Driven: Genesis chases Euro heavyweights with G70

BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 24th Jun 2019

GENESIS says its new G70 medium sedan range will make up approximately 80 per cent of sales at launch, with the brand looking to poach customers from its segment-leading European competitors.

Speaking at the long-awaited local launch of the Korean brand, Genesis Australia head of product planning Chris Saltapidas said the majority of customers will come from outside the Hyundai Motor Group stable.

“(Hyundai buyers looking to step up is) not our target audience for the brand,” he said.

“Well obviously our target audience is the medium luxury sedan segment.

“G70 is a very capable car, well equipped and competitively priced, so we’re trying to target luxury segment buyers in the medium sedan segment.”

The G70 will go head-to-head with stalwarts of the medium luxury segment including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, the latter of which has recently launched in all-new guise.

In total, six variants of the G70 will be made available at launch spread across two engines and three trim levels, starting with the 2.0T from $59,300 before on-road costs and topping out at $79,950 for the 3.3T Ultimate Sport.

For reference, the C-Class sedan line-up starts at $63,700 for the C200 up to $108,600 for the C43 4Matic (not counting the V8-powered C63 AMG), while the 3 Series starts at $64,900 for the 320i up to $99,900 for the M340i.

Trim levels in the 2.0T line-up range from the unnamed entry version to Sport and top-spec Ultimate, while choices in the 3.3T extend to the Sport, Ultimate and Ultimate Sport.

As the name suggests, the 2.0T is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 179kW at 6200rpm and 353Nm from 1400-3500rpm, driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The sprint from standstill to 100km/h for the 1683kg sedan takes 5.9 seconds, while top speed is reached at 240km/h.

Fuel consumption for 2.0T variants are pegged at between 8.7-9.0 litres per 100km, while combined CO2 emissions vary between 199 and 205 grams of CO2 per km.

Meanwhile, 3.3T versions use the same twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 from the Kia Stinger, which pumps out 272kW at 6000rpm and 510Nm from 1300-4500rpm, also driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed auto.

The 3.3T adds nearly 100kg of heft over its four-cylinder sibling, however the extra muscle helps power it to the landmark 100km/h figure in 4.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 270km/h.

With the extra power and weight comes an increase in thirst, as the 3.3T sips 10.2 litres per 100km while emitting 238g/CO2 per kilometre.

As mentioned, six variants will be offered on the G70 range, starting with the entry-level 2.0T version, which can also be had in 2.0T Sport ($63,300) or or 2.0T Ultimate ($69,300) guise, which add sporty and luxurious touches, respectively.

Standard equipment on the 2.0T includes LED lights all round, 18-inch alloys, sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, rain-sensing wipers, heated and folding exterior mirrors, 8.0-inch infotainment system with satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, 7.0-inch instrument cluster display, leather upholstery, aluminium trim, 12-way power heated front seats, nine-speaker audio system, Genesis connected services, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, and two USB ports.

Safety systems include seven airbags, emergency stop signal, tyre pressure monitor, active bonnet lift system, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera and the Genesis Active Safety Control suite of technologies including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot warning, driver attention warning, forward collision warning, high-beam assist, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go.

Stepping up to the Sport adds a Brembo brake package with four-piston front callipers and 350mm discs, and two-piston rear callipers with 340mm dicsc, as well as 19-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber, a limited-slip differential (LSD) on the rear axle, darkened lights, alloys and chrome exterior highlights, grey or red interior, stainless steel alloy pedals, and a greater range of performance readouts.

The Ultimate also builds on the base 2.0T and adds 19-inch alloys, 16-way adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, power-adjustable steering column, head-up display, surround-view monitor, adaptive front lighting, electrochromatic rearview mirror, Nappa leather upholstery, luxury quilted door trim inserts, suede headliner, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats and steering wheel, panoramic glass sunroof, acoustic laminated windshield, and a 15-speaker 660W Lexicon audio system.

Meanwhile, the three-variant 3.3T line-up consists of the Sport ($72,450), Ultimate and Ultimate Sport (both $79,950) which add extra equipment over the four-cylinder counterparts.

The 3.3T Sport builds on the 2.0T Sport and adds dual exhaust outlets with oval chrome tips, adaptive control suspension with dynamic damping control, variable-ratio steering, brake cooling ducts, dynamic torque vectoring, Eco coasting mode and a dark chrome rear lower diffuser garnish.

Ultimate versions add the same brakes, suspension, steering, torque vectoring and exhaust as the 3.3T Sport, as well as the additional instrumentation and LSD from 2.0T Sport.

The Ultimate Sport builds on the Ultimate and includes darkened exterior highlights, 19-inch hoops, grey or red interior, rear lower diffuser finish, black headlining and stainless steel alloy pedals.

Nine exterior colours are available, including three which are exclusive to Sport variants.

Genesis models are covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, valet service and roadside assist, and five years/50,000km of scheduled servicing.

Genesis launches this week with a standalone showroom in Sydney, with Melbourne and Brisbane stores to follow.

2019 Genesis G70 pricing*