The Genesis model line-up expands this year with the G70 added to the existing G80 and G90 models. The G70 is a smaller version of the four-door sedan and a bit smaller and lighter than the Stinger that sits on the same platform.
The G70 is available in five trims as an all-wheel-drive automatic and one rear wheel drive manual. The engine choices range from a 2.0L turbo 4 cylinders to the more powerful 3.3L twin turbo on the Prestige and Sport trims.
For the enthusiast, the only reasonable choices would be for the manual 2.0L turbo or the Automatic 3.3L twin turbo. My test review vehicle was the top of the line 3.3L Sport AWD that I rate as one of the best sport sedans that I have driven in the last couple of years.
Technical Details (for the enthusiast)
The G70 Sport is a four door all-wheel-drive sedan that comes with the 3.3L twin turbo engine providing 365hp @6,000 rpm and 376 lb-ft torque matched with an 8-speed electronic automatic transmission with overdrive lock-up torque converter and manual mode with wheel-mounted shift paddles.
The 4-piston front and 2-piston rear (painted red) calipers show off the Brembo braking system with large (350mm x 30mm front and 340mm x 20 mm rear) ventilated rotors providing the stopping power.
19" staggered-width aluminum alloy wheels with top of the line Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires (P225/40R19 front, P255/35R19 rear) give the basic grip.
The 5-link independent suspension, limited slip differential on the rear axle and adaptive suspension system help to keep the car properly planted. Finally, the car is equipped with rack-and- pinion variable gear ratio power steering. The car’s front suspension is made up of MacPherson strut with coil springs and gas-charged dampers. The rear is a 5-link independent suspension with coil springs and gas-charged dampers.
For those that need to know – the car can do 0-100km/hr under 5 seconds.
Driving and Handling Characteristics
This is one superb driving machine for the price!
The G70 Sport comes with Drive Mode Select (DMS) controlling response of steering, engine, transmission, and suspension. You can choose from Eco, Comfort, Sport and even a driver customizable mode. Realistically, most owners will choose either Comfort or Sport. Personally, I preferred the Sport mode with the driver’s seat auto adjusting for more support.
The car has plenty of power and with the use of the paddle shifters, I quite enjoyed moving up and down through the gears doing some spirited driving on some of our northern twisty roads. The occasional need for a near panic evasive maneuver to avoid the wildlife demonstrated the capabilities of the steering, suspension and most of all, brakes.
The twin turbo engine has a great sound when accelerating hard – adding to overall enjoyment. On the highway at legal (sort of) speeds, the car was wonderfully stable and responsive to my desires for quicker passes or simply relaxed cruising.
I drove this car for over 850 km in less than 24 hours (two stints of driving) and felt completely comfortable with very little fatigue. I did wish for a little more padding for my right leg rubbing against the side of the center console (also common with C-Class Mercedes).
Comfort and Styling
The car looks great, both outside and inside.
On the outside, the car has a definite sleek and aggressive looking sport style complete with dual exhaust, sharp-looking wheels and lots of dark finishes.
Quilted Nappa leather seats with diamond stitch quilting, red stitching, aluminum alloy pedals, leather wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, black suede headliner and lots of finishing features all around contribute to a stunning interior. Outside mirrors are of course powered, folding, heated, and display blind spot warning.
The driver’s seat is 16-way power adjustable with adjustable side bolsters, cushion extension and 4-way lumbar adjustment. The front passenger is not left out – and gets a 12-way power adjustable seat with 4-way lumbar adjustment. Rear seats are 60/40 and folding. The driver has the option of turning on the heads-up display to keep an eye on speed, and the various driving options and responses selected (I much prefer heads-up display).
An 8” touch screen display for an audio, navigation and system setting sits high on the dash in easy view. Well-labeled controls are throughout the steering wheel, center console and dash. The audio system consists of a Lexicon AM/FM/XM/MP3 premium surround sound system with 15 speakers. Of course Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Bluetooth hands free phone systems are included. The audio command system functions acceptably well.
The car is equipped with most of the “convenience features” that one expects these days from higher end vehicles. Of notable mention are the wireless charging pad, auto vehicle hold and proximity trunk opening.
Safety
The Genesis has always received superior safety ratings. In addition to the basic structural design of the car and the usual array of airbags, the car is equipped with the latest of what is known as “driver assistance features” including:
- Electronic stability with traction control
- Anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
- Blind spot collision warning with lane change assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross-traffic collision warning
- Driver attention warning
- Lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and
- Forward collision avoidance-assist with pedestrian detection
Genesis G70 Sport AWD - things to consider
The G70 is available at a price ranging from $42,000 for the 2.0L AWD automatic to the $57,500 AWD Sport automatic. If selecting at the lower end, I would probably choose the manual 2.0L Sport rear wheel drive that for an extra $3,500 gives you most of the more expensive AWD Sport trim at $12,000 less. Granted, you don’t get the 3.3L twin turbo engine but you do get most of the other Sport components like the Brembo brakes, limited slip differential and Sport styling. All in all, this is a wonderful addition to the Genesis line!
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