GENESIS G70 SHOOTING BRAKE 2.0T [245] Sport 5dr Auto

The Genesis G70 Shooting Brake is a rare but interesting mid-sized sports estate. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

If you'd like a premium badged mid-sized sports estate that's just that little bit different, Genesis would like you to consider this G70 Shooting Brake. It's beautifully built, surprisingly sporty, good to look at and very nice to ride in. And there's a class leading customer service promise. Interested yet?

Background

To succeed, Korean maker Genesis has to create premium products that are just that little bit different. Well this is different - a bit anyway; the G70 Shooting Brake. 'Shooting Brake' is a term the industry occasionally uses for a sportily styled estate, usually mid-sized like this one. There's only one other similarly badged car on the market, the Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake, which will probably be seen as this Korean car's most obvious competitor. This more versatile G70 body style is a newer design than the G70 saloon and, unlike that sedan, this estate variant has been engineered exclusively for the European market, the only place where it will be sold. That's allowed the Genesis brand's German-based engineers to create a ride and handling balance much better suited to the preferences of our continent. Sounds promising.

Driving Experience

Other Genesis models for Europe aren't much changed from those that must plough the billiard-smooth highways of the Middle East or the Americas, but this one has suspension and steering bespoke-designed for European roads. You'll have to pay more if you want all the tools developed at the Nurburgring to make it perform like a proper fast German-brand premium sports estate; stuff like a limited slip differential, uprated Brembo brakes, a sports exhaust and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. But if you can stretch to a variant with all these things, you'll find it a surprisingly enjoyable steer. The engine range at present is quite restricted and, surprisingly, ignores all of the hybrid powertrain tech that Genesis had access to through the Hyundai Motor Group. An EV version may be along shortly but to start with, there are just two very conventional four cylinder units; a 2.2-litre diesel with 197bhp. And a 2.0-litre petrol variant with either 194bhp or 241bhp. The latter delivers a sub-6.5 seconds 0-62 mph sprint time. All must use the usual Genesis 8-speed auto gearbox. The whole confection is based on the underpinnings of the Kia Stinger, but unfortunately, our market doesn't get that car's potent 3.3-litre V6 turbo petrol unit.

Design and Build

In its own way, the G70 Shooting Brake is quite a striking-looking thing, with European styling touches, sweeping C-pillars, a floating rear spoiler and a neat set of split tail lights. There's also a large G-Matrix grille and the kind of low line bonnet you usually get with the longitudinal engine and rear wheel drive format this car employs. As the name suggests, what's on offer here is part-hatch and part-estate, with a dash of coupe thrown in. As with all current Genesis models, the cabin's quite appealing too. You get rich materials, the expected big centre screen and, with the optional 'Innovation Pack', clever 'stereoscopic' 3D digital instruments on a 12.3-inch display that offers rear camera images when you indicate left or right. The same pack also gives you a head-up display. The seats are broad and comfortable. The rear part of the cabin could do with a bit more legroom. But the 465-litre boot is decently shaped and when the rear bench is folded extends to 1,565-litres. That's 55-litres more than you get in a BMW 3 Series Touring. And 135-litres more than the G70 saloon.

Market and Model

Think in terms of a premium of around £1,800 over the G70 saloon. Shooting Brake prices start at just over £35,000 for the 2.0-litre petrol version - or from around £38,000 for the 2.2-litre diesel. Either way, there are three trim levels - 'Premium', 'Luxury' (around £1,600 more) and 'Sport' (around £4,000 more). These prices are comparable with the entry-level figures for cars like Audi's A4 Avant, BMW's 3 Series Touring or the Mercedes C-Class Estate, but with those models, you'll need to spend a lot more to get a comparable level of equipment to that fitted with the G70 Shooting Brake. Just about everything you can imagine is fitted as standard. Genesis doesn't have a network of UK dealerships. Instead, everything is done via so-called Genesis 'Studios' - which will be shopfronts in upmarket shopping centres. One has already been opened in London and others will follow. But you don't have to go to one of those. You simply connect with Genesis online, then you'll be allocated your own Genesis Personal Assistant who'll take you through the sales process, from test drive to delivery - and they'll deal with after-care as well. This Assistant isn't won't be salaried on commission as an ordinary car salesperson would be, so you won't get any hard sell.

Cost of Ownership

In 2.2-litre diesel form, this G70 Shooting Brake is reasonably economic - quoted at 40.7-41.8mpg on the combined cycle with a CO2 best of 175g/km. With the 2.0-litre petrol engine, those readings fall to 31.6-33.1mpg, with a CO2 best of 193g/km. Insurance is rated at either 32A-39A for the petrol and 37A to 38A for the diesel. Every Genesis is covered by a 5 year Care Plan which includes scheduled servicing for 5 years or 50,000 miles. With each service visit, Genesis will collect and return the car to your door. This also applies to any necessary work required, including warranty work. You simply contact your Genesis Personal Assistant to make it happen. Who can also arrange a courtesy car. The 5 year Care Plan also includes updates to in-car navigational maps. And there's complimentary subscription to Genesis Connected Services, which will allow you to access information services from your 'phone to digitally enhance your ownership experience.

Summary

Genesis is shooting for the stars in this segment with this estate, the stars in question primarily being the BMW 3 Series Touring, the Audi A4 Avant and the Mercedes C-Class Estate. To be frank, more realistic targets in this class lie with models like the Volvo V60 and the Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake. Maybe also, if you're being very left-field, Subaru's Levorg and the Peugeot 508 SW PSE. All these models are pretty desirable, but for a small select group of potential customers in this class, this G70 Shooting Brake might prove to be more desirable still. It looks good, handles well and is beautifully finished inside. An equally big draw will be the class leading level of customer service back-up. And relatively affordable prices. In the demerit column lies not particularly stellar levels of efficiency from the two conventional engines. To succeed, Genesis needs to produce more slightly quirky cars like this. We think the right kind of buyer might quite enjoy this one.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Laminated front side glass

Automatic window defogger

Aero blade wiper

Windshield acoustic film

Auto up/down windows

Rear door glass + backlite glass (solar + privacy)

Windshield glass + front door glass (solar with sun blind + solar)

Brakes

Black brake calipers

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

ABS + ESC + HAC + MCB (Multi Collision Brake)

Brembo premium brakes

Front brake ventilated disc 345mm

Rear brake ventilated disc 330mm

Chassis/Suspension

Electronically controlled suspension

Communication

Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition

eCall emergency call system

Driver Aids

Electric power steering

Front parking sensors

Lane Following Assist (LFA)

Highway Driving Assist (HDA)

Forward Collision Avoidance Assist Junction Turning (FCAJX)

Intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA)

Blind spot collision avoidance assist rear (BCA-R)

Manual speed limit assist (MSLA)

Lighting backup guidelines

Rear view camera with dynamic guidelines on screen

Lane keeping assist (LKA)

SCC smart cruise control with stop and start

Drive mode integrated control

Rear parking sensors without button

Rack and pinion mounted motor driver power steering (MDPS)

ISG with AMS 2

Driver Convenience

Wireless phone charger

Electric rear tailgate opening

Electronic chromatic mirror with HOMELINK

Driver Information

Trip computer

Low washer fluid warning

8" Dashboard cluster TFT display

10.25" navi screen + DAB radio + phone mirroring + genesis connected

Driving Mirrors

Body coloured door mirrors

Electrochromic outside rear view mirrors

Outside electrical folding rear mirror

Electrochromic inside rear view mirror

Outside rear mirrors electrical adjustment + heated

Embellishment Trims

Leatherette dashboard

Aluminum sport dark stripe pattern

Engine

Battery saver

Shift by wire - E shift

Entertainment

Steering wheel audio remote control

1x USB front

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured side sills

Body coloured bumpers

Body coloured outside door handles

Sport appearance

Black painted dual rear muffler and chrome coating

Rear side wing doors

Rear spoiler with high mounted stop lamp

Beltline in satin finish

Insulated hood

Active hood system

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights with dusk sensor

LED daytime running lights

Side repeater lamp in exterior mirrors

LED rear combination lamp

LED rear stop light

LED rear fog lamp

Puddle lamps with logo

LED position lamp

Dual front LED low and high projection headlamps with high beam assist

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Console ventilation duct

Front air condition with dual zone adjustment

Premium air filter

PTC heater

Premium charcoal cabin filter

Air purification (PM sensor)

Interior Features

Luggage net

Heated steering wheel

Leather gear knob

Luggage net with hooks

Central armrest

Paddle shifter

Front cup holders

Driver and passenger seat back panel with pocket

Drink holder at centre armrest

Console storage box

Front power outlet

Metallic pedals

USB charger console inside (1port)

Perforated leather with metal grain steering wheel

Ion plated interior door handle

Backlight flash heated + timer

Floor mounted pedal

USB rear charger console outside (2ports)

Interior Lights

LED luggage compartment lighting

Overhead console LED lamp with sunglass case & mood lamp

Room LED lamp in 2nd row

Foot lamp in front

Front and rear courtesy lamp reflector

Safety

Rear door child safety locks

Tyre pressure monitoring system

3x3 point rear seat belts

Driver knee airbag

Front center side airbags

Dual shell horn

Rear seat alert without sensors

Front thorax and pelvis + rear thorax + side curtain (ff/rr) airbag

Driver and passenger depowered airbag

Upper and lower rear Isofix child anchor

Forward collision avoidance system (car/pedestrian/bicycle)

Seats

Heated front seats

Driver's seat electric height adjustment

Height adjustable passenger seat

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

2nd row heating floor output

Driver and passenger electric seat adjustment

4 way mechanical electric lumbar support for driver

Front passenger seat

Up/down rear headrest adjustment

4 way manual headrest adjustment for driver and passenger

2nd row remote folding seats

Security

Smart key/button start

Central door lock driver's control

Immobilizer + deadlock

Towing

Tow hitch receiver

Transmission

Limited slip differential

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sliding sunvisor

Driver and passenger illuminated LED sunvisor

Driver and passenger vanity mirrors

Wheels

Michelin tyres

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 69

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 199

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 296

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 301

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 188

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 194

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 160

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 166

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 187

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 196

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 200

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 193

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 86

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 86

CC: 1998

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 21.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - High: 38.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 32.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 32.5

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 21.7

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 21.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 34.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 33.1

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 38.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 38.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 34.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 32.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 33.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 32

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 13.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 7.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 8.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 13

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 13.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 8.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 8.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 7.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 7.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 8.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 8.8

General

Coin Series: Sport

Coin Description: T[245]

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 5

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 39A

Service Interval Mileage: 6500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 76

NCAP Safety Assist %: 88

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 245

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.4

Top Speed: 146

Engine Power - BHP: 245

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 180

Engine Power - RPM: 6200

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 260

Engine Torque - NM: 353

Engine Torque - RPM: 1450

Engine Torque - MKG: 36

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 255/35 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DARK SPUTTERING DESIGN B

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4685

Width: 1850

Wheelbase: 2835

Width (including mirrors): 2086

Height: 1400

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1727

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2175

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 60

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 448

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 403

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1535

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Exterior Body Features

Electric sunroof

Pearlescent paint

Metallic paint

Special solid paint

Two tone Pearl/metallic paint

Matt paint

Debadging option

Packs

Lexicon audio system pack - G70

Nappa leather seat pack - G70

Comfort seat pack with rear heated seats- G70

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Savile silver

Metallic - Makalu grey

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Vanta grey

Pearl - Kawah blue

Pearl - Tasman blue

Pearl - Capri blue

Pearl - Uyuni white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alta white

Paint - Special

Matt - Makalu grey

Matt - Bond silver

Paint - Two Tone

Two tone pearl/metallic paint - Vik black

Two tone pearl/metallic paint - Hallasan green

Two tone pearl/metallic paint - Cavendish red

Trim - Leather

Leather with quilting + piping - Obsidian black with sevilla red stitching and vanilla beige headlining

Nappa leather seat pack with quilting + piping - Obsidian black with sevilla red stitching and vanilla beige suede headlining

Nappa leather seat pack with quilting + piping - Sevilla red/obsidian black with obsidian black and obsidian black suede headlining

Nappa leather seat pack with quilting + piping - Fog gray/obsidian black with black stitching and obsidian black suede headlining

Wheels - Alloy

19" Dark sputtering design B alloy wheels

19" Dark grey matt design D alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Temporary spare wheel