Genesis, which we’re still obliged to make clear is Hyundai’s still-quite-new luxury sub-brand, has only just taken the wraps off the G70, the smallest of their range of premium sedans that will go directly against such segment heavyweights as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
That, by default, makes the car their most important launch in their two year existence, and also the most focused on dynamics. Rather than build up to being worthy alternative in the handling department after starting off by ticking the prerequisite attributes of comfort, build quality, and refinement, Genesis is immediately touting the G70’s sportiness. Brave.
The idea of a more compact Genesis to rival the Benz and Bimmer, not to mention a real potential tooth and nail fight for alternative-minded customers who have been looking Asian makes Lexus and Infiniti, poses some interesting questions, especially because of where much of the car is derived from. Sharing not only the same platform and powertrain spread as the Kia Stinger, the G70 also borrows many of its chassis characteristics and body proportions.
It looks sharp, no doubt about that, though maybe not as svelte as the Genesis New York Concept that was the first proper indication that the new marque had its sights on the Germans’ bread and butter. And its a market even more crowded with challengers than ever before, with the Brits and their Jaguar XE and even the Italians with the Alfa Romeo Giulia itching to land a few good blows.
Upon first impressions, the exterior manages to look new but also entirely familiar. We see cues taken from many other cars, but to our eyes most resembles the Maserati Ghibli mixed in with some of Infiniti’s Q50. The stance looks hunkered and aggressive with more than a few hints of being a keen performer along corners.
Luc Donckerwolke, Head of Genesis Design, said, “At Genesis, we shape fascination and desire with the passion, dedication and talent from our designers. We modulated all parameters from the Genesis DNA to tailor a sports sedan. This challenge required the highest skills and know-how. The G70 is designed to captivate all senses with its sensuous and tensioned muscular volumes.”
Firmness of the suspension will likely correspond with the different variants the G70 will be available in, with all guaranteed to be engaging behind the wheel, at least as described by Genesis’ own words. It’s rear-drive (or AWD), front engine layout will certainly endow it with a good platform for the Korean engineers to hone, as will the electronically-controlled suspension, but being an equal to the heavyweights on the first try will definitely take some luck and whole lot of effort.
Fortunately, the Hyundai Motor Group has former BMW M veteran Albert Biermann on their side, whose most recent work include the aforementioned Stinger and the i30 N. It’ll even come as standard with a mechanical limited slip differential, launch control, and dynamic torque vectoring. A 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 headlines the engine options detailed at the car’s initial announcement, producing 272kW and 510Nm for the the G70 Sport. Interestingly, taking 4.7 seconds, it reaches 100km/h quicker than the identically armed Stinger by 0.2 seconds
Other grades will offer up either a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with 185kW and 353Nm or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with 148kW and 441Nm that both deliver more than enough raw performance to be taken seriously against the European establishment. All motors will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The interior is another arena that Genesis will need to prove itself on very quickly, offering a deft blend of the sporty and luxurious while being peppered with clever design and ergonomics. With its central infotainment screen and angled dashboard layout, BMW is the primary source of inspiration here.
It will arrive in Korean showrooms first, starting September 20th. Exactly when the Genesis G70 will be making its Australian landfall is anyone’s guess at this point, but it’s sure to be before mid-2018. Given that Kia Stinger starts at $48,990 and that a base BMW 3 Series runs at little under $55k (excluding ORCs), expect the G70 to slot neatly in between.
