It’s been a long wait since Genesis Motors revealed the G70 would slot under the G80 as the marque’s entry-level luxury car. And now here it is in all its glory, all 4,685 millimeters of the 2018 Kia Stinger-derived RWD newcomer!
First, let’s talk about dimensions. Often pitted as a challenger to the BMW 3 Series, the 2018 Genesis G70 is larger in every way compared to the German yardstick. It’s longer (4,685 mm), wider (1,850 mm), and rides on a longer wheelbase (2,835 mm). If we take them together, these numbers make the South Korean interloper more spacious than the best-selling BMW of all time.
Genesis also made sure there are plenty of engine options available for the all-new models, with the four- and six-cylinder turbocharged powerplants reflecting those of the Kia Stinger. At the lower end of the list, there’s the 2.0-liter Theta II GDI with 252 PS. Opt for the Sports package, and you’re looking at 255 metric ponies. The range-topping Lambda II V6, which displaces 3.3 liters and develops 370 horsepower, makes the G70 fairly quick. With zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) coming up in 4.7 seconds, the twin-turbo six-cylinder mill will keep on winding up until the speedometer indicates 270 km/h (168 mph).
Over in Europe, customers of the G70 will be treated to turbo diesel power as well in the form of the 2.2-liter CRDi. Internally referred to as the R 2.2 VGT, the oil-chugging plant is less torquey than the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 and, somewhat expectedly, less powerful than the 2.0-liter turbo at 202 horsepower. Genesis keeps its lips shut on the availability of a manual, but the eight-speed automatic that equips the vehicle in the featured shots is adequate for the G70.
As far as design is concerned, the G70 is a case of love it or hate it. Yours truly would like to highlight that what Genesis has done with the compact executive sedan is to veer away from the German establishment, doing its own thing. The interior, although beautified by diamond stitching and premium trim, has a bit of BMW to it thanks to the location and design of the media system’s display.
Similarly to the Stinger, the G70 is available with both rear- and all-wheel-drive. Safety is an area Genesis made sure the G70 is best-in-class, with standard features including nine airbags, active hood, hot stamping methods, and an extended use of structural adhesives that promise enhanced torsional rigidity and overall body stiffness. And now, we wait to find out the pricing of the newcomer, which is crucial to the automaker’s success in this car segment.
“The launch of the Genesis G70 is an important milestone for our brand,” said Manfred Fitzgerald, head of Genesis. “It is a great point of pride to have Genesis showcase what a true luxury brand of Korean origin can present to our discerning customers,” added Woong-Chul Yang, the vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Group’s research and development division.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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