I had a good suggestion of what to anticipate from the 2019 Genesis G70. In any case, the brand new sport sedan boasts a powertrain, suspension setup and listing of options almost equivalent to our long-term 2018 Kia Stinger GT2. The Kia was ok to win our 2018 Roadshow Shift Award for Automobile of the 12 months, and with bones like that, the G70 appeared very promising.Because it seems, the satan is within the particulars. There are small variations between these Korean sports activities automobiles, and the Genesis packs a number of nice surprises that make it extra attention-grabbing.What’s familiarAs I stated, the Genesis G70 shares its underpinnings with the Kia Stinger. The engine bay is house to a Three.Three-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automated transmission. Rear-wheel drive is normal, however my instance was outfitted with the non-obligatory HTRAC all-wheel drive system.
The V6 delivers glorious energy throughout the band with a robust leap off the road that solely will get higher because the RPMs construct. The gearbox feels properly suited to the engine, and options paddle shifters that assist when having a little bit of again highway enjoyable. The automated’s programming is not unhealthy in any respect, however is greatest when left to the G70’s Sport mode, which retains the engine revs up and the throttle responsiveness tight. The opposite drive modes — Good, Eco and Consolation — felt positive round city, however lazy for my style.
The G70 can also be accessible with a smaller 2.Zero-liter, turbocharged, inline-four cylinder engine possibility. On this trim, the sedan makes 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which feels like an affordable quantity of energy (I’ve not but been in a position to pattern the four-banger). Nonetheless, the smaller engine has the benefit of being provided with an non-obligatory six-speed handbook transmission, when you’re into that form of factor. I really like manuals, but I might nonetheless advocate the V6 until you are seeking to pinch pennies on the pump. The four-cylinder engine is estimated to ship 22 miles per gallon metropolis, 30 mpg freeway and 25 mpg mixed in its rear-wheel drive configuration. On the different finish of the spectrum, my Three.3T V6 AWD steps right down to 18 metropolis, 25 freeway and 20 mixed mpg.What’s differentStylistically, I want the fastback proportions of the Stinger, however after simply moments behind the wheel of the Genesis, I knew that I most well-liked driving the G70 sedan. The variations are delicate; the G70 begins with the identical primary suspension geometry, the identical non-obligatory adaptive suspension on my Sport check mannequin and the identical non-obligatory Brembo brake improve. Nonetheless, the G70 is 5.7 inches shorter (184.5 inches whole) than the Stinger, with a wheelbase that’s 2.Eight inches shorter (at 111.6 inches). It is also about 100 kilos lighter than its Kia cousin, at roughly Three,900 kilos, as examined. These small tweaks to the G70’s dimensions and proportions make surprisingly massive variations within the sedan’s on-road efficiency.
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Lighter and smaller, the G70 feels extra nimble on the highway. The sedan is extra conscious of turn-in and course adjustments than the already pretty agile Kia. Throttle response additionally feels prefer it’s been turned up a tick — I am undecided if a slight software program retune or the easy physics of carrying much less mass are to thank for that. Both approach, my grin was fuller behind the wheel of the G70.Trying past Korea, the G70 seems like greater than a low-cost different to a BMW or Audi. Relatively, it seems like a bonafide competitor that may run alongside a Three Collection, A4/S4 or C-Class.
I suppose I should not be shocked, the G70’s engineering and improvement was overseen by BMW M Division ex-patriot Albert Biermann, whose sole mission is to make Hyundai Motor Group’s automobiles extra “enjoyable to drive.” He is finished a incredible job to this point, and I might go so far as to say that the G70’s driving dynamics really feel sharper and extra German than even the newest four Collection I’ve examined, which is excessive reward.The G70 makes sensible use of economical supplies to create a reasonably luxurious cabin.
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Genesis Related techWhile the Genesis’ driving dynamics go blow for blow with the Germans in its value vary, the cabin definitely feels a category down. That is to not say that it is a unhealthy place to spend a commute. Fairly on the contrary, the G70’s cabin is well-designed with prime quality plastics, good quilted leather-based seats and — my favourite design element — knurled metallic accents for contact factors like the quantity knob, local weather controls and cup holder trim. Genesis’ designers have finished a incredible job creating a reasonably luxurious cabin with economical supplies for 1000’s of lower than you’d anticipate.
On the heart of the cockpit, you may discover the Genesis infotainment system with its Eight-inch coloration contact show. The software program inside is one more reskin of Hyundai’s Blue Hyperlink or Kia UVO Three, however that is positive by me. I loved these methods for his or her simplicity and ease of use and I take pleasure in it simply as a lot right here. The Genesis system incorporates a easy map with visitors information and excellent voice command. Inside its well-organized menus you may discover all the pieces you might want to get the place you are going and a variety of digital audio sources and app integrations. Positive, there isn’t any bling-y Google Earth satellite tv for pc imagery or fancy 3D graphics, however I discover that I do not actually need them.Filling in any gaps within the Genesis tech suite is normal Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, which permits drivers to carry their very own maps and audio streaming apps on the highway. And behind the scenes, the G70 can also be powered by Genesis Related telematics service, which permits for distant monitoring and management of many automobile methods by way of telephone or smartwatch apps.Driver support techMy G70 rolled out with the complete complement of driver support applied sciences presently provided by the Hyundai Motor Group. That included normal options like ahead precollision warning, automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection and non-obligatory upgrades like adaptive cruise management that works in stop-and-go visitors. That is simply the entrance finish lined. I additionally had lane departure warning, lane retaining steering help and blind-spot monitoring watching my flanks on the freeway and rear cross-traffic alert, proximity sensors and a 360-degree digicam system retaining the fenders unbent at decrease city speeds.How I might spec itThe 2019 Genesis G70 2.0T RWD begins at $35,895, together with a $995 vacation spot cost, however when you’re wanting on the four-banger, would possibly I like to recommend stepping as much as the $38,895 Sport M/T mannequin. That will get you the six-speed handbook transmission possibility and go-faster goodies like an enthusiast-oriented limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes and stickier tires.In case you crave the additional twin-turbo V6 energy — who might blame you? — the G70 Three.3T RWD begins at $44,745 together with vacation spot. Personally, I might go along with the Sport package deal improve for $50,495, which incorporates the entire tech bells and whistles, adaptive dampers, 19-inch wheels with summer time tires and styling particulars like copper headlight accents and dark-chrome exterior trim. I might skip the non-obligatory $2,000 HTRAC all-wheel drive system, until you reside in an space that will get loads of snow. This powertrain is simply extra enjoyable with rear-wheel drive.My instance featured all-wheel drive, however I believe I might want a lighter, cheaper rear-drive mannequin.
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Extremely competitiveThe 2019 Genesis G70 Three.3T Sport AWD, as examined, is priced inside about a number of hundred bucks of our long-term Kia Stinger GT2. Personally, I want the look, cabin and driving dynamics of the smaller Genesis sedan. A completely-loaded G70 can also be about the identical value as as a BMW 340i xDrive or an Audi S4 Premium Plus with none choices. Comparably outfitted, the Genesis is about $5,000 to $Eight,000 lower than you’d anticipate to pay for the Germans. However as I stated earlier than, the G70 is not only a “low-cost different.” Its energy and efficiency is certainly in the identical class because the established competitors. For these searching for a top-notch driving expertise, however do not wish to pay additional for status, the 2019 Genesis G70 is certainly price a glance.