Genesis GV70 SUV finally arrives.. and with great gadgets and fantastic features, it’s sure to be a hit
Maggie Barry
There are a lot of words in Don McLean’s song American Pie which was belting out of the upgraded Lexicon speakers on the Genesis GV70 I was driving.
And, I mused, probably about as many systems and features on this wonderful new SUV offering from the East.
Genesis is the recently launched premium brand of Hyundai, on sale in other countries across the world but now, for the first time, in Europe – with all the specif ications and dynamics demanded by the fickle European market.
My favourite piece of technology on this car – just because it is different – is the boot release, which is located on the rear windscreen wiper. No more trying to find the latch by pushing and prodding under the tailgate – it’s right there in front of you.
The GV70 is the smaller version of the GV80 already on sale in this country via retail studios and personal assistants as Genesis try to bring a new type of car- buying experience to the public, focused on being pleasurable and without stress. There will be no haggling and the car will come with so much kit you will be pushed to think of more, although there will be a handful of packs available for those who want to add even more systems and features.
Technology is cutting edge. Take the camera which sits in front of the 3D digital display. It monitors your eyes and your hands and told me: “Keep your eyes on the road and drive carefully.” I was only glancing at a shop window – honest, guv.
The speedometer and rev counter hide the blind view system. When you indicate left or right, the appropriate one turns into a video screen allowing you to see exactly what is beside you.
The head up display is at eye level for even more safety and you can customise the instrument cluster to whatever you prefer.
The GV70 is a good-sized five-seater SUV sitting between the massive GV80 and probably at some point a GV60. Its distinctive light feature
is a double set of LED daytime running lights at the front on either side of an elegant matrix grille. These are reflected in the double taillights at the rear, which sit above twin exhausts. Genesis has kept it simple when it comes to options – there are three trim levels: Premium, Luxury and Sport Line. Each offers a swathe of beautiful interiors, from leatherette to leather and nappa leather.
These combine with piano-black gloss and chrome for a stunning interior.
A futur i st ic 14. 5in colou r touchscreen i s operated by command dials and the GV70 comes fully loaded with all-terrain capability – for snow, mud and sand as well as a limited slip differential and hill descent control.
On the roa d it p er f o rms magnificently, with Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes, and responds instantly to a camera which monitors the road ahead and adjusts the car’s performance accordingly.
I drove the 2.2-litre turbo-charged diesel with the eight-speed automatic gearbox, which was incredibly quiet, smooth and agile along a series of A roads, B roads and motorway but it also comes with a 2.5-litre petrol engine delivering 304PS.
Genesis cars have been enjoyed by the rest of the world for some time now – finally and at last it’s our turn.