Genesis G70

The Genesis G70 is a four-door compact executive car manufactured by the Korean luxury automaker Genesis, a luxury division of Hyundai Motor Group.

The G70 debuted on September 15, 2017, at the global launch event in Seoul's Olympic Park.[5] It is Genesis Motor's third model and was designed to compete with compact executive and entry-level luxury saloons and sedans. In 2019, the Genesis G70 was named the North American Car of the Year.[6]

Overview

The Genesis G70 was under development for several years and was previewed by the Genesis New York Concept and shown at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.[7] The design was drafted by German auto designer Peter Schreyer, who is also responsible for designing the related Kia Stinger.[8] Development of the G70 took place at Hyundai Namyang R&D Center in Hwaseong, South Korea.[5]

The exterior design shares cues from the other two Genesis models, the G80 and the G90. The grille features Genesis' corporate design, with functional air intakes along the bottom and side.[9] The LED headlights operate with separate daytime running lights.[5] The rear is said to have an athletic stance, framed by LED taillights and dual exhausts.[9]

The interior's center console is constructed out of soft-touch plastics, leather and metal accents that are slightly angled toward the driver. The layout has three large knobs for the climate controls, an eight-inch touch screen, and a small electronic shifter.[9] The interior appointments on the G70 include quilted leather seating surfaces, along with brushed aluminum and stainless steel trim.[10]

Facelift

On September 8, 2020, Genesis announced a facelift G70, which went on sale in South Korean market on October 20, 2020. The facelift incorporates new corporate design cues from the GV80 crossover SUV and second generation G80 sedan, including new front and rear bumpers, headlights, taillights, and a new grill design. Interior changes include an optional 10.25-inch (26cm) infotainment screen. Whereas the changes were generally well received in the North American market, the changes were polarizing in the Korean market. Many evaluations were saying that the design of the previous model was better, and in particular, the taillights were criticized for looking forcibly inserted.

The facelift G70 was released as a 2022 model in the United States, where the optional manual transmission was discontinued.[12] On May 19, 2023, Genesis released a refreshed G70 in the South Korean market. A 2.5-liter turbo-charged Smart-Stream G2.5 T-GDI engine replaced the old 2.0-liter turbo-charged Theta II T-GDI engine. Additional changes include a new touch screen climate control, rear view mirror and various trim updates.

Shooting Brake

In May 2021, Genesis introduced a station wagon version of the G70 specifically for European markets, called the Shooting Brake. The rear end underwent the biggest changes, where the roof is longer and slightly sloping. The trunk space is slightly larger than the sedan. Powertrain options are either a 2.0L turbo-charged Theta II gasoline engine or a 2.2L R II diesel engine, both of which are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Interior and exterior images of the G70 Shooting Brake were unveiled on May 12, 2021.[13]

The G70 Shooting Brake went on sale in Europe in the second half of 2021.[14][15] In South Korea, it was officially released on June 27, 2022.[16] The models are included in the Gasoline 2.0 Turbo Premium and Gasoline 2.0 Turbo Sport Package. It expands the open area by moving the trunk junction forward based on the appearance of the existing G70 model. 4:2:4 seats and 465 liters of basic trunk space were applied, securing a maximum loading space of 1,535 liters. It is equipped with 10 airbag systems, front collision prevention assistance, rear-seat passenger notification, and lane maintenance assistance. In addition, 10.25-inch display, Genesis CarPlay, and voice recognition vehicle control technology are applied.[17]

Powertrain

The Genesis G70 is offered with a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 252 hp and 260 lbft of torque, a 3.3 liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with 365 hp and 376 lbft of torque, and a 2.2 liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine with 199 hp and 325 lbft of torque. Genesis estimates that acceleration from 0–62 mph will take 4.7 seconds with the LSD equipped 3.3 liter V-6 RWD model.[5] The transmission is either an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual, which is only available on the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder model.[4] Buyers are able to choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with the manual transmission coming only with rear-wheel drive.[5]

Starting with the 2022 model year, the manual transmission is no longer offered.[18]

Safety

Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, five door shooting brake variant on a registration from 2021:[32]

Awards

• Best Luxury Sedan for 2019 – Ruedas ESPN (10/18)[33]
• 2019 Car of the Year – MotorTrend (11/18)[34]
• 10Best list – Car and Driver (11/18)[35]
• Best Deluxe Car – Hispanic Motor Press (11/18)[36]
• IIHS Top Safety Pick + (12/18)[37]
• North American Car of the Year – Detroit Auto Show (01/19)[38][39]
• 2019 Car of the Year – AutoGuide (01/19)[40]
• Shift Award – 2019 Vehicle of the Year – Roadshow by CNET (01/19)[41]
• Overall Best of 2019 – Cars.com (02/19)[42]
• 2019 Driver's Choice – Best Luxury Car – MotorWeek (02/19)[43]
• 2019 Sport Sedan of the Year – Esquire (03/19)[44]
• 2019 Best New Car – Autotrader (04/19)[45]
• 2019 Sedan of the Year – Popular Mechanics (04/19)[46]
• 2019 Best New Car – Luxury Sedan – Good Housekeeping (04/19)[47]
• 2019 10 Best Interior – Ward's Auto (05/19)[48]
• 2019 Best Panoramic Sunroof Sedan – Southern Automotive Media Association's (05/19)[49]
• 2019 Best Winter Sedan – New England Motor Press Association (05/19)[49]
• 2020 Best New Family Car Award Winner – Luxury Sedan – Good Housekeeping (04/20)[50]

Sales

External links