Upgraded Genesis G70 range arrives

Full Australian pricing and specs have been announced for the upgraded 2021 Genesis G70 sedan range, which is now available to order and arrives in local showrooms next week.

The big news for the Hyundai Motor Group’s answer to the BMW 3 Series is a bold new ‘Athletic Elegance’ front-end design including quad headlights, and a host of new technologies.

However, while wagon (G70 Shooting Brake) and SUV (GV70) derivatives will soon join the mid-size luxury sedan range for the first time, the 2021 Genesis G70 line-up now comprises just two variants – down from six previously – and pricing now starts at $63,000 plus on-road costs.

That’s $3700 more than before, making the base G70 more expensive than the entry-level version of the new Lexus IS ($61,500 plus ORCs), and further upstream of the Audi A4 (from $55,900) and Volvo S60 ($55,990).

But the Genesis G70 still undercuts the Alfa Romeo Giulia (from $63,950), Jaguar XE ($64,704), Mercedes-Benz C-Class ($66,900) and BMW 3 Series ($70,900).

As we’ve reported, the 2021 Genesis G70 continues with turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.3-litre V6 petrol engines matched as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.

There will be no all-wheel drive version with new drift mode as seen overseas, and there’s no sign of the bigger Genesis G80 sedan’s more powerful 3.5-litre turbo-petrol V6 or the GV80 large SUV’s buxom 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel.

But the V6 does get a slight peak power increase from 272kW to 274kW, and a new active variable exhaust system. Priced $3550 higher than before at $76,000 plus ORCs, the 2021 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport continues to deliver maximum torque of 510Nm, and the base 2.0T delivers unchanged 179kW/353Nm outputs.

And instead of the previous Genesis G70 line-up – 2.0T Sport and Ultimate, and 3.3T Sport, Ultimate and Ultimate Sport – the range has been simplified to 2.0T and 3.3T Sport, plus options.

These include a $4000 Sport Line Package for the base 2.0T, which includes standard features from the 3.3T such as a mechanical limited-slip differential, Brembo brake package, 19-inch Sport dark alloy wheels and a Sport Line body kit comprising dark chrome crest grille surround/inserts and window surrounds, plus Sport leather trim, suede headliner, alloy pedals and aluminium interior trim.

A $10,000 Luxury Package for both variants comprises a new 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, Forward Attention Warning, Intelligent Front-Lighting System, powered tailgate and swirl-pattern aluminium trim inserts, plus carryover items like a head-up display, Nappa leather-appointed trim, 16-way driver’s seat power adjustment with memory, heated steering wheel with electric adjustment, heated rear seats, suede headlining/pillars, acoustic laminated windscreen and a 15-speaker premium sound system.

Matte paint is now a $2000 option in conjunction with the Sport Line or Luxury packs, the latter adding Sevilla Red, Sandstorm Grey and Sport Black to the list of seven interior colour choices.

Extra standard features for the 2021 Genesis G70 2.0T include a host of new safety systems like front centre and rear side airbags (now a total of 10), Multi-Collision Brake, Rear Occupant Alert, Junction Turning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist – Rear, Safe Exit Warning and Blind-Spot View Monitor.

All G70s now also get a 10.25-inch infotainment touch-screen, 8.0-inch LCD supervision cluster, Panorama Sunroof with powered blind, heated/ventilated front seats, G-Matrix upholstery quilting, electrochromic side mirrors, capacitive-touch front door-handles, a larger and higher-output 15W wireless Qi phone charger and, for the 2.0T, 19-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 front and 255/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres (up from 18s, as per 3.3T).

In addition, the 2021 Genesis G70 3.3T gains 2kW more peak power, the active variable exhaust and a new Sport+ mode for the variable damping system.

These features are in addition to carryover safety equipment including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (AEB) with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, High Beam Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.

And standard convenience equipment continues to comprise leather-appointed seat, door and console trim, aluminium garnishes, 12-way front seat power adjustment, keyless entry/start, auto wipers, 60/40-split folding rear seat, dual-zone climate control, navigation with SUNA Live Traffic updates, nine-speaker sound, digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Genesis Australia continues to offer a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, roadside assist and valet, concierge and courtesy vehicle service, plus a five-year/50,000km free scheduled service program.

Watch this space for our first drive of the 2021 Genesis G70 next Friday (June 11).

How much dos the 2021 Genesis G70 cost?
2.0T – $63,000 (+$3700)
3.3T Sport – $76,000 (+$3550)
* Prices exclude on-road costs

Sport Line Package – $4000 (2.0T)
Luxury Package – $10,000
Matte paint (with Sport Line or Luxury Package) – $2000