There’s a new premium mid-size sedan in town, called the Genesis G70. It’s been on sale overseas for a little while now, and it looks set to become a very popular contender in Australia.
The Genesis G70 is loosely based on the same rear-wheel drive platform that underpins the Kia Stinger. But don’t get them confused. They are entirely different vehicles, and compete in different market segments. The G70 is a sedan, while the Stinger is a fastback four-door coupe.
Six main variants are being introduced for Australia, with three trim levels featuring a 2.0T four-cylinder, and three trim levels with a 3.3T V6. Trim levels span from 2.0T, 2.0T Sport, 2.0T Ultimate, and then 3.3T Sport, 3.3T Ultimate, and flagship 3.3T Ultimate Sport. All are rear-wheel drive and feature an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.0T engine produces 179kW and 353Nm, promising a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds. This version comes with an official combined cycle fuel consumption rating of 9.0L/100km. Going for the 3.3T gets you a twin-turbo V6 that develops 272kW and 510Nm. It offers a fuel consumption average of 10.2L/100km, and a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 4.7 seconds.
All models come with an 8.0-inch touch-screen media interface inside, packaged with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital radio, and at least a nine-speaker audio system with sub-woofers. Upper variants come with a 15-speaker premium sound system.
In terms of safety tech, all models come extensively equipped. Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high-beam headlights, and radar cruise control with stop and go functionality are all standard. Head-up display is added to the 2.0T Ultimate, 3.3T Ultimate, and 3.3T Ultimate Sport.
The Genesis G70 will head into the market to contend with the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS and co. It is expected to become quite a popular model, especially considering it undercuts many rivals on price. Manfred Fitzgerald, executive vice president, global head of the Genesis, said:
“Technology, ultra-luxury and high-performance align in our all-new G70 sports sedan. The first-generation G70 ushers in new and appealing offering in the medium luxury segment, with the unique customer benefits of our Genesis To You concierge services and an all-inclusive ownership experience.”
The order books are open now with prices starting from the following (excluding on-roads). Genesis offers a segment-leading five-year warranty and five years free scheduled servicing with all models. Head over to our first Australian drive review here for more – includes 0-100km/h videos of both the 2.0T and 3.3T.
2019 Genesis G70 2.0T: $59,300
2019 Genesis G70 2.0T Sport: $63,300
2019 Genesis G70 2.0T Ultimate: $69,300
2019 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport: $72,450
2019 Genesis G70 3.3T Ultimate: $79,950
2019 Genesis G70 3.3T Ultimate Sport: $79,950
