By Asian Journal Auto Editor

The Genesis G70 compact, luxury-sport sedan is designed to compete with such premium performance sedans such as: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. Like all Genesis vehicles, the G70 is sold for a price that includes a huge number of features; all delivery and destination fees as well as an excellent number of ownership benefits including Genesis at Home concierge service, complimentary scheduled maintenance, Genesis Connected Services, map updates, and more, all for 5 years or 100,000 km. There are no dedicated Genesis showrooms- the buying experience instead is personalized and unique. Potential buyers can simply book a test drive online and Genesis will bring a test vehicle right to your home or office.

Looks wise, the Genesis offers an impressive timeless visage, sleek with a premium Euro look that’s somehow unique. I like the side vents on the front fenders and the imposing 3.3T Sport dark mesh grille. The G70 looks expensive and fast without moving. There are six trim levels, all featuring all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base version ($42,000) arrives with the 2.0-litre direct injection turbo inline four with 252 hp and 260 The G70 2.0T Sport offers rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual. Other models include: 2.0-litre Elite AWD/auto, $47,000; Prestige AWD/auto, $52,000; 3.3-litre Dynamic, AWD/auto, $52,000. We tested the top model G70 3.3T Sport AWD that comes in at $57,500 Genesis claim the 3.3T offers the most powerful engine in its class capable of dashing from 0-100 km/h in a scant 4.7 seconds, and with a top speed of 270 km/h.

With a rigid Nürburgring-tuned chassis and a wide-range of performance – enhancing components, the top dog 3.3T Sport  is the one to aspire with its 365-horsepower 3.3L twin-turbocharged V6engine, high-performance Brembo  brakes, and a Variable Gear Ratio steering rack. Dual exhaust outlets and a unique rear and appearance package, plus a variety of performance enhancements wrap up the 3,3T Sport. The cabin is truly wondrous, on par with any premium German sedan. It’s beautifully finished, with plush diamond-stitched, pleated and quilted Nappa leather seats with a driver’s power-adjustable cushion extension and raised contrasting stitching all around. All the materials are upscale- heavy, expensive- feeling. It’s all there: knurled knobs, sleek metal trim; all meticulously detailed. Fit and finish is top-notch, certainly equal with the German rivals. Everything is driver-orientated, with all controls in easy reach. On the safety front, the G70 has a comprehensive suite of safety features including: forward collision avoidance assist (FCA), blind spot collision warning (BCW), and driver awareness warning (DAW), part of the Genesis Active Safety Control technology suite.

On the road, the 3.3 turbo engine offers smooth acceleration and is no slouch off the line. The G70 Sport offers a very quiet, well insulated limousine like- ride.  The AWD system can send up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels and makes use of brake-based torque vectoring. The steering has good on-center feel but is a little light in my opinion. However there are multi drive modes which when used offers slightly tightened handling and more steering feel. The variable ratio steering and electronically controlled suspension provide agile responses and a balanced ride and handling. There is also a launch control feature to maximize off-the-line acceleration and mechanical limited slip differential to improve traction and acceleration out of the corners. Drivers can also choose from a variety of drive modes according to their personal preference or driving situation—Comfort, Eco, Sport, Smart or Custom.  The G70 keeps up with competition performance wise. Meanwhile Fuel economy is rated at: (Premium) 2.0-litre automatic,11.5/8.7L/100 km; 3.3-litre automatic, 13.3/9.5L/100 km.

Downside are few. The touchscreen is positioned a little far from the driver on the dashboard, back seat legroom is an issue, and the 296 litres trunk capacity is a bit stingy. To sum up, the G70 3.3T Sport can easily compete with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class and Audi A4s of this world in terms of performance, and better them when it comes to value. For example; what comes as very, very expensive option packages in the German iron is included as standard in G70, so that is something to bear in mind if you are a brand name snob. The G70 offers satisfying performance and is actually a great car to drive. Luxurious, with great interior and equipment roster. It’s well worth considering if you want a premium performance sedan you will enjoy every day. Excellent work Genesis!

2019 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Priced from $42,000 – $57,000. Genesis.ca