In conjunction with what was effectively the re-launch of the Genesis G80 the South Korean premier brand has released its all-new G70 sports sedan.
Styling of the G70 is similar to that of the G80 but is smaller in all dimensions: 300mm in length, 80mm lower; 40 mm narrower and with a 175 mm shorter wheelbase. All models get the Genesis crest grille with sleek LED headlights and integrated daytime running lights.
Inside the cabin is just as luxurious as its larger, more expensive sibling with soft touch materials throughout, aluminium and stainless steel trims, together with suede Nappa leather upholstery.
While the G80 is powered by a 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine the more contemporary G70 comes with a choice of two turbocharged petrols, a single-turbo four-cylinder 2.0-litre and twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6.
Each engine comes with the choice of three model grades and so a total of six variants: 2.0T; 2.0T Sport; 2.0T Ultimate; 3.3T Sport; 3.3T Ultimate; and 3.3T Ultimate Sport.
Sport grade adds styling changes, Ultimate adds features while both are in the Ultimate Sport.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The smaller of the two engines on offer, the 2.0 T-GDi, is a 2.0-litre four with direct fuel injection and a single, twin-scroll turbocharger that produces 179kW of power at 6200 rpm and 353Nm of torque from 1400 to 3500 revs.
The 3.3 T-GDi V6 has a capacity of 3.3 litres with direct fuel injection with twin single-scroll turbochargers. Peak power of 272kW comes in at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 510Nm between 1300 and 4500 rpm.
Both engines are and both are Euro5 emissions compliant and run on 95 RON unleaded petrol. 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.
SAFETY
Genesis G70 2.0T comes with seven airbags and 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 ISOFIX child seat anchors in the outer rear seats.
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 in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 high-performance tyres, mechanical limited-slip differential, and special Sport styling elements.
INFOTAINMENT
Display is through an embedded 8.0-inch capacitive touch screen monitor with features that include 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.
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.
If you decide to purchase a new Genesis you’ll need to adapt to the evolving on-line marketing and sales environment because neither G70 nor G80 will be on display at a dealership.
Instead there are a couple of options. You can go to a Genesis Studio and walk around and sit in the car although at this stage there is only one Studio, located at Pitt Street in the Sydney CBD with others to be opened starting next year in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Alternatively as part of the company’s ‘Genesis To You Concierge Service’ a test drive car can be brought to potential buyers as well as a handover delivery for new purchases.
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 it.
DRIVING
G70 provided excellent levels of comfort and convenience for the driver with multiple powered seat and lumbar adjustment options including inflatable side bolsters are automatically raised when the Sport Drive Mode is engaged, and just as important for long-distance driving, lowered when re-set to Comfort.
Genesis G80 and G70 have been tested on a range of surfaces in this country to come up with an Australian-specific chassis, suspension and steering settings.
The 3.3T models also get an enhanced Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension that feature continuously variable dampers.
G70 comes with five drive modes: Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom settings.
We only had a brief drive in the G70 2.0T and will look at getting into one – as well as the G80 – as early as possible for our usual extended test. Our early impressions were positive with the same level of comfort that we found in the G80 but, given that it’s a much newer model, a better range of new technology.
The steering is sharp, tight and responsive. There is good low-end acceleration without a hint of turbo lag.
Fuel consumption is listed at 8.7 L/100 km from the 2.0T engine and 9.0 with the 3.3T.
SUMMING UP
The G70 has already grabbed some important kudos having been named the 2019 North American Car of the Year while, for the second year in a row, the Genesis brand was placed first in the J.D. Power 2019 US Initial Quality Study among all automotive brands.
These are certainly positive signs for the new brand as it breaks into the Australian market. Our first experience has been impressive and we look forward to having another serious contender in the affordable premium car field.
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 prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact Genesis directly for drive-away prices.
