Model tested: Genesis G70 AWD 3.3T Sport
Engine: 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6
Horsepower: 365 • Torque: 376 lb.ft.
Transmission: 8-speed automatic SHIFTRONIC w/paddle shifters
EPA ratings: 17/city, 24/highway, 20/combined
Base price: $57,750 • As tested: $58,745
Overview: There’s lots of reasons the Genesis G70 compact sport sedan was named the North American Car of the Year among other awards it’s earned. This is just a great car. The product of Hyundai’s luxury Genesis brand, the G70 joins the larger G80 and G90 sedans — and is a close relative of Kia’s Stinger. With sport sedans such as the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in its crosshairs, the G70 offers serious competition on every level. There are 12 versions of two basic models — the 2.0T with a turbocharged 4-cylinder, and our test driver, which this review will focus on, the V6, 3.3T Sport. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Unlike Kia’s Stinger, the G70 can be equipped with a manual gearbox instead of an automatic. All-wheel drive is available on all models except the manual-transmission 2.0T Sport. The V-6 sedans and the 2.0T Sport feature a limited-slip differential for improved cornering and control. Brembo brakes are available, and options include 15-speaker Lexicon audio. Numerous safety features are standard, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, and active lane control. Blind-spot monitoring includes rear cross-traffic warnings. Also standard are rearview camera, driver attention warning and automatic high-beams.
Walkaround: With a wheelbase nearly 3 inches shorter than its cousin Stinger, the G70 is 5.8 inches shorter overall. The long, creased hood and hexagonal mesh grille showcase the winged Genesis badge, while front fenders, lower bumpers, energetic air intakes and the nose itself express aggressiveness. With styling descending from the larger G80, designers blended the aggressive stance with premium styling, creating a sedan that can be branded both sporty and luxurious.
Interior: Horizontal lines define the dashboard. The center stack and small-diameter steering wheel are orientated toward the driver, while the infotainment screen is center-positioned. Diamond-tufted leather upholstery and knurled dials add luxury touches. Front seats are supportive, sporty and spacious, as well as substantially bolstered, offering long-term comfort. Back-seat space is acceptable for adults but somewhat tight for taller riders. The 10.5-cubic-foot trunk is surprisingly small for this class car, but the rear seats fold down.
Behind the Wheel: The G70 delivers nimble, yet predictable handling, while ride quality is firm but not excessively harsh. Though reasonably quiet, the V-6 can howl if pushed hard, and road noise is evident on some pavement surfaces. On-road dynamics are exceptional, with the potent V6 doing 0-to-60 in 4.5 seconds. The 8-speed automatic delivers responsive shifting, and rev-matching smoothing downshifts during high-performance driving.
Bottom Line: Hyundai’s Genesis brand has created a very worthy competitor worth looking at if you’re considering European entry-luxury sport sedans. Genesis’ G70 offers a broad variety of trim levels, exceptional standard equipment, outstanding performance and value pricing.
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