With this G70, luxury brand Genesis offers a rather different take on the compact executive sports saloon Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

With this G70, fledgling Korean premium brand Genesis tries its hand at a BMW 3 Series-sized executive sports saloon. There's an interesting CV here, a plush feel and an impressive customer service promise. But the competition is tough.

Background

If there's one market sector that the German brands expect to be their own, it's that for the compact-to-mid-sized executive sports saloon. The kind of car epitomised by the BMW 3 Series, the Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4. Brand after brand has tried valiantly to break this segment's Teutonic dominance. Infiniti, Cadillac and Mazda's Xedos nameplate all failed; Honda's Acura brand didn't bother and even more established makes like Alfa Romeo, Lexus, Volvo and Jaguar have had very limited success here. So what chance a completely unknown Korean class entrant, Genesis, with this car, the G70? You might be inclined to write this model off with little more than a cursory glance, but don't do that quite yet. Genesis, in case you didn't know, is the Hyundai Motor Group's premium brand and the Korean conglomerate has hired some of the biggest names in the motor industry to make sure that Genesis succeeds. This G70 is offered as a saloon and a 'Shooting Brake' estate and there's a separate GV70 SUV model featuring the same mechanicals too - a platform and engineering shared with the impressive Kia Stinger GT. So yes, the G70's worth a second look.

Driving Experience

Interestingly, Genesis has chosen to completely ignore the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid tech it has access to from other Hyundai Motor Group brands and go straight from conventional combustion engines to full-EVs. For the time being, customers are being offered those ordinary engines, a 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel for those inclined to ignore the current environmental zeitgeist; or a 2.0-litre petrol turbo unit offered with either 194bhp or 241bhp. Most of the rear-driven platform engineering here is shared with the Kia Stinger but disappointingly, that model's 3.3-litre twin turbo petrol V6 (available on the G70 in other markets) isn't currently in the UK price list. The looks of this car suggests that it might be a bit of a wafter, like, say Volvo S60 or a Peugeot 508, and sure it can do that in the drivetrain's 'Comfort' mode. But in 'Sport', you might be surprised by just how agile the G70 can be. Those modes also alter the damping, plus the fast versions get for pot Brembo brakes, a sports exhaust, grippy tyres and a mechanical limited slip differential for extra cornering traction. Across the range, you have to have an 8-speed auto gearbox, but it rushes through the ratios in the 242bhp petrol version to reach 62mph in 6.1s. There's no 4WD option; you'll need the GV70 SUV model for that.

Design and Build

Ex-Bentley and Lamborghini stylist Luc Donckerwolke is clearly still getting into his stride with Genesis models but he arrived at the Hyundai Motor Group soon enough to oversee some quite neat design touches to this otherwise conventional three-box saloon, which you might prefer in its alternative 'Shooting Brake' estate guise. Owners who can persuade their friends to accompany them inside should find them more impressed. There are plenty of premium materials used and the 10.25-inch centre touchscreen is just well enough disguised from the monitor you'd find in a Hyundai or a Kia for questions not to be asked. Through the wheel, you view the 12.3-inch digital dial binnacle screen with 3D-effect gauges that work much better than those used in a Peugeot 508, though the display isn't as customisable as the one you'll find in a comparable Audi or Mercedes. The seats are broad and comfortable, but headroom can be compromised a little if you've a model fitted with the big glass sunroof. Which can also affect head space at the rear, where leg room isn't particularly generous. The boot capacity (330-litres) isn't especially large either, though if that were an issue, you'd be looking at the alternative 'Shooting Brake' estate version of this car (with 465-litres); or possibly at the GV70 SUV model.

Market and Model

Prices start at just under £33,500 for the 2.0-litre petrol version - or from around £36,000 for the 2.2-litre diesel. Either way, there are three trim levels - 'Premium', 'Luxury' (around £1,800 more) and 'Sport' (around £4,000 more). These prices are comparable with the entry-level figures for cars like Audi's A4, BMW's 3 Series or the Mercedes C-Class, but with those models, you'll need to spend a lot more to get a comparable level of equipment that fitted with the G70. 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 is reasonably economic - quoted at 42.7-44.5mpg on the combined cycle (170g/km of CO2). With the 2.0-litre petrol engine, those readings fall to 31.9-35.4mpg (181g/km). If you want to do better, then you'll need to ask your Genesis Personal assistant about the alternative all-electric version. Insurance is rated at either 37A or 38A. 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

The G70 isn't going to cause BMW, Mercedes and Audi too many sleepless nights, but that doesn't mean it can't be considered a success in its own little niche. What you have here is a car with handling almost as engaging as a 3 Series; with build quality like an Audi A4; and the kind of dealer support and reliability you'd get from a Lexus IS. All combined with a unique level of 'we come to you' customer service. There's a market for that. Perhaps it ought to be bigger. What we can say for certain is that few of the rare people who will opt for a G70 will end up disappointed with their choice. The engines lack of electrification, the styling is an acquired taste and the cabin doesn't feel especially cutting-edge, but there's little else to criticise if you can make efficiency figures add up here. And this is just the first opening salvo from Genesis. We can only imagine what else might be in store.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Laminated front side glass

Automatic window defogger

Aero blade wiper

Windshield acoustic film

Auto up/down windows

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

Rear door glass + backlite glass (solar + solar)

Brakes

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

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

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

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 boot

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

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

Packs

Innovation pack with front parking sensors- G70

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

3 seat bench in 2nd row

60:40 split back folding and cushion for 3 passengers

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: 193

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 298

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

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 178

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 190

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 162

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 166

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 186

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

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 182

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: 34

WLTP - MPG - High: 39.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 34.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 33.2

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 21.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 21.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 35.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 33.8

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 39.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 35.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 33

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 35.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 33

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

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 7.1

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

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

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

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 7.9

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 8

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8

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

General

Coin Series: Sport[Innovation]

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): 6.1

Top Speed: 149

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: 1683

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2140

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 60

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 457

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 330

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Brakes

Silver brake calipers

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