Susan Frissell, Editor/Publisher

Rising almost out of nowhere, the Genesis ‘brand,’ a product of Hyundai has made a name for itself in just a short period of time. Driving the new 2020 G70, I found it hard to be invisible. Heads turned on every block and even engendered questions when at a stop. I was disappointed in myself that I hadn’t done my ‘homework’ before getting into the new G70 so I could answer intelligently. I also didn’t get the feeling-at first-I thought I would when climbing into the supportive driver’s seat.

I had all but decided G70 would be my next vehicle, hoping at some point to negotiate a decent price. Which is why there are second chances in life. First impressions-no matter what you’ve heard-aren’t always the correct impression. As the week progressed, I grew  fond of the G70 and its knock-out styling.

Our test G70 was the AWD version Sport, equipped with the 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6, 365 horsepower. A member of the Luxury Support Sedan market, the G70 was launched early in 2019. Hard to compare it to the big players in this market (Audi, BMW, $60,000), but one does not need to as it stands alone, both in styling (especially in Havana Red), interior charm and value.

Our G70 test vehicle is fast enough for most and challenging in looks. Our G70 came equipped with three separate packages: Elite (including Low Beam Assist, Rain-sensing wipers, parking distance warning, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, Wireless charging pod); Prestige (Heads-up Display, Surround View Monitor, Napa Leather seating Surfaces with Luxury Quilting, Heated Rear Seats, Power Trunk, Microfiber Suede Headliner); and Sport (including Electronically Controlled Suspension, 12-inch Sport Alloy Wheels w/Summer Tires (RWD) or All-Season Tires, AWD, Copper Headlight Bezel Accents, Dark Tint Taillight Covers, Dark Chrome Grille and Window Trim, Black Napa Leather Seating Surfaces with Sport Quilting).

These packages add to the car’s pricing, of course, and some of us can do without such opulence. Nice to have, but perhaps not always necessary, especially if you’re trying to get into the new G70 for a decent price. MSRP at $46,650 is doable for some, and this may be a vehicle drivers will elect to lease.

Pricing of today’s automobiles is on the high side; and seems so to most people. But with Hyundai (and cousin Kia), buyers get a lot for the price. For instance, one can have a specially painted color without extra cost.  These new versions of red in today’s color choices are smashing. Just In one month of driving vehicles in the fleet, we had four versions of ‘red,’ all stunning.

The G70’s grille is reminiscent of Lexus’ most recent grille which has caused mixed emotions among many. We like it on the G70. It has a commanding presence. This luxury sedan has no trouble taking off with the help of 365 horsepower, and drivers can choose from one of five drive modes. Genesis brags numbers of 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. While some long for the days of the V8 (oh, how I mourned it), today’s turbo engines strive to make up for that experience, and in a much more efficient way. We preferred Sport mode but found Comfort mode a good option for daily drives.

Genesis also offers a Smart mode which believe it or not, learns the driver’s style adjusting shift points to match the driver’s normal way of driving. Of course it does, you say. Aren’t all vehicles “Smart” cars today? Custom and ECO mode are also available. I often find myself driving on ECO mode, assuming MPG will be better.

What took a little getting used to for this writer was the driver’s seat and its position. It felt either too close or not close enough to the pedals, and too high most of the time. I spent time looking for the perfect fit, and finally after a few days in the G70, I found it. The seats are plush and very sporty.

This is a substantial sedan at close to 4,000 lbs. and feels so when navigating the roads. Although the feel isn’t just like a performance vehicle, still it feels sporty, if not a tad stiff on worse roads. The 8-speed automatic transmission is smooth and shifts effortlessly. One can opt for a rear-drive G70 as well, and a 2.0T entry level engine.

Available models include the 2.0T Standard ($35,450), 2.0T Standard AWD ($37,450), 2.0T Sport ($38,500), 3.3T Standard $44,650), and 3.3T Standard AWD ($46,650).

The interior on the Genesis G70 meets luxury specs and is comfortable. Seats are large yet rear seating room can be a tad tight. The trunk isn’t as generous as we expected, and the trunk mat a little cheesy. We admired the perforated leather seating with a quilted pattern. Matching door panels just added to the ambiance. These seats are available on the Sport and Prestige packages. Team that up with the Lexicon 15-speaker audio with Quantum Logic surround and Clari-F sound and you’ve got it made.

We would have preferred the steering wheel (black leather) be the D-shaped version, as it denotes sportiness and class. The red stitching is a nice touch, along with the satin chrome trim on doors, dashboard and console. Of course, front seats are heated and cooled; the steering wheel also heated (option). The dash is easy to figure out and with just a touch, one can operate all these conveniences. The steering wheel also is a power tilt/telescope one, and if you need to adjust mirrors, locate the button on the door. When leaving the vehicle and locking it, the mirrors automatically fold inward. Nice touch.

In all, the 2020 Genesis G70 is a beautiful, fun-to-drive sedan. While sporty it also manages to give off a lot of class. We can assume its maintenance record will also be good.

SPECS

Pricing: $53,245; MSRP: $46,650; handling $995; $35,450-$46,650

Engine: 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6; 365 hp., 376 lb.ft.torque

Transmission: 8-speed Automatic Transmission with Paddle-Shifters and Rev-Match, Shift by wire, AWD

Class: Luxury Sedan, 5 seats

Wheels: 19-inch Alloy

Tires: 19-inch Michelin All-Season, front: P225/40R19; Rear: P255/35R19

Length: 184.4 in.

Width: 72.8 in.

Height: 55.1 in.

Wheelbase: 111.6 in.

Weight: 3.887

Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal.

MPG: 22/30 mpg.

Cargo: 10.5 cu. Ft.

Added Features: Elite Package ($1,450); Prestige Package ($2,850); Sport Package ($1,300)

Warranty: 3 yr/36,000 Complimentary Maintenance; 3 yr/36,000 Complimentary Service Valet; 3 yr/Complimentary Genesis Connected Services; 3 yr/Complimentary Map Care