
Power is transferred to the road in both models through an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
INFOTAINMENT
Display is through an embedded 8.0-inch touchscreen that gives access to Radio Data System (RDS), satellite navigation SUNA live traffic updates; DAB+ digital radio; AUX / USB audio input; Bluetooth audio streaming; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto2 compatibility; Bluetooth phone connectivity; and wireless phone charging.
The G70 Ultimate models also get a premium audio with a 15-speaker Lexicon by Harman system.
SAFETY
Genesis G70 2.0T uses the Genesis Active Safety Control suite that includes Blind-Spot Collision Warning; Driver Attention Warning; Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection and lane-change oncoming function; High Beam Assist; Lane Keeping Assist; Rear Cross-Traffic Warning; Smart Cruise Control; Forward/Reverse Parking Distance Warning; Rear View Monitor with parking guidance; Tyre Pressure Monitoring and
The G70 3.3T models also get Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control while all Ultimate variants come with a Surround View Monitor.
Sport versions add a Brembo brake package, 19-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 high-performance tyres, mechanical limited-slip differential, and special Sport styling elements.
Seven airbags and IsoFix child seat anchors in the outer rear seats are there in case things still go wrong.
DRIVING
The Genesis G70 provides excellent levels of comfort and convenience for the driver with multiple powered seat and lumbar adjustment options including inflatable side bolsters that are automatically raised when the Sport Drive Mode is engaged, and just as important for long-distance driving, lowered when re-set to Comfort.
Both Genesis models have been tested on a range of surfaces in this land Downunder to come up with an Australian-specific chassis, suspension and steering settings. G70 has five drive modes: Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom settings.
Around town it’s like driving in a smallish limousine; smooth, quiet and comfortable, as is often the way it’s at its best in Comfort rather than Sport setting because it still has plenty of grunt on offer.
On the open road we went for Sport, where the steering is sharp, tight and responsive. There is good low-end acceleration with only a mild hint of turbo lag.
SUMMING UP
Our week long experience in the Genesis G70 impressed us with its styling and driving pleasure. It’s a solid contender in the affordable premium-car field, although it’s doubtful that potential prestige car buyers see the South Koreans in the same light as the Brits and Germans.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
G70 2.0T: $59,300
G70 2.0T Sport: $63,300
G70 2.0T Ultimate: $69,300
G70 3.3T Sport: $72,450
G70 3.3T Ultimate: $79,950
G70 3.3T Ultimate Sport: $79,950
Note: These are driveaway prices. For further purchasing information go to www.genesis.com.
SPECIFICATIONS (Genesis G70 3.3-litre turbo-petrol four-door sedan)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 3.342 litres
Configuration: V6
Maximum Power: 272 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 510 Nm @ 1300 rpm
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 10.2 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 238 g/km
DRIVELINE: Eight-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4685 mm
Wheelbase: 2835 mm
Width: 1850 mm
Height: 1400 mm
Turning Circle: 11.0 metres
Kerb Mass: 1719 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
