2019 Genesis G70 Preview
- New compact luxury sports sedan
- Turbocharged 4-cylinder or V-6 engine
- Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive
- Standard and Sport trim levels
- Upscale interior materials
- Latest in driver-assistance technologies
- Impressive ownership benefits package
- On sale by summer 2018
Introduction
Genesis has introduced its new entry-luxury sport sedan, called the G70. With its arrival in 2018 as a 2019 model-year vehicle, the G70 brings the Genesis sedan count to three: G70, G80, and G90.
A compact car with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (AWD), the 2019 Genesis G70 shares its platform and powertrains with the new 2018 Kia Stinger.
Exterior Features
According to Genesis, the new G70 reflects the future styling direction for the company’s future models. By 2021, the lineup will include three sedans, two SUVs, and an as-yet-unannounced vehicle.
Predictably, it isn’t easy to establish a purely unique design language in a cluttered automotive landscape. As such, the G70 comes across as a melting pot of cues from other vehicles ranging from entry-level Hyundai models from the parent company to modern Italian sport sedans from Maserati.
The good news is that the G70 possesses just enough style, panache, and balance to credibly defend its market position, which pits the car against the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q50, Jaguar XE, Lexus IS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Interior Features
Well-equipped versions of the Genesis G70 look appropriately upscale, especially with diamond-stitched leather stretched across the seats. Genesis employs gloss black trim, real aluminum accents, and premium Nappa leather to appropriately convey the G70’s stature within the segment.
In terms of the controls and displays, Genesis uses fonts that are familiar to anyone who has been inside of a modern Hyundai or Kia. Otherwise, the collection of knobs, buttons, and piano-key switches looks upscale, as it should. The layout is driver-centric and distinctive, and Genesis reports that the front seats are positioned specifically to lower the car’s center of gravity.
Under the Hood
A turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard in the G70, making approximately 250 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, which is competitive within the segment. When equipped with the optional Sports package, output is bumped a bit, though not by much.
This engine powers the G70’s rear wheels, likely through an automatic transmission. At the car’s unveiling in Seoul, Genesis did not state how many gears it might have, or whether the company’s AWD system would be offered with the 4-cylinder.
The fun one will be the G70 Sport. It gets a turbocharged, 3.3-liter V-6 engine good for about 365 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. Naturally, the torque is spread broadly across the rev range, from 1,300 rpm to 4,500 rpm, which ought to supply quite a thrill in such a small car. Dynamic torque-vectoring AWD will be available with this engine, as evidenced by “HTRAC” emblems on the decklid.
Additional go-faster features include a limited-slip differential, variable-ratio rack-mounted electric steering, and an adaptive damping suspension.
Safety
Genesis confirms that the new G70 will offer a forward-collision warning system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as an automatic emergency braking system.
Blind-spot and drowsy driver monitoring are also available, along with a new feature called Highway Driving Assist. Genesis did not explain this technology, but based on its name it likely provides semi-autonomous lane-keeping assistance at highway speeds.
Technology
Smart Posture Control is not new, as it debuted in the flagship Genesis G90, but it is unusual. Owners can input information about their physical characteristics and then the seats, mirrors, and steering wheel will automatically adjust to provide optimum positioning and support.
The G70 will also have an infotainment system with an 8-in. touch-screen display and smartphone-projection technology supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link formats. A 15-speaker Lexicon premium audio system is available as an upgrade.
Genesis also provides a free 3-year subscription to Genesis Connected Services, as well as free infotainment and navigation system updates. In fact, G70 owners will enjoy 3 free years of scheduled maintenance, too, and through the standard Service Valet benefit, the dealership will come and get the car from you so that you need not be bothered with schlepping the G70 over to service yourself.
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