Genesis GV70 breaks cover

Korea’s answer to the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the all-new Genesis GV70, has been officially revealed in camouflage as it enters public-road testing for the first time.

Based on the facelifted G70 medium sedan that arrives in Australia in the first half of next year, the Genesis GV70 is likely to become the top-selling model for the Hyundai premium brand in Australia, if its German rivals are any guide.

It will be positioned below the all-new Genesis GV80 large SUV, which is based on the new Genesis G80 large sedan, both of which are due in local showrooms in November.

Further afield, a smaller Genesis SUV called the GV60 is expected to do battle with the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. However, it could be exclusively battery-powered, since Genesis has previously indicated its first EV will be a small crossover to be revealed in 2021.

For now, Genesis says its second SUV is entering public-road testing for the next month in South Korea, and that more GV70 details will be announced soon.

Expect a similar powertrain line-up to the G70, meaning 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder and perhaps 3.3-litre turbo V6 engines.

However, it’s possible the GV70 will score the Hyundai Group’s latest 3.5-litre turbo-petrol V6 (280kW/530Nm) from the new G80 sedan, and its new 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four (225kW/420Nm).

Also possible, but less likely, is the new 204kW/588Nm 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel from the new GV80.

The Genesis GV70 is certain, however, to bring all the new technologies from the upgraded 2021 G70, including a big 10.2-inch infotainment touch-screen and operating system, with over-the-air software updates, plus wireless phone charging.

Externally, the Genesis GV70 employs the same front-end design theme as the larger GV80, but the ‘G-Matrix’ camouflage makes it difficult to tell whether Genesis has indeed refrained from making it a smaller version of its flagship SUV.

In today’s press release, Genesis said the GV70 will wear the latest evolution of its signature ‘Athletic Elegance’ design language, but that the bespoke G-Matrix camouflage pattern aims to hide specific styling details for now.

“We are thrilled to share this early sneak preview of our second SUV, the Genesis GV70,” said the luxury Korean car-maker.

“It telegraphs an exciting new design and reinforces the core brand values that run through our line-up. We look forward to sharing full details on GV70 with everyone in the near future.”