Displaying items by tag: Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

Monday, 17 January 2022 07:24

New Genesis G70 Shooting Brake 2022 review

 

Verdict

Out of the wide range of models from the fledgling Genesis brand, the G70 is the least convincing. It’s competitively priced, but let down by a very cramped cabin that lacks the sense of occasion as other models in the family. Dynamically it lacks a little sophistication to the best premium rivals, too. But if you’re sold on the looks (and we’re sure many will be) and you can live with the lack of space, then it’s still an intriguing offering.

This is the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake, the latest offering from Hyundai’s premium brand offshoot. Sitting alongside its existing range of smart saloons and imposing SUV’s this striking estate has the BMW 3 Series Touring in its sights. 

If it was fighting on looks alone, we wouldn’t bet against it. In a segment where style counts for a lot, the G70’s sleek estate body certainly cuts a handsome figure, but it’s not without its compromises.

But first, the technical stuff. The car is new to us in the UK, but the model you see here is a facelifted version of a car that’s been in production since 2017. That Hyundai connection gives Genesis access to a wealth of tech from various other models in the Korean giant’s range. 

 
Most notable here is the G70’s basic platform. It’s shared with the Kia Stinger, which means rear wheel drive but, sadly, UK buyers don’t get the Stinger’s 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6. Engine choices include a 241bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, and a 2.2-litre diesel with 197bhp, which we’re driving here. An eight speed automatic gearbox is standard for both.

Each of the previous Genesis models we’ve tried have all impressed with a contemporary, minimalist and high quality cabin. In contrast, the G70 feels like a little bit of a letdown. There are some neat details; the red stitching and contrasting seat belts help to lift the cabin, and the 3D-effect digital dials are brilliant, but the overall design looks like it’s come from a previous generation of Genesis model. 

The infotainment system is right on the money compared with those in other premium offerings though. The graphics here look razor-sharp and loading times are quick enough. The dashboard features a row of physical shortcut buttons that give easy access to all of the system’s major functions. Build quality is decent, but not class-leading.

But the slightly underwhelming finish is not the greatest of the G70’s problems, because the back seats are very cramped. Even with a driver of average height, another adult will struggle for knee room behind. Headroom isn’t brilliant and the central tunnel running along the floor is huge, so it feels very cramped. Some superminis are more spacious.

Things don’t improve out back, either. The shallow load floor means the boot is also a small 403 litres, around 100 less than most rivals. Fold the rear seats and it’s a little more promising though; the 1,535-litre total is on par with the competition.

 
Things improve on the road, though. The G70 slots into a class where there’s a lot of sharp handling options, but it doesn’t humiliate itself – far from it. The rear-driven chassis has a natural balance, which combined with quick steering and plenty of grip, allows you to throw the G70 around with similar enthusiasm to a 3 Series Touring. 
 
 

And that’s if the diesel hasn’t already soured the mood. Start it from cold and you're subjected to an unpleasant clatter, and though it settles down when it’s warm, refinement still isn’t a strong point. The 7.7-second 0-62mph time seems optimistic, too, so performance is merely okay rather than exhilarating. On longer journeys, we did see the G70 easily top the official WLTP 40.7mpg fuel consumption figure, though.

It’s not only the fuel consumption that’s competitive for the wallet, the financials in general stack up quite well. Pop down a £5,000 deposit on a three-year PCP with a 10,000-mile annual limit, and the G70 Shooting Brake diesel in this top spec Sport Line trim comes to £665 per month. The closest match in the BMW 3 Series range is the 320d M Sport Pro Edition, and the numbers are almost identical – the German comes to roughly £2 more each month. 

With the G70’s standard kit list out-punching the 3 Series’, with standard-fit ventilated front seats and blind spot cameras, that makes it worth a punt – but only if you fit in the cramped interior. Anyone who can easily reach high shelves need not apply.

Model: Genesis G70 Shooting Brake Sport Line
Price: £41,430
Engine: 2.2 turbo diesel
Power/torque: 197bhp/440Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
0-62mph: 7.7 seconds
Top speed: 140 mph
Economy: 40.7mpg
CO2: 182g/km
On sale: Now

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/genesis/g70/shootingbrake

 

Published in Genesis
Thursday, 16 December 2021 05:09

Genesis G70 Shooting Brake review

Appealing, left-field estate/coupe lacking engine choices
 
 

 PROS

  • Fun to drive 
  • Impressive ride quality
  • High-quality interior

 CONS

  • Lack of hybrid/electric options
  • Tight rear head room 
  • Unimpressive four-cylinder engines
 

Is the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake any good?

The second model in the Genesis G70 range has been rolled out, and it's a segment-busting estate/hatchback/coupe crossover that should appeal those looking for a stand-out compact executive car. In reality, the Shooting Brake is an estate car, with a commodious rear end and a choice of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines for those who don't want to go for one of the default-choice German opposition.

With a decent range of cars already on offer – and more on the way – Genesis aims to establish itself as a premium player with a difference. To help on that journey offering a concierge-style package with all of its cars, and hoping that buyers will be swayed away from their BMWs, Audis and Mercedes-Benzes, on the promise of a better standard of service and more left-field cars – we’re looking forward to seeing how it pans out.

If you're looking at one of these, you'll undoubtedly have the BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate on your shopping list, but the G70's daring looks mean it's likely to appeal to those also looking for an Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, Volkswagen Arteon or Peugeot 508. It's an interesting line-up...

What's it like inside?

From the rear seats forward, the Shooting Brake is identical to the saloon inside. So you get the same blend of tastefully hued materials, pleated leather and dashboard that's liberally sprinkled with buttons. It’s no worse inside than a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, but the Mercedes-Benz C-Class does better. Build quality is impressive, too.

The interior highlight is the optional Innovation Pack, which brings you a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that will show you – on screen – what’s happening alongside when signalling left or right. Sounds gimmicky, but it really does work on the move. Other than that, it’s standard digital fare, and it all works seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It’s roomy in the front if you like a low-slung driving position, but the rear bench isn’t quite so roomy, with tight legroom being the biggest criticism. Of its rivals, we’d say only the Jaguar XE is more cramped. The luggage space in the Shooting Brake is not bad at all – the carrying capacity with the rear seats down is 1,565 litres, which beats the BMW 3 Series Touring’s 1,510, let alone the 1,300 you get in the sleeker 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Genesis G70 Shooting Brake review (2021) interior view 

What's it like to drive?

It's based on the same tech and underpinnings as the Kia Stinger and powered by a pair of four-cylinder engines. The choice is between a 2.2-litre diesel and a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol in 200 and 245hp forms.

The 245hp petrol model's official WLTP fuel consumption is 35.4mpg and that’s someway behind the opposition, especially as you’ll find yourself driving it hard quite often, dragging the economy down further. It doesn't feel too quick on the road, despite a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds. Blame that on a kerb weight of almost 1,700kg weight and a lack of mid-range pulling power.

The diesel feels more suited to the G70 Shooting Brake, putting in a solid performance and proving to be at its best when cruising, rather than being driven hard. It’s refined at speed, which is all that most owners will really want. But overall, you're left with the lingering impression that it's a great handling sporting estate in need of better engines.

Comfort and handling

Like the saloon it’s based upon, the G70 Shooting Brake is very good to drive, and you can tell from the first corner that it's excellent in corners, with fast and responsive steering and a near lack of bodyroll. Considering this is the company’s first entry into the compact executive market, it’s very good – up there with the likes of the Jaguar XE and BMW 3 Series for driver involvement.

As well as enjoying keen handling, the G70 Shooting Brake rides well, and all that you can really criticise it for is above average levels of tyre noise. In terms of comfort, the 3 Series and especially the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the G70 beaten, even if there's little to criticise its ride quality for.

Genesis G70 Shooting Brake review (2021) rear view

What models and trims are available?

The new Genesis G70 Shooting Brake comes in three forms: Premium, Luxury and Sport. The entry-level Premium cars come with a 10.25-inch infotainment system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with electrically-adjustable leather seats, blind spot monitoring and LED headlights as standard.

The Luxury models get a heated steering wheel and heated seats, Sport models add more sporting-looking wheels and bodykit. Options across the range include a sunroof, a nappa leather interior and a great-sounding premium sound system.

All variants of the new Genesis G70 Shooting Brake are offered with either a 2.0 turbocharged petrol engine or a 2.2 litre Diesel. The petrol engine in the Premium model makes 197hp, whereas in the Luxury and Sport it makes 245hp. There is only one diesel engine, and it makes 200hp.

 
Genesis G70 Shooting Brake review (2021) front view, driving

Should you buy one?

The Genesis G70 Shooting Brake is a very capable and unusual choice in a market dominated by very similar vehicles, and we like it all the more for that. In cold, hard terms, it's not as good all round as the BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, and if you want the best car for your money, you should go with the former.

But it's still an engaging choice, especially considering the extra level of service your Genesis dealer will offer you as a customer. It's not just appealing because it looks interesting. It's also good to drive, with keen handling, and should be fun to live with if you enjoy attacking B-roads on a regular basis. Motorway refinement is also noteworthy, as is the roomy, well-shaped boot (especially considering the swoopy looks).

However, it's let down by an indifferent range of diesel and petrol engines and a lack of any sort of electrification. We suspect its appeal is more deep-seated than that, and most will be sold on the strength of Genesis’s promised customer support rather than the car’s relative merits compared with the opposition.

(https://www.parkers.co.uk/genesis/g70/shooting-brake/review/)

Published in Genesis

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