2019 GENESIS G70
In 2016, the announcement of Hyundai’s new luxury division came as a surprise to the automotive world.
The new Genesis brand launched with the G80 sedan (formerly the Genesis) and the larger G90 (a successor to the Hyundai Equus).
In hindsight, the genesis of Genesis shouldn’t have been a surprise since Hyundai has a knack for filling nearly every product niche and even creating new ones.
As the new entry-level model, the 2019 G70 sedan is undoubtedly the most important, although a utility vehicle is likely what the brand really needs.
The G70 sells alongside such competitors as the BMW 3 series, Jaguar XE and Infiniti G50. All are sporty and well-appointed compacts geared for people who relish the total driving experience, as opposed to merely being transported.
All are dimensionally similar and pretty much gimmick-free in their designs. The G70’s chromed mesh grille and prominent air intakes front a sloping aluminum hood, the combination of which exudes a measure of aggressiveness that fits with the car’s sport-sedan vibe. The trunk lid’s grafted-on spoiler and twin exhaust outlets integrated into the lower bumper region (diffuser) provide the same effect.
The interior strikes the correct balance between luxury and practicality. The driver-centric stitched-leather-covered dashboard comes with a trio of large dials for operating the various heating/ cooling functions, and the eight-inch tablet-like touchscreen doesn’t look like an afterthought.
The G70’s platform is based on the
Kia Stinger hatchback (Kia is owned by Hyundai), but the G70 has been shortened by about three inches between the front and rear wheels. That might make for a lighter sedan, but there’s less rear legroom.
The one thing (two things, actually) that the G70 doesn’t lack is performance. The Base 2.0T is armed with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It’s rated at 22 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway.
The G70 3.3T comes with a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 with 365 horses and 376 pound-feet. Genesis claims this engine can launch the G70 to 60 mph from rest in a rapid-fire 4.5 seconds.
An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is standard with either engine and has a rev-matching feature that blips the throttle to smooth out the downshifts.
A six-speed manual gearbox is available with the rear-wheel-drive 2.0, part of a Sport trim that also includes a special exhaust system, Brembo-brand brakes, limited-slip differential and alloy foot pedals. The engine’s power rating increases slightly to 255 horses. There’s an allwheel-drive version (four-cylinder and V-6), but it comes with the automatic transmission.
AWD includes torque vectoring that applies light braking pressure to the inside rear wheel when turning. Also called yaw assist, it helps the G70 corner with more precision.
The base-model Advanced 2.0T, priced at $35,000 including destination charges, has a power sunroof, 12-way adjustable power driver’s seat (both front seats are heated) and a heated steering wheel.
A full suite of crash-avoiding activesafety technologies is also standard.
The remaining Elite, Prestige and Dynamic trims — available with the fourcylinder or the V-6 — each add their own flavoring. The latter, when equipped with the V-6, lists in low-$50,000 territory and includes quilted Nappa-leather seat covers (heated and ventilated front and rear), premium 15-speaker sound system with navigation, multi-view camera, parking-assist sensors and 19-inch wheels (18-inchers are standard).
Given its good looks, generous standard and available content and a propensity for rapid propulsion, the G70 could be the breakout model that the upstart Genesis brand needs. It’s also one to be given serious consideration among purchasers of entry-luxury sedans.