70 Genesis G2020 Review: 2.0T Sport

Just like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda (and almost Mazda) did in the 80s and 90s, Hyundai created the luxury nameplate in the late XNUMXs, knowing its core brand wasn't resilient enough to reach the top tier of luxury. , occupied by well-established players.

Initially paired with the badge, the Hyundai Genesis launched globally as a separate sub-brand in 2016, while the G70 compact sedan we review here was launched locally in mid-2019.

It sits next to the G80 limousine in the current Australian lineup. The GV80 full-size SUV is coming soon, followed by the G90 mega-prime sedan, and likely to be followed by a series of GT models.

So, what is the entry point to South Korea's first real turnaround in the luxury goods market? Read on to find out.

Genesis G70 2020: 2.0T Sport
Safety Rating
engine's type	2.0 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	9l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$48,600

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

Priced at $63,300 before road expenses, the 2.0T Sport sits on the second rung of the Genesis G70 ladder and falls into a hornet's nest of respected and well-established competitors, all within striking distance of the $60k bracket.

Cars like the Audi A4 40 TFSI Sport ($61,400), BMW 320i M Sport ($68,900, $300), Jaguar XE P65,670 R-Dynamic SE ($300), Lexus IS 66,707 F Sport ($200), Mercedes-Benz C65,800 ($206), VW Arteon. 67,490 TSI R-Line ($605) and Volvo S64,990XNUMX R-Design ($XNUMXXNUMX).

Quite a roll call and you'd expect a competitive list of standard features to help this premium newcomer stand out. And the first impression is beautifully finished “leather” seats with heating and 12-way adjustment (and lumbar support in XNUMX directions) for the driver and front passenger. Leather on the center console, center dashboard and steering wheel, as well as stainless steel door sills and sports pedals.

The 8.0-inch touchscreen supports MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as satellite navigation (with real-time traffic updates) controlled by voice recognition.

According to Genesis, the center console, including the 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen and climate control system, is oriented towards the driver at a 6.2-degree angle.

Real aluminum door handles and alloy trim on the center console are uplifting, as is the 7.0-inch digital center instrument display and Qi wireless charging pad (Chi).

The list includes dual-zone climate control, a nine-speaker audio system (including a pair of under-seat subwoofers and a digital radio), keyless entry and start, heated and power outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and rain-sensing wipers. Genesis Connected Services smartphone app that allows you to remotely connect to various on-board functions.

Things like remote engine start/stop, door lock/unlock, hazard warning light control, horn control and climate control (including defogger). It will also connect you to everything from car location (via GPS) and parking time (with alert) to fuel finder.

The car's headlights are LED, as are the DRLs and taillights, "Smart boot" offers hands-free operation, and this Sport variant is fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber.

Car headlights are LED.

A mechanical limited-slip differential, sporty exterior and interior styling cues, sporty instrumentation, and a Brembo braking package capable of stopping a bull elephant (details in the Driving section) are also standard. 

There are many active and passive safety technologies (detailed in the Safety section), and ownership gives access to the Genesis Lifestyle program, including benefits such as Lifestyle Concierge and Global Privileges, which include travel and emergency medical assistance. The glass sunroof "Panorama" (like on our car) costs $2500.

It's a pretty good-looking fruit basket that goes well with the segment's content and entry-price of the 2.0T Sport.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

The Genesis G70 is a product of the Hyundai Genesis Design Center in Namyang, South Korea, which until recently (April 2020) was led by Belgian design guru Luc Donkerwolke.

After working for Peugeot, VW Group (Audi, Skoda, Lamborghini, Seat and Bentley) and moving to Hyundai and Genesis in 2015, Donkerwolke pushed his team in a decidedly European direction with this car.

Always a subjective opinion, but I see elements of the BMW 3 Series on the front fenders and hints of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the rear, in a modern, well-proportioned and relatively conservative look.

A dark chrome mesh grille accentuates the edginess of this sporty model, and the same finish is applied to all the bright metal surfaces and trim around the vehicle.

Huge gills on either side of the nose form part of an "air curtain" system that reduces turbulence in front of the front wheels, while lower diffuser vents further smooth out aerodynamic performance by venting air trapped behind the rear bumper. The drag coefficient (Cd) is 0.29 on super slippery surfaces.

At the back, I see elements of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Black 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels heighten the sense of intent, while crisp character lines on the sides of the car emphasize the G70's agile posture. The car thickens noticeably towards the rear, with chunky hips drawn into a sharply tapering roof profile (both plan and sideways) and a boldly raised trunk lid spoiler.  

Our test car's bright "Mallorca Blue" metallic paint is the result of a new method that Genesis says "separates fine, evenly distributed aluminum particles and bright colors, increasing brightness." It is working. 

Inside, the main impression is quality, and the materials and attention to detail are more than up to class standards.

The meticulously sculpted leather sports front seats feature white contrast stitching and piping on the fronts, as well as sporty ribbed trim on the center panels.

Layered instrument panel trim emphasizes the car's width, while a wide center console flows seamlessly into a simple console between the seats.

Real alloy details, including door handles and console trim pieces, create a premium feel, while the dual-tube instrument cluster with a sleek 7.0-inch digital display between the main dials is a nice touch.

Inside, the main impression is quality, and the materials and attention to detail are more than up to class standards.

According to Genesis, the center console, including the 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen and climate control system, is oriented towards the driver at an angle of 6.2 degrees (rather than 6.1 or 6.3).

The only downside is that central media screen, which stands out, but not necessarily in a good way. Perfect from a functional standpoint, it prides itself on the dashboard and looks like a belated design.

The Genesis isn't alone in choosing the simpler, more economical route (Mazda, I'm looking at you), but it upsets the balance of the artfully crafted interior layout.

How practical is the interior space? 6/10

At around 4.7m long, over 1.8m wide and exactly 1.4m high, the G70 sits on par with its main compact luxury competitors. But within that square footage, the 2835mm wheelbase is generous, so you'd expect a roomy cabin.

And up front, easy access, plenty of room and well thought out storage space, with a pair of huge center console cupholders sitting right in front of a large lidded bin (using the armrest) between the seats. . The glove box is a good size (and includes a pen holder) as well as large door shelves with space for bottles.

Beautifully trimmed with "leather" front seats are heated and electrically adjustable in 12 parameters.

The connectivity/power options work with a 12V (180W) power supply, an 'aux-in' jack, and a USB-A input next to the 'Qi' wireless charging pad in a lidded compartment under the main heating and ventilation controls. The center compartment also has a USB-A charging port.

But in the back everything becomes more comfortable. Sitting in the driver's seat, set up for my 183 cm (6.0 ft) height, legroom is OK, but my head hits the ceiling and toe room is cramped.

Shoulder room is ample for adults on a short trip, but the center seat is definitely a short straw position. If rear space is a priority, you're better off in the G80.  

Behind the space becomes a little cozier.

The fold-down center armrest houses two cupholders, mesh pockets on the backs of the front seats and small door drawers. Large checkmark for adjustable air vents and optional USB-A outlet.  

Cargo space is small, with just 330 liters (VDA) available, although the 60/40 folding rear seat frees up more space when needed. There are hooks for fastening, and the hands-free "smart boot" is comfortable (or not?).

The towing capacity is 1200 kg for a trailer with brakes (750 kg without brakes) and the spare part saves space.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

The G70 Theta-II four-cylinder petrol engine is an all-alloy, 2.0-liter direct-injection unit with D-CVVT variable valve timing (inlet and outlet) and single twin-scroll turbo.

It also incorporates a "Variable Intake-Charge Motion" VCM system to improve the mixing of airflows within the cylinder to improve low- and mid-range torque, as well as combustion efficiency and fuel consumption. 

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops 179 kW/353 Nm of power.

It produces 179 kW at 6200 rpm and 353 Nm at 1400-4000 rpm, with rear-wheel drive via an eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and a (manual) limited slip differential.

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How much fuel does it consume? 6/10

Claimed fuel economy for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 8.7 l / 100 km, while the G70 emits 205 g / km CO2.

In a week with the car in a mix of urban, suburban and freeway conditions (including enthusiastic B-road driving), we recorded an average consumption of 11.8L/100km, which, despite some short but enthusiastic back road rides, is less than stellar. . 

The minimum fuel requirement is 95 octane premium unleaded gasoline and you will need 60 liters of this fuel to fill the tank.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

The Genesis G70 received the highest five-star ANCAP rating in 2019 and has an impressive array of active and passive safety technologies on board.

To help avoid a crash, expected features such as ABS, EBD, BA, as well as stability and traction control are included, as well as more recent innovations grouped under the heading "Genesis Active Safety Control".

"Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist" in Genesis parlance for AEB uses a forward radar sensor and a windshield camera to track vehicles and pedestrians, alert the driver and, if necessary, brake at speeds of 10-180 km/h. 

At speeds above 60 km/h, the system is also capable of detecting an oncoming vehicle when you cross the center line in its direction.

Other features include Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Warning, Auto High Beams, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Active Cruise Control (with Stop and go"), an emergency stop signal. and tire pressure monitoring.

At parking speeds, there's also forward and backward distance warning and a reversing camera (with guide lines).

But if, despite all this, an impact is unavoidable, seven airbags are included (driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger side [thorax and pelvis], driver's knee and full-length side curtain).

An "active hood" feature automatically flips the hood away from its trailing edge in the event of a pedestrian collision to minimize injury, and the rear seat has three top child pod/child restraint mounts with ISOFIX mounts in the two extreme positions.

The Roadside Assistance Kit includes a rechargeable flashlight, reflective safety vest, gloves, rain cover, tire changer mat, hand sanitizer and hand towel. Not to mention the first aid kit and warning triangle.

The "Genesis Connected Services" smartphone app also provides access to "Emergency Assistance" (sends alert messages to Genesis Customer Service or family/friends) and "Emergency Assistance" (keeps a data log during an accident for insurance claims).

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 10/10

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and Genesis leaves no stone unturned in its aftermarket offering.

It is not easy to take away owners from established premium brands and this ownership package is hard to beat. 

All G70s come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is in line with the pace of the segment, but that's just the start.

Now add free scheduled maintenance for five years/50,000 km (including "Genesis To You" pickup and delivery) with a free replacement car (service interval is 12 months/10,000 km, by the way), five years 24/7 road service days a week. Assist and a five-year subscription to Genesis Connected Services.

On top of that, you'll get a sat nav plan that has five years of map updates free, extending to 10 years, as long as the car is serviced by an authorized Genesis "studio".

In addition, you get a free two-year subscription to the Genesis Lifestyle Program, including benefits such as Lifestyle Concierge and Global Privileges including travel and medical assistance.

Even before you buy a car, the brand offers a test drive service with home delivery. Then, when you decide to proceed, the online assembly and ordering process goes hand in hand with a "fixed price, no haggling" experience. and after you signed up on the dotted line, there is a delivery service. Wow! 

What is it like to drive? 8/10

Insert "Sport" into the name of a car and you clearly expect driving to be exciting and enjoyable, and this G70 lives up to expectations.

But wait. We're not talking super performance sedans. Rather, the G70 2.0T Sport's suspension settings, the readiness of its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission give it a pleasingly sporty edge without failing.

For example, using the launch control feature provides a 5.9-second 0-100 km/h sprint, which is not a hover, but 1.5 seconds (and about $100) off the ballistic pace of a Merc-AMG C 63 S sedan.

Peak torque of 353 Nm is solid, and that maximum number is available from just 1400 to 4000 rpm. So mid-range performance is punchy when you want it, but the twin-scroll single turbo does a great job of delivering smooth power in less aggressive mode.

And the accompanying soundtrack is rough enough, but some will be disappointed to learn that the G70's "Active Sound Design" system is based on actual engine intake and exhaust noise with synthesized sound from the audio system. Boo, hiss...

The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts gears quickly but smoothly, especially in manual mode with paddle shifters. The rev match when downshifting is hilarious. 

Suspension is MacPherson struts at the front and a five-link system at the rear, and the G70 benefits from local chassis tuning, including suspension settings and steering calibration, developed thousands of miles across various surfaces in the city, country. , and everything in between.

The Sport version combines high-performance dampers as well as 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (225/40 fr - 255/35 rr), but the ride balance is superb.

The Sport version is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels.

Weighing in at just over 1.6 tons, the G70 2.0T Sport isn't a heavyweight, but it's not quite a lightweight either, but it does feel well-balanced and responsive on fast B trails. Under the heading of occasional niggles, lane-keep assist is pretty aggressive, 

The electric steering rack and pinion handles nicely, providing good grip on the front wheels. The leather-wrapped sports steering wheel itself feels great too.  

The brakes are all Brembo with monobloc calipers (four-piston front, two-piston rear) sitting on large ventilated discs (350mm front - 340mm rear). The pedal is confidently progressive, the system decelerates consistently without causing sweat.

Knowing the quality of the G70's competitors, Genesis says it prioritizes minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness, and despite stiffer dampers and low-profile tires, the G70 remains quiet and comfortable, with only sharp city bumps and dips frustrating it. self-control (but never to an alarming degree).

The carefully sculpted driver's seat feels stiff at first, but it holds you up well and remains comfortable on long rides. All controls are nicely laid out and the multimedia interface is simple and intuitive to use.

And once you reach your destination, the Genesis Connected Services smartphone app is ready to provide you with a range of available data, including driving analysis (driving style, scores), green driving (fuel savings), safe driving (fast speed). acceleration/hard braking), driving history (driving distance, driving time), vehicle condition check (defects detected by type, time, date), as well as tire pressure and battery status.

Verdict

Rewarding rusty premium brand loyalists from their brand of choice is a tough task, but Hyundai's commitment to the Genesis is substantial and long-term. And instead of making a timid "first attempt" to crack the small-to-mid-size luxury sedans segment, Genesis gave it a head start. The G70 2.0T Sport is competitive in terms of price, performance, quality, safety, and the ownership package is amazing. Sport is fun to drive, but while the drivetrain is fine-tuned, it falls short of its fuel-efficiency goal, and practicality isn't a strong point. Has he done enough to get ahead? No, but it's a great package that confidently mixes it with the best of them.