New-look Genesis G70 busts out

The wraps have come off a mid-life update for the Genesis G70 rear-drive luxury sedan, revealing an audacious new look that ties it closer to the GV80 SUV and G80 sedans.

Arriving in Australia in the first half of 2021, the new-look Genesis G70’s revised exterior visuals are based around the ‘athletic elegance’ design ethos characterised by a massive trapezoidal ‘crest’ grille.

Together with striking twin-slot LED headlights, these styling elements dominate the front-end design.

The lower apron has a sportier style than its G80 bigger brother, as the G70 targets other mid-size luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS and Audi A4.

At the rear, the eye is drawn to the G70’s twin-slot tail-lights, while a duck-tail spoiler is integrated into the boot lid.

Genesis execs have confirmed they are studying a wagon or shooting brake version of the G70, which has already been spied testing, in a bid to break into the European market and it’s all but certain to lob in 2021.

But it remains to be seen whether the G70 sports wagon will be offered in Australia.

A single image of the G70’s interior shows a more mature overall aesthetic and a new 10.2-inch infotainment touch-screen, which is the centrepiece of the dashboard. It now has a more premium visual execution, while most of the other design details carry over from the current model.

The bigger screen is mated to new infotainment and operating systems which allow over-the-air vehicle and system updates, along with a valet mode and CarPay. The wireless smartphone charge pad is bigger too.

Genesis hasn’t confirmed the G70's powertrain line-up yet, but stated that more details will be confirmed next month (October).

There’s a chance the new Genesis G70 will get the brawny new 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 (280kW/530) from the G80, along with a bigger 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder (225kW/420Nm).

These engines would deliver better performance and fuel economy than the current four- and six-cylinder donks, which could nevertheless be carried over.

That would mean the rear-drive Korean sedan retains its competitive 3.3-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 (272kW/510Nm) and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder (179kW/353Nm).

There's an outside chance the facelifted G70 could get the potent new 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel (204kW/588Nm) that made its debut in the upcoming Genesis GV80.

Just like its unorthodox vehicle designs, Genesis also offers a buying and ownership experience that's different to conventional luxury car brands.

Firstly, Genesis vehicles feature locally-tuned suspension and, secondly, Genesis won’t haggle on price: its non-negotiable pricing strategy sees current G70 prices range between $59,300 and $79,950 (which won’t change dramatically with the facelifted model).

The up-start prestige brand argues that price negotiation is the most disliked part of the car buying process for most customers.

Genesis' purchase prices include all scheduled servicing for five years or 50,000km and full valet service.

This means Genesis owners will never need to attend a service centre or dealership because their cars are collected from their place of residence or work, serviced and then returned, and a loan car is supplied in the meantime if required.