Genesis G70 2020 Long-Term Test #2

Drought, bushfires and a pandemic. Much has changed since carsales took the keys to the 2020 Genesis G70 Ultimate Sport long-termer in October 2019, however some things have not.

For example, most people on the street – enthusiasts aside – were not familiar with NBT-92N’s origins when we returned it to Genesis in May.

“Is that a Bentley?” was the most common probe among punters at the bowser, gym, park or supermarket.

In contrast, the sheer glee in using a rear-driven, V6 sports sedan as our daily never wore tired.

Here are the highlights and disappointments in Genesis’ first all-new product in Australia. Overall, it leaves a positive impression.

As we’ve outlined, the six-model G70 line-up starts from $59,300 (plus on-road costs), topping out at $79,950 (plus ORCs) for the Genesis G70 3.3T Ultimate Sport driven here.

It’s no secret the fledgling luxury aspirant shares its origins with the Kia Stinger, including its platform and drivetrains. However, it is engineered very differently; overall, the G70 is 145mm shorter and more compact in every other key dimension including wheelbase.

Powering the entry-level Genesis G70 2.0T is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder developing 180kW/353Nm, while higher-spec Genesis G70 3.3T models get a 272kW/510Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6.

Standard equipment on the flagship Genesis G70 Ultimate Sport is quite commendable: 19-inch alloy wheels with dark grey finish; dark chrome exterior trim; an 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Nappa-trimmed seats; heated and ventilated front seats and heated outboard rear seats; a 15-speaker sound system; and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

The 3.3-litre V6 is allied to some worthwhile performance componentry in the form of a limited-slip differential, Michelin Pilot Sport4 rubber, Brembo front brakes and adaptive dampers.

The fact you can land a V6-powered Genesis G70 for $72,450 (plus on-road costs) – that’s within cooee of the cheapest versions of the BMW 3-Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class – speaks volumes of the value on offer here.

The value equation tips even more to Genesis when you consider six-cylinder versions of those same rivals are priced between $30,000 to 50,000 more.

The Genesis G70 Ultimate Sport was a highlight the moment we jumped behind the wheel at the Genesis HQ. It remained a highlight throughout the six-month loan; there’s no understating regularly being at the wheel of a smooth, powerful six-cylinder, rear-driven sedan.

The 2020 Genesis G70 Ultimate Sport certainly plays to these strengths with effortless performance and classic rear-drive tendencies that imbue it with an enjoyment factor that shines whether you’re driving fast or slow.

This much was true when our Genesis G70 Ultimate Sport conquered its most memorable task while in carsales’ driveway – running urgent supplies to relatives in the path of danger during the NSW bushfire crisis.

Granted, we are not ones to advocate driving dangerously or in dangerous situations, but strangely, it was a back-road jaunt through the pockmarked roads of the NSW Southern Highlands where the G70 really earned its keep.

Faced with a threat of a bushfire (albeit distant) – but one that would ultimately surface with the predicted change in wind direction several hours later – we grabbed our supplies and recommended survival kit and hit the road.

What ensued was an unexpected backroad blast that highlighted the Genesis G70’s uncanny finesse on rough surfaces. The engine, mechanical grip and dynamic poise of the Genesis G70 Ultimate Sport banded seamlessly over the undulating ribbon of tarmac underneath, allowing our blue number to revel through washouts, mid-corner bumps and slow corner exits with aplomb.

Faster transitions and a dearth of low-speed corners also masked the G70’s eight-speed automatic gearbox, which doesn’t offer a strict manual mode and can occasionally be lazy with its shift.

With speed came confidence, and despite the sheer physics of a 1750kg kerb weight, the Genesis G70 didn’t put a foot wrong, though its Michelin Pilot Sport rears did their fair share of shimmying under power.

The bushfire run also highlighted the inherent comfort factor of Genesis’ sportiest model. The Genesis G70 Ultimate Sport simply breathes with speed, shaking off all but the harshest of imperfections. It’s proof that a well-honed Australian ride and handling tuning program is worth its weight in gold.

Of course, our long-term loan comprised its fair share of ho-hum highway driving and commuting, whereupon the Genesis G70 Ultimate Sport enamoured with its isolation from road noise and wind noise, and its relative (for a V6) fuel efficiency. The magic number after 6000km was an average of 9.1L/100km against an official combined figure of 10.2L/100km.

The Genesis G70’s interior, though a little light on centre fascia tinsel and a bit basic in its layout, proved remarkably sound throughout the loan period. It was returned devoid of squeaks or rattles.

While $80,000 isn’t cheap, there are some hidden incentives within the G70 Ultimate Sport’s price.

These include a five-year warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years’ inclusive servicing.

If you live within 70km of your local Genesis “studio” (read: dealership), the manufacturer will arrange pick-up and delivery for your G70, and also supply a courtesy vehicle during the transaction.

The caveat here is that there is currently one solitary studio in Australia – in Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall.

It ain’t all rosy for Genesis’ sports sedan hero, and the negatives largely centre on the interior.

We were never able to gel with the proportions of Genesis’ mid-size sports sedan, which manifests as a cramped rear seat space and tiny boot. Both the rear door and boot are accessed via relatively small apertures, which only accentuates the problem.

We ferried 180cm adults in the back on several occasions and the feedback was usually the same: minimal toe room; barely enough head room; and so-so leg room when sitting behind a 180cm person in the front row.

This discounted the Genesis G70 from any long distance journeys four-up. Even shorter distances five-up need a good, hard think when you take the large middle transmission tunnel into account.

The Genesis G70’s 330-litre boot is smaller than some small luxury cars, and pales against some of its key rivals such as the BMW 3 Series’ 480-litre cargo space. Granted, it does house a space-saver spare tyre underneath, along with four tie-down points, but the space is simply too cramped.

The cabin storage for mobile phones, purses and wallets and the like was adequate throughout our long-term loan.

The key controls were easy to navigate and live with despite being a tad simple and hardly bristling in the same way as European contemporaries.

While there are no major complaints from the driver’s seat, the Genesis G70 Ultimate Sport is a little light on for sound and emotion, even in this twin-turbo V6 grade.

In many respects, the aural factor summarises how we feel about the Genesis G70.

It’s not a vehicle that turns the sports sedan recipe on its head. Instead, it merely does what most good luxury sports sedans do but with the added silver lining of value and ownership prospects.

In short, it’s endearing without being truly enamouring.

How much does the 2020 Genesis G70 Ultimate Sport cost?
Price: $79,950 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol
Output: 272kW/510Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 238g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP year 2018)