Genesis G70 drive by Steve Rogers
Meet the G70, a far different proposition to its big brother in the last car review.
The GV80 SUV is a dominant statement car with an exquisite cabin, while the G70 saloon is understated elegance. If looks alone sold cars this would be a bestseller.
Make no mistake, the G70 is a car that turns heads, and lots did. It looks great from nose to tail and the wafer thin twin split headlights are simply stunning. Job done then. Not quite, there is the little matter of the opposition….BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class, Jaguar XF, Audi A4 etc.
It is tough in the car premier league so can this Korean sports saloon mix it with the so-called big boys? The Genesis has a solid foundation built on the Kia Stinger platform so sharp handling should be a given. Let’s find out.
If the monstrous GV80 is at its best cruising the highways then the rear wheel drive G70 loves sweeping through tight bends. The steering is quick and precise and body control is pretty solid even before switching to sport mode that weights up the steering and stiffens the damping. Steering wheel paddle shifters for the eight speed automatic also add to the fun. That’s that box ticked.
The G70 would seem to have everything needed for the perfect sports saloon. Well, nearly. What’s missing is a hot shot engine. The choice is 240bhp petrol or 197bhp diesel, driven here, pretty tepid against some of the mighty engines in the armoury of the opposition. It is a fair point but given the need for sensible driving and speed limits on our overcrowded roads how much power do we really need? A debate for another day perhaps.
It has been so long since I have driven a diesel I was surprised how noisy they are. This 2.2 litre is hardly agricultural but has that diesel clatter at low speeds. It is modestly quick off the mark with satisfying mid range pick up thanks to 440Nm of torque, and is good for mid to high forties on a run which is more frugal than the petrol.
The Genesis brand is the luxury arm of Hyundai and the G70 gets the same sumptuously finished cabin. Soft, high quality plastics and coverings, quilted leather seats are all there with motors powering just about everything. Unlike the spectacular GV80 the dashboard layout has a traditional look, a bit behind the times, but the driver’s seat is a comfortable and satisfying place to be.
The central 10.25 inch touchscreen is big enough for the car but does not have the excellent rotary control option for making selections. That said it reacts quickly and the driver can use voice control for changing radio stations or selecting navigation destinations so eyes stay on the road. Heating controls are set out in the centre console with chunky easy to reach switches.
That said, a couple of quite minor things irritated. The DAB radio lost signal too often, and the indicator stalk frequently failed to cancel. Odd when everything else runs like clockwork.
As expected most of the luxury we crave is there, high quality trim, powered, heated or air conditioned seats, impressive digital driver’s binnacle with head up display, and a vast bank of safety equipment including rear cross traffic alert. A novel and very useful feature is a digital camera view activated in either of the speedo or rev counter dials when the indicator is flicked for left or right turns.
G70 can seat five at a push, the transmission tunnel makes it a bit tight, so it is better suited as a four seater, provided the passengers are not lanky because rear legroom is poor and tall folk will struggle with headroom.
On the subject of space the boot is not the biggest in the pack and the opening is on the narrow side, but who wants to use a sports saloon as a load lugger? Get the estate for that.
Everyone seems to want an SUV these days but one thing is for sure: You get a lot more pleasure and fun driving a good saloon and this is one of them.
Is the G70 good enough to prize a BMW devotee from a 3 Series? Probably not but the same can be said for the other rivals mentioned. The Genesis engine options are limited with no hybrid or electric G70s, even so the saloon is sleek, competent, well equipped and well engineered and would happily sit on my drive.
Fast facts
G70 2.2 litre diesel
£40,080 (£49,150) tested
0-62mph 7.4secs; 143mph
44.4mpg combined
171g/km. 1st tax £335
Boot: 330 litres
Insurance group 31-39
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