G70 Genesis is a surprising saloon. Along with the GV70, Genesis has managed to produce something quite special for an outstanding price.
TO LISTEN TO THE G70 RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
At the heart of the G70 is a 3.3L twin turbo V6 petrol engine that produces a healthy 274kW and 510 Nm from a low 1300 rpm. This drives the rear wheels through an eight speed Sports AT and selectable drive modes. It’s good for a 0-100kmh time of 4.7secs and top speed of 270kmh.
Figures alone only tell half the story. The level of comfort and luxury experienced while blasting along the freeways rivals many European models that cost up to $40,000 more. Better than some as well.
Like all sedans this size the rear seat leg room is tight but overall there is plenty of room for larger occupants.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the G70 and it’s definitely worth a drive if you’re looking for a smaller European Sedan.
This is a Motoring Minute
Im Rob Fraser
What is good? |
What is not so good? |
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Also Look At
- Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio
- Audi S4 Auto quattro
- BMW M340i xDrive
- Jaguar XE
- Kia Stinger 3.3 GT
- Lexus IS IS350 F Sport
- Mercedes-Benz CLA35 AMG
- Peugeot 508 GT Auto
- Volkswagen Arteon 206TSI R-Line
Model |
Genesis G70 Sport Luxury |
| Model Price | $75,876 MLP* plus $10,000 Luxury option pack and $2000 matte paint |
| Engine | 3.3L V6 Twin Turbo Petrol |
| Drivetrain | RWD 8 Sp Sports AT |
| Power | 274kW @ 6000rpm |
| Torque | 510Nm @ 1300-4500rpm |
| 0-100kmh/Top Speed | 4.7 Secs / 270 kmh |
| Safety | 5 Star ANCAP (Tested 2018) |
| CO2 Emissions | 238 g/km |
| Economy ADR/ Capacity | 10.2L/100km / 9.5L/100K on test / 60L |
| Servicing | 12 Mths / 10,000km 5YR.50,000 free service |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km with 5 Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
G70 Overall Rating |
90/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 10 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 9 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 8 |
| Style / appeal | 9 |
| Technology / connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 10 |
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Genesis has managed to build their medium size range the G70 and GV70 with a distinct sporty character and personality.
Driving the G70 was a pleasure. Here is a sub 5 second 0-100kmh RWD sports saloon that is packed with luxury and safety features and engaging to drive.
G70 3.3T Sports Luxury Exterior.
First up it looks really stylish.
From the front the new Quad lamp LED headlights frame the sleek Genesis grill with lower side air inlets. The bonnet slopes downwards and inwards to enhance the sleekness.
Headlights are excellent as is auto high beam.
The profile shows an almost coupe style with a longer front section and short boot area, showcasing the sporty nature.
Boot is highlighted by the boot lip spoiler, twin exhaust tailpipes and subtle badging.
Love the matte white colour that contrasts beautifully with the black 19 inch alloy wheels, low profile tyres and red brake calipers. Front and rear tyres are different sizes so rotation is an issue. There is also no full size spare as you would expect.
G70 3.3T Sports Luxury Interior.
The vehicle we drove as the 3.3T has the sports pack as standard and it had the $10,000 luxury pack included. It’s worth it.
First impressions are of the stark contrast of the Sevilla Red leather interior and the matte white exterior. Stunning and subtle.
Seats are exceptionally comfortable with heating and ventilation. Sports adjustments to wings and squab means that they hug you tight when needed. There is no massage function though, but I’m getting fussy.
Because I’m tall and the seat and steering wheel are back, and I’m larger than the average bear, the “B” pillar intrudes a little on entry and exit. Steering wheel does move forward a touch when the engine is turned off. It’s also is in the way for over the shoulder checking for lane changing.
Thankfully Genesis, (and Hyundai and Kia) have fixed that problem with the in dash camera that appears when the indicators are activated. Excellent and clever idea.
Having said that the overall visibility is good, with angled “A” pillars minimising any blind spot there. Reversing camera is excellent.
In front of the driver is an electronically adjusted, heated thick leather steering wheel that frames the driver instruments perfectly. Twin dials with configurable MFD between seems to be the normal design these days. The drive mode select display appears here as well.
Central console and stack area is well laid out. Decent size console bin, twin cupholders, with transmission lever and drive mode select and more situated close at hand.
In front at the bottom of the central stack is a place for wireless charging of phones, however as there is not wireless Car Play connectivity, it’s a little awkward when a cord is attached and there isn’t any other area other than cupholders to store the phone when connected that way.
The 10.25 inch central screen works a treat, clear to read and within easy touch distance.
The HUD is clear to read and doesn’t polarise out as much as others with sunglasses on.
Rear seats are comfortable, more for two people, but with taller driver up front the leg room is severely restricted, a problem with all cars this size.
Boot space is adequate and access reasonable. Folding rear seats in a 4/2/4 configuration greatly adds to the practicality. Boot opens automatically by standing behind the car. I’ve always been a wagon fan and Genesis do a shooting brake version. That would be cool but it’s not the 3.3t version unfortunately.
Genesis G70 3.3T Features
It’s absolutely packed with features, especially the Luxury pack version. That’s probably enough explanation.
Rather than repeat a heap of text here its best if you go to the Genesis website HERE and look for yourself.
Genesis G70 3.3T Engine and drivetrain
As described above the G70 has a 3.3L V6 twin turbo petrol engine. It’s responsive from as low as 1,300 rpm and when sports mode is selected it is quick, very quick.
It can however become very thirsty when pushed, but worth it for the performance.
G70’s 3.3-litre turbo V6 powertrain is paired with a new active variable exhaust that brings an enhanced exhaust tone in the normal drive mode as well as a power increase to 274kW.
The variable exhaust is linked to G70’s drive modes and generates even more theatre when Sport or Sport+ modes are engaged. Active variable exhaust profiles can also be selected for the user’s custom drive mode.
Genesis has added the Sport+ Drive Mode to increase engine responsiveness and throttle sensitivity, as well as engaging enhanced gearbox logic, and turns the traction control off.
Sport+ in 3.3T variants also calls on a track mode suspension setting that tightens body and roll control to an engaging and dynamic level.
G70 3.3T Sports Luxury Safety
An expanded Genesis Active Safety Control package now includes the following systems in addition to an already extensive suite of advanced driver assistance technologies:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA – Car/Ped/Cyc) – now with Junction Turning function (FCA-JT)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (BCA-R)
- Blind-Sport View Monitor (BVM)
- Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Surround View Monitor (SVM)
- Multi Collision Brake (MCB)
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
- Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
Some thoughts
- The rear RCCA system works a treat with both visual, audible and tactile warnings before it brakes.
- The LFA I switch off every time I drive.
- Unfortunately the Adaptive Cruise control function can’t be switched off to allow normal cruise control.
- The in dash blind spot cameras are an excellent design and safety function.
Genesis G70 3.3T – some little everyday things
Luxury pack option is a must buy option.
Seats are really very comfortable, especially in sport mode. But no massage function.
Driver ergonomics are excellent.
Heated rear seats, heated and electronically adjustable steering wheel and sensor power opening boot are all appreciated luxuries.
Windscreen washer has wide spread and efficient.
Wireless charging tray for phones is good but no wireless CarPlay connectivity somewhat negates this.
Auto high-beam headlights has almost perfect calibration. I never got flashed once while driving and the illumination spread and depth is spot on. No separate fog lights though.
No full size spare tyre and different sizes tyres front and back would be a pain.
Not being able to select the radar function for the cruise control is frustrating.
Folding rear seats adds to the versatility of the boot area but would love a liftback for more practicality.
Genesis G70 3.3T Final thoughts
I actually really like the G70.
It looks stylish and sporty.
Inside it is luxurious and comfortable.
Is fun and engaging to drive, especially in 3.3T format.
Is a perfect size for two people.
And it is outstanding value.
Considering that it would cost a buyer anywhere between $20,000 – $45,000 extra to buy a Mercedes Benz CLA35 AMG or BMW M340i xDrive that comes close to the performance and equipment levels of the G70, you would have to question the sanity of such a purchase. Is it pure brand snobbery?