Genesis introduced the G70 sedan in 2017. In the same year Kia launched the Stinger liftback. The two cars are or were essentially the same under the skin, employing the same platform and drivetrains.
Genesis added the Shooting Brake in 2021, a posh English term for a station wagon that harks back to the horse and buggy days.
Sadly, Kia dropped the Stinger in 2023, due to falling demand worldwide, it says.
Targeted at the European market, the Shooting Brake remains a fascinating option, considering the overwhelming competition from SUVs.
The latest upgrade in November, 2023 added Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Genesis Connected Services and Over The Air (OTI) updates.
STYLING
The latest iteration of the G70 sedan and wagon is offered in one highly equipped Sport Line grade, with the Shooting Brake priced from $81,000 plus on-road costs.
A new look Genesis badge sits on the bonnet, with dark 19-inch alloys, dark chrome accents and quilted leather trim with patterned aluminium inserts and sports style pedals.
Choose from 13 colours, including three matte finishes and new gloss hues Vatna Gray and Kawah Blue.
There’s the usual array of equipment you’d expect in a luxury car and plenty of safety gear to go with it. The front seats are power-adjust, heated and cooled and the tailgate is also electrically operated.
A new 6.0-inch climate control touchscreen boosts the hi-tech image while providing a simple user interface.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel also scores a new badge along with a new multifunction switch. New Fog Grey leather upholstery completes the updates, joining the Obsidian Black and Sevilla Red leather interiors.
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) informs the driver of the current speed limit based on a combination of navigation data and road sign recognition (using the windscreen-mounted camera.)
In addition, the system can assist the driver to change the set speed during Smart Cruise Control (SCC) or Manual Speed Limit Assist (MSLA) driving.
If the system recognises a speed limit change during the operation of SCC or MSLA, a corresponding increase or decrease speed message is displayed in the cluster and on the Head-Up Display, prompting the driver to update the set speed using the +/- SCC steering wheel buttons.
Although the cabin fit out is attractive in a classic sense and should perhaps remain so, separate instrument and infotainment screens date the car.
A traditional rounded binnacle houses the 12.3-inch instrument cluster while a separate, free-standing 10.25-inch touchscreen serves infotainment. The instrument cluster recognises the driver’s eyes through a cluster mounted sensor and presents the display in 3D without the need for special glasses.
It’s the little things that count and Shooting Brake comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with private usage, complimentary servicing for the first five years or 50,000km, roadside assist (10 years if serviced by Genesis) and concierge and courtesy vehicle service for five years.
INFOTAINMENT
The infotainment system provides Bluetooth with multiple connectivity, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, built-in satellite navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity — both wired.
A 660 watt, 15-speaker Lexicon by Harman audio system is standard.
There are four USB ports, single USB-A and USB-C in the front and two more USB-C in the rear, plus a 180W 12V outlet in the centre console and wireless phone charging.
The latest generation of Genesis Connected Services (GCS) comes with a complimentary five-year subscription and includes automatic collision notification and SOS call.
Over The Air (OTA) software updates are supported, allowing software and firmware updates to be performed remotely, without the need to visit a service centre.
SAFETY
The G70’s five-star safety rating expired in December, so technically the car is unrated. However, the list of safety features is long and compelling, including 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).
In Genesis parlance AEB translates to Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which recognises cars, pedestrians and cyclists, with Junction Turning collision avoidance designed to mitigate the risk of collision when a driver is turning right across the path of oncoming traffic.
There’s also head-up display, high beam assist, blind spot warning, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, driver inattention monitor, adaptive cruise control and more.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 179kW of power at 6200 rpm and 353Nm of torque from 1450-3500 rpm, with drive to the rear wheels through an in-house eight-speed conventional automatic.
DRIVING
Shooting brake is a driver’s car benchmarked against the best that Europe has to offer. Twin parabolic body lines accentuate the flare of the wheel arches and define the classic European shape.
An aerodynamic rear spoiler appears to float above the new single-piece glass hatch, completing the sleek coupe-inspired profile.
The Sport Line Styling Pack enhances the impression with 19-inch twin five-spoke dark finish alloy wheels and dark chrome accents. The Pack adds to this with sport interior quilting, sport-style swirl patterned aluminium trim inserts and sports pedals.
Stylish the Shooting Brake certainly is, but the wagon sits low and for those of us not getting any younger getting in and out is a chore.
Although it’s got more room in the boot, rear legroom is still limited and a point of negotiation with those in the front.
Cargo capacity is 465 litres, compared with 330 litres for the sedan.
If you want the wagon you’re stuck with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, although we’d hardly describe its performance as an imposition. It produces 179kW of power at 6200 rpm and 353Nm of torque from 1450-3500 rpm, with drive to the rear wheels through an in-house eight-speed conventional automatic.
There are five drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Custom which control throttle response, gear shift points and steering weight.
In manual mode, using the steering wheel mounted paddles, the transmission rev matches on down changes.
In Sport+ the seat bolsters move in to hug you tighter in corners. But be careful because this mode disables the traction and stability control systems, and in a rear-wheel drive car like the G70 the back could step out if you’re not careful — with disastrous results. Better to play it safe unless you know what you’re doing.
The pricey, but grippy, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres are staggered, with 225/40s at the front and 255/35s at the rear. The spare is a space saver, albeit with an alloy rim.
Throttle response is gratifying and the Shooting Brake should have more than enough performance for most drivers.
With launch mode, the dash from 0-100km/h takes 6.4 seconds and a limited slip rear diff is fitted for maximum traction.
Steering is sharp, tight and responsive and the black Brembo stoppers with red logo are first rate. The ride is firm, there’s no mistaking it after swapping from a family-style SUV.
You can have some fun in this car. The theme of the instrument panel is linked to the drive modes. The 3D effect is most pronounced in Eco mode and that’s encouraging to see.
With a 60-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 9.1L/100km and it takes premium 95 unleaded.
The trip computer showed a long-term average of 10.3L/100km after close to 5000km. We were getting 9.2L/100km after our 513km. Pretty close.
Amazingly, the head-up display in our test vehicle was visible through polarized sunglasses.
If Genesis can get it right, why is it so hard for the rest of them?
SUMMING UP
As much as we love the look of the Shooting Brake and particularly the way it drives, the window of opportunity for these old bones has closed.
It offers more space than the sedan, but rear legroom is still tight and getting in and out is just too damned hard.
It is however a bargain compared to the astronomical prices the Euros are demanding for wagons.
Let’s hope Genesis persists.
RATINGS:
Looks: 8
Performance: 7.5
Safety: 8
Thirst: 7
Practicality: 7
Comfort: 7.5
Tech: 8
Value: 8
Overall: 7.6
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
G70 Shooting Brake 2.0T RWD, $81,000
G70 Sedan 3.3Ti RWD, $88,000
Note: This price does not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your Hyundai local dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Capacity: 2.0 litres
Configuration: In-line 4 cylinder, turbocharged
Maximum Power: 179 kW @ 6200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 353 Nm from 1450-3500 rpm
Fuel Type: Premium 95 unleaded
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 9.1 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 211 g/km
DRIVELINE: Eight-speed automatic, RWD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4685 mm
Width: 1850 mm
Height: 1400 mm
Wheelbase: 2835 mm
Kerb weight: 1699 kg
Turning circle: 11.0 m
Fuel tank: 60 l
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc with 4-piston Brembo Monobloc fixed calipers
Rear: Ventilated disc with 2-piston Brembo Monobloc fixed calipers
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
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