Genesis G70 Review 2021
Test Drive

Genesis G70 Review 2021

After an early identity crisis when the name was used under the Hyundai banner, Genesis, the Hyundai Group's luxury brand, launched globally as a standalone company in 2016 and officially arrived in Australia in 2019.

Seeking to disrupt the premium market, it offers sedans and SUVs at provocative prices, teeming with technology and loaded with standard equipment. And its entry-level model, the G70 sedan, has already been updated.

Genesis G70 2021: 3.3T Sport S roof
Safety Rating
engine's type3.3 L turbo
fuel typePremium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency10.2l / 100km
Landing5 Places
Price from$60,500

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


Billed as a "sporty luxury sedan," the rear-wheel-drive G70 remains the starting point in the Genesis brand's lineup of four models.

With the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Jaguar XE, Lexus IS, and Mercedes C-Class, the two-model G70 lineup starts at $63,000 (excluding travel expenses) with a 2.0T four-cylinder engine. to V6 3.3T Sport for $76,000.

Standard equipment on both models includes auto-dimming chrome mirrors, a panoramic glass sunroof, touch-sensitive front door handles, LED headlights and taillights, a large and powerful wireless charging pad (capable of accommodating larger devices), leather. -customized interior trim (including quilted and geometric pattern inserts), 12-way electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats (with 10.25-way lumbar support for the driver), dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, rain sensor wipers, 19-inch multimedia touch screen, exterior (interior) lighting, satellite navigation (with real-time traffic updates), nine-speaker audio system and digital radio. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and XNUMX" alloy wheels.

In addition to a more powerful V6 engine, the 3.3T Sport adds "Electronic Suspension", a dual muffler, an active variable exhaust system, a Brembo brake package, a limited slip differential and a new "track-oriented" "Sport+" drivetrain. mode. 

The $4000 Sport Line Package for the 2.0T (comes with the 3.3T Sport) adds dark chrome window frames, black G Matrix air vents, dark chrome and black grille, sport leather seats, suede headlining. , alloy pedal caps, aluminum interior trim, limited slip differential and Brembo brake package, and 19-inch sports alloy wheels.

The Luxury Package, available on both models for an additional $10,000, provides safety and convenience, including Forward Warning, Intelligent Forward Lighting, Acoustic Laminated Windshield and Front Door Glass, and Nappa Leather trim. , suede headlining, electronic steering wheel adjustment, 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, head-up display, 16-way electric driver's seat (with memory), heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, power liftgate and 15-speaker Lexicon premium audio. "Matte Paint" is also available for both models for $2000. 

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10


Genesis calls its current design direction "Athletic Elegance". And while it's always subjective, I think this car's sleek exterior lives up to that ambition.

The distinctive, effortless G70 update is dominated by narrow "two lanes" with split headlights, a larger "crest" grille (filled with "G-Matrix" sport mesh) and 19-inch alloy wheels now standard on both models. perfectly complement the protection.

The new nose is balanced by similar quad-bulb taillights, as well as an integrated trunk lip spoiler. The V6 has a massive twin tailpipe and body-color diffuser, while car watchers should look out for the driver-side-only pair of tailpipes on the 2.0T.

This cabin feels truly premium, and while you can spot the basics of an outgoing car's dashboard, it's a big step up.

Not as overtly technical as the Merc or elaborately styled as the Lexus, it looks mature without being boring. The quality in terms of materials and attention to detail is high.

The standard partial leather upholstery is quilted for the high end, and the new, larger 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia display looks sleek and easy to navigate. 

The highlight of the optional "luxury package" is a 12.3-inch XNUMXD digital instrument cluster.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10


At around 4.7m long, just over 1.8m wide and 1.4m high, the G70 Sedan is on par with its A4, 3 Series, XE, IS and C-Class competitors.

Within that square footage, the wheelbase is a healthy 2835mm and front space is generous with plenty of head and shoulder room.

Stowage boxes are located in a lid/armrest box between the seats, a large glove box, two cupholders in the console, a sunglass compartment in the overhead console, and baskets with space for small and medium bottles in the doors.

Power and connectivity options include two USB-A ports (only power in the storage box and media connection on the front of the console), a 12-volt outlet, and a larger, more powerful Qi (Chi) wireless charging pad capable of handling large devices.

In the back, things get more complicated. The doorway is relatively small and awkwardly shaped, and at 183cm/6ft, it was not easy for me to get in and out.

Once inside, the outgoing model's shortcomings remain, with marginal headroom, barely adequate legroom (with the driver's seat set in my position), and cramped legroom.

In terms of width, you're better off with two adults in the back. But if you add a third, make sure it's light (or someone you don't like). 

There are two adjustable air vents on the top for good ventilation, as well as a USB-A charging port, mesh map pockets on the back of each front seat, two cup holders in the fold-down armrest, and small door bins. .

Rear passengers received adjustable air vents. (Sport Luxury Pack 3.3T variant shown)

Trunk volume is 330 liters (VDA), which is below average for the class. For example, the C-Class offers up to 455 litres, the A4 460 litres, and the 3 Series 480 litres.

That's enough for a super size Cars Guide a stroller or two of the largest suitcases from our three-piece set, but no more. However, the 40/20/40 folding rear seat opens up additional space.

Trunk volume is estimated at 330 liters (pictured is the 3.3T Sport Luxury Pack option).

If you want to hitch a boat, wagon or horse platform, your limit is 1200kg for a trailer with brakes (750kg without brakes). And the light alloy spare tire saves space, which is a plus.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10


The G70 engine lineup is fairly straightforward; a choice of two petrol units, one with four cylinders and a V6, both with rear-wheel drive via an eight-speed automatic transmission. No hybrid, electric or diesel.

Hyundai Group's 2.0-liter Theta II four-cylinder engine is an all-alloy unit with direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing (D-CVVT) and a single twin-scroll turbocharger delivering 179 kW at 6200 rpm. , and 353 Nm in the range of 1400-3500 rpm.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 179 kW/353 Nm. (pictured is the 2.0T Luxury Pack option)

The 3.3-litre Lambda II is a 60-degree V6, also all-aluminum construction, with direct injection and D-CVVT, this time paired with twin single-stage turbos delivering 274kW at 6000rpm and 510Nm of torque. . from 1300-4500 rpm.

The modest 2.0 kW power increase for the V6 comes from changes to the dual-mode variable exhaust system. And if this combination of engines sounds familiar, check out the Kia Stinger, which uses the same powertrains.

The 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine develops 274 kW/510 Nm of power. (Sport Luxury Pack 3.3T variant shown)




How much fuel does it consume? 7/10


The official fuel economy rating for the Genesis G70 2.0T according to ADR 81/02 - urban and extra-urban - is 9.0 l/100 km, while the 2.0-liter turbo engine emits 205 g/km CO2. By comparison, a 3.3T Sport with a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 consumes 10.2 l/100 km and 238 g/km.

We did city, suburban, and freeway driving on both machines, and our actual (dashed) 2.0L/9.3km for the 100T and 11.6L/100km for the 3.3T Sport.

Not bad, with what Genesis claims is an improved "Eco" coasting feature in the eight-speed automatic that probably helps.

The recommended fuel is 95 octane premium unleaded petrol and you will need 60 liters to fill the tank (for both models). So the Genesis numbers mean a range of just under 670 km for the 2.0T and about 590 km for the 3.3T Sport. Our actual results reduce these figures to 645 km and 517 km respectively. 

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


The Genesis G70 was already highly secure, earning the highest five-star ANCAP rating in 2018. But this update puts even more emphasis on it, as a new standard active tech has been added to "Forward Collision", including the ability to "turn the junction". Avoidance Assistance System (in Genesis parlance for AEB) which already includes detection of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Also new are "Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist - Rear", "Safe Exit Warning", "Blind Spot Monitor", "Lane Keep Assist", "Surround View Monitor", "Multi Collision Brake", " Rear Passenger Warning. and Rear Collision Avoidance Assistance.  

This is in addition to existing collision avoidance features such as Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Smart Cruise Control (including Stop Forward function), Hazard Signal stop, parking distance warning (forward and reverse), reversing camera (with prompts) and tire pressure monitoring.

If all that doesn't stop the impact, passive safety measures now include 10 airbags - driver and passenger front, side (thorax and pelvis), front center, driver's knee, rear side, and a side curtain covering both rows. In addition, the standard active hood is designed to minimize injury to pedestrians. There is even a first aid kit, a warning triangle and a roadside assistance kit.

In addition, there are three top child seat anchorage points on the rear seat with ISOFIX anchorages at the two extreme points to securely attach child capsules/child seats. 

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? 9/10


All Genesis models sold in Australia are covered by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, at this stage in a premium segment only matched by Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. 

Other big news is free scheduled maintenance for five years (every 12 months/10,000 km) plus 24/XNUMX roadside assistance for the same period.

You will also receive free navigation map updates for five years, and then 10 years if you continue to have your vehicle serviced at the Genesis Center.

And the icing on the cake is the Genesis To You program with pickup and drop-off service. Good.

What is it like to drive? 7/10


Hyundai claims that the 2.0T sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, which is very convenient, while the 3.3T Sport reaches the same speed in just 4.7 seconds, which is quite fast.

Both models have a launch control feature to allow you to reach those numbers reliably and consistently, and each makes maximum torque at less than 1500 rpm, the average hit is healthy.

G70 points nicely. (Sport Luxury Pack 3.3T variant shown)

In fact, you really need that extra V6 traction under your right foot because the 2.0T delivers snappy city response and comfortable highway driving with enough headroom for confident overtaking. 

However, if you're an "enthusiast" driver, the 3.3T Sport's raucous induction noise and growling exhaust under load is a step up from the quad's less dramatic sound.

Hyundai claims the 2.0T sprints to 0 km/h in 100 seconds. (pictured is the 6.1T Luxury Pack option)

Like all Genesis models, the G70's suspension has been tuned (in Australia) for local conditions, and it shows.

The setup is strut front/multi-link rear and both cars ride great. There are five driving modes - Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Custom. "Comfort" to "Sport" in the V6 immediately adjusts the standard adaptive dampers.

The 3.3T Sport accelerates to 0 km/h in 100 seconds. (Sport Luxury Pack 4.7T variant shown)

The eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission operates smoothly, while the steering wheel-mounted manual paddles with automatic downshift matching increase traction. But while these self-shifts are quick, don't expect the dual clutch to be instantaneous.

Both cars turn well, although the electric power steering, while far from silent, isn't the last word in terms of road feel.

G70 suspension adapted to local conditions. (pictured is the 2.0T Luxury Pack option)

Standard 19-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in performance-oriented Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (225/40 fr / 255/35 rr) that provide an impressive combination of refinement and grip.

Hurry into your favorite side road turns and the G70, even on Comfort settings, will remain stable and predictable. The seat also starts to hug you and everything seems well buttoned.

The 2.0T's 100kg curb weight advantage, especially with lighter weight compared to the front axle, makes it more nimble in fast transitions, but the standard 3.3T Sport limited-slip differential helps cut power even more efficiently than a four-cylinder car.

Hurry into your favorite secondary road turns and the G70 will remain stable and predictable. (pictured is the 2.0T Luxury Pack option)

Braking on the 2.0T is handled by 320mm ventilated discs up front and 314mm solid rotors in the rear, with all corners clamped down by single-piston calipers. They provide ample, progressive stopping power.

But if you're thinking about switching to the 3.3T Sport for towing or off-road fun, the standard Brembo braking package is more serious, with large ventilated discs all around (350mm front/340mm rear), four-piston monobloc calipers up front and two. - piston units at the rear.

Both models run great. (Sport Luxury Pack 3.3T variant shown)

When it comes to ergonomics, the layout of the Genesis G70 is simple and intuitive. Not a big blank screen like a Tesla, Volvo or Range Rover, but easy to use. It all makes sense thanks to the smart mix of screens, dials and buttons.

Parking is easy, with good visibility to the ends of the car, a quality reversing camera and a nifty rear light that provides extra information as you navigate tight spaces and gutters.

Verdict

It's hard to tear owners away from well-known premium brands, and Genesis is still in its infancy. But there's no doubt that the performance, safety and value of this refreshed G70 will impress those willing to consider something other than the usual midsize luxury car suspects. Our choice is 2.0T. Enough performance, all the standard safety technology and a quality feel for a lot less money.

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