In 2016, the announcement of Hyundai’s new luxury division came as a surprise to the automotive world.
The new Genesis brand launched with the G80 sedan (formerly the Genesis) and the larger G90 (a successor to the Hyundai Equus).
In hindsight, the genesis of Genesis shouldn’t have been a surprise since Hyundai has a knack for filling nearly every product niche and even creating new ones.
As the new entry-level model, the 2019 G70 sedan is undoubtedly the most important, although a utility vehicle is likely what the brand really needs.
The G70 sells alongside such competitors as the BMW 3 series, Jaguar XE and Infiniti G50. All are sporty and well-appointed compacts geared for people who relish the total driving experience, as opposed to merely being transported.
All are dimensionally similar and pretty much gimmick-free in their designs. The G70’s chromed mesh grille and prominent air intakes front a sloping aluminum hood, the combination of which exudes a measure of aggressiveness that fits with the car’s sport-sedan vibe. The trunk lid’s grafted-on spoiler and twin exhaust outlets integrated into the lower bumper region (diffuser) provide the same effect.
The interior strikes the correct balance between luxury and practicality. The driver-centric stitched-leather-covered dashboard comes with a trio of large dials for operating the various heating/cooling functions, and the eight-inch tablet-like touchscreen doesn’t look like an afterthought.
The G70’s platform is based on the Kia Stinger hatchback (Kia is owned by Hyundai), but the G70 has been shortened by about eight centimetres between the front and rear wheels. That might make for a lighter sedan, but there’s less rear legroom.
The one thing that the G70 doesn’t lack is performance. The base Genesis model is armed with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that puts out 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It’s rated at 11.5 l/100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway.
Available is a twin-turbo 3.3-litre V-6 with 365 horses and 376 pound-feet. Genesis claims this engine can launch the G70 to 60 mph (96 km/h) from rest in a rapid-fire 4.5 seconds.
An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is standard with either engine and has a rev-matching feature that blips the throttle to smooth out the downshifts.
A six-speed manual gearbox is available only with the rear-wheel-drive 2.0, part of a Sport trim that also includes a special exhaust system, Brembo-brand brakes, limited-slip differential and alloy foot pedals. The engine’s power rating increases slightly to 255 horses. There’s a V-6 Sport model, but it comes with all-wheel-drive and an automatic transmission.
The AWD includes torque vectoring that applies light braking pressure to the inside rear wheel when turning. Also called yaw assist, it’s claimed to help the G70 corner with more precision.
The base Advanced 2.0T AWD, priced at $42,000 including destination charges, has a power sunroof, 12-way adjustable power driver’s seat (both front seats are heated) and a heated steering wheel. A full suite of crash-avoiding active-safety technologies is also standard.
The Elite AWD and Prestige 2.0T AWD trims add more luxury and technology, while the Dynamic 3.3 AWD lists at $52,000 and includes Nappa-leather seat covers (heated and ventilated front and rear), premium 15-speaker Lexicon-brand sound system with navigation, multi-view camera, parking-assist sensors and 19-inch wheels (18-inchers are standard). The 3.3T Sport AWD rings in at $57,500 with adaptive suspension, its own wheels and Michelin summer tires as the notable additions. The rear-wheel-drive 2.0T Sport RWD (with the manual transmission) comes in at $45,500.
Given its good looks, generous standard and available content and a propensity for rapid propulsion, the G70 could be the breakout model that the upstart Genesis brand needs. It’s also one to be given serious consideration among purchasers of entry-luxury sedans.
