Genesis G70 3.3T Ultimate Sport 2019 Review

The gestation of Genesis in Australia has been painful to watch. First introduced as a large sedan with a Hyundai badge, it has evolved into a stand-alone luxury brand that relates to its parent the same way Infiniti and Nissan interact, but with even less prestige value and recognition. Right now there’s just one dealership in Australia and two models. But one of those is the G70 and that, at least, has made the wait worthwhile.

The arrival of the Genesis G70 reminded me of a newspaper article many years ago that suggested Koreans had a lot in common with Australians.

A bit feisty, pretty determined, hard-working, able to do more with less. If you’re thinking that doesn’t sound very Australian, I did say it was a few years ago.

But here’s one similarity that wasn’t nominated then and I doubt many people would have thought of until very recently; a shared passion for rear-wheel drive sports sedans.

Yep, who would have thunk it. As we have discarded our Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores, so Korea’s Hyundai group has taken up the baton with those close relations the Kia Stinger and Genesis G70.

Here we’re testing the G70 3.3T Ultimate Sport, all $80K worth.

Of course, pricing is where the whole Aussie-Korean RWD brothers-in-arms thing falls apart a bit when it comes to the Genesis. It’s just not as affordable as a VF-series Commodore or FG X-series Falcon V8 was, at least not in the form we’re testing it.

The Stinger, which is a bigger car than the G70 yet priced lower, actually fills the brief that bit better for those two reasons.

Oh well, too bad, never mind. We’re driving the Genesis and that’s just fine because while the dollars don’t add up, the drive experience does.

There are six models in the G70 line-up, three fitted with a 179kW/353Nm 2.0-litre petrol-turbo engine that’s all very nice and three fitted with the 272kW/510Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 … that’s a whole lot more than just nice!

Both engines mate to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission with downshift rev matching, launch control and manual shift by flappy paddles.

Pricing starts at $59,300 for the 2.0T and finishes at $79,950 for both the Ultimate and Ultimate Sport, the latter differentiated by some unique cosmetic bits and bobs including its own 19-inch alloy wheel design, different Nappa leather options and more paint choices.

Standard Genesis G70 safety equipment includes seven airbags, a suite of driver assist features including autonomous emergency braking, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera and a head-up display. It’s got a five-star ANCAP rating and carsales.com.au got an exclusive seat at one of the crash tests.

Comfort and convenience features include swivelling Bi-LED headlights, 16-way power front seats with heating and ventilation, heated outboard rear seats, a panorama sunroof, a multimedia system including sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, dual-zone climate control, power steering column adjustment and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio.

Phew. And that’s just plucking the highlights off a long list. This car is packed with stuff.

There’s also an app that enables smartphone activated services, remote start and scheduling services (among other things), a five-year warranty, five year roadside assist and five-year servicing incorporated into the purchase price.

At the moment there is only one Genesis dealership (or studio as they are dubbed) in downtown Sydney, but plans exists for 10 or more.

So Genesis is a slow-burn kinda deal. But like we’ve already hinted, driving the V6 isn’t.

The drivetrain is an absolute firecracker. Not only is it strong, it leaps forward when the throttle is pressed without hesitation, banging through the gears like the torque converter auto’s a dual clutch.

The 0-100km/h claim is a very believable 4.7sec, but the midrange roll-on is just as impressive. The sound system pipes growls, barks and howls into the cabin. I like it, you may not.

Every now and then there’s a thump from the driveline as a gearshift goes through. It’s as if the G70 is reminding us it’s not tamed. It’s still got as brutal edge, it’s a sports sedan rather than a GT.

Using the paddles isn’t a necessity, but it is rewarding as they do provide some feedback, unlike some paddles which feel entirely disconnected from the changing process.

Dial into max attack sport mode and the throttle can get a bit abrupt, but it mellows out in lesser modes.

The downside of all this is fuel consumption. The official claim is 10.2L/100km and we averaged 11.0L/100km. All this running on mandatory 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.

A brilliant engine is no good without a decent chassis – unless you’re only interested in drag racing – and the G70 is on the right track here too.

The Ultimate Sport comes with a combination of struts and multi-link suspension, assisted by adaptive dampers, a mechanical limited slip diff and torque vectoring, variable gear rack and pinion electric-assist steering, a Brembo brake package and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber.

It really does work well. Pretty quickly you’re dialling the different parameters to suit what you want. For instance, I preferred the steering in lighter Comfort mode and the drivetrain in Sport.

I also would have liked a bit more brake pedal feel. Effort in the test car was a bit on-off.

Hyundai’s local chassis tuning crew have done a lot of work refining this car from what was a pretty solid base. It’s fast, fun and confident to drive despite weighing in around 1750kg.

But while the engine bangs you over the head with its brilliance, the dynamics impress more gradually. You come to realise this is a car that can carry speed into the corner. It’s not a slow-in fast-out deal.

Again, there’s a bit of aggro round the edges, some bump and thump on broken roads – but no bump steer and only a little wheelspin on even streaming wet surfaces.

Body control is tight in sport mode, there is barely any roll. Yet the ride never gets really harsh. It’s a delicate balance well navigated. Dial it back and the whole thing is looser, but still well controlled. It still feels connected and alert.

Commendably, it stays pretty calm inside the cabin no matter the revs or the road surface. The G70’s breadth of ability makes it fine for cruising and commuting. Just switch off the hyperactive lane keep assist. It’ll drive you mad.

The primary purpose of a car like this is the driving, but at this sort of money it’s still important to feel a bit pampered and special.

The G70 misses the mark with that because of the stuff in the cabin that comes straight from lesser Hyundais. That touchscreen and the graphics it uses are the most obvious example.

Sure, it works, but when the Germans are integrating touchscreens seamlessly into dashboards, it looks old school. Similarly, the instrument panel is determinedly analogue in an era of user-chooser digital displays that change depending on your mood.

In more traditional ways, such as trim and materials and the way they are put together, seat comport and support, the ability to orient yourself with steering wheel and pedals and the way controls actually work, the G70 does a better job.

Storage is well considered throughout the cabin, with bottle-friendly door pockets, open cubbies and bins throughout the two rows. Rear seat space is adequate.

The boot less so; measuring 330 litres with a space-saver tyre underneath. It’s not the biggest area, but will squeeze your golf clubs or a couple of overnight bags on a trip away.

Yep, the Genesis G70 3.3T Ultimate Sport is an Aussie sort of car from Korea. There’s substantial character here and further proof following on from the i30 N hot hatch that Hyundai’s really got its act together.

The G70 might be aimed at the luxury market with the BMW 3 Series as its primary target, but it comes across in the driving as a lot less aloof and upmarket than that.

It’s got no prestige value and the finances don’t add up, but hey that doesn’t count from behind the steering wheel.

It’s got a great engine, an enjoyable chassis, the occasional rough edge and some obvious Hyundai heritage. Badge it i70 N and I’d believe it.

How much does a 2019 Genesis G70 3.3T Ultimate Sport cost:
Price: $79,950 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.3-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo-petrol
Output: 272kW/510Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.2L/100km (ADR Combined); 11.0L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 238g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (2018)