Genesis G70 2023 Review | Goodwood Test

Genesis is trying to do things its own way with cars like the G70. It looks good and distinctive, the interior isn’t overly complicated to retain some old-fashioned usability, and it’s priced competitively.

But has it got the formula right in the UK yet? There’s elements of sportiness and luxury, but each in measure. Seeing a Genesis on UK roads is still an event that’s soundtracked by “oh look, a Genesis”. While the future of the brand is to sell upmarket EVs, can a simple, old-fashioned, rear-wheel-drive saloon help get that important foothold?

As we’ve said, the GRR team is all in agreement that the Genesis G70 is a handsome machine. The quad headlights are distinctive and the shield grille, aping the look of the Genesis badge, means it cannot be missed.

The side profile is among the cleanest designs on show today, there’s a shoulder crease and some detailing around the sill, but it’s mostly a smooth transition along the car. The slightly stubby rear isn’t the G70’s best profile, the big oval or quad exhaust outlets almost squash everything above upward. We like the detailing in the rear lights and the boot lid’s upward flick gives it an almost sporting look, not a ducktail, but getting there.

We’re driving the petrol Genesis G70 (there is also a 2.2-litre diesel) which is a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit. That’s good for 243PS (180kW) and 353Nm (260lb ft). 0-62mph time is 6.1 seconds.

None of that is particularly sprightly, but while the Genesis G70 doesn’t handle like an M3, its rear-wheel-drive setup and slightly heavier steering give it an old-fashioned sporting saloon feel.

Turn in is reasonably sharp and the power delivery supplements it well, even if the traction control is a little on the over-active side. German rivals will provide you with a much better balance, but the Genesis G70 seems to gain much from its stablemate the Kia Stinger – a car of which we were greatly fond.

On a motorway the petrol G70 seems to make a lot more sense. The damping is well contained, with a smooth ride through most of what Britain’s dual carriageways can throw at you. The firmer steering doesn’t tip over into annoying and helps the G70 to not feel fidgety as you dispatch a longer journey and the eight-speed automatic gearbox is happiest on a cruise. The four-cylinder petrol, which doesn’t provide particular aural thrill on a B-road, is nice and quiet when you want it to be.

I approve of the Genesis G70 interior. It could quite easily be accused of living in a previous generation, but as the world goes touchscreen mad, I find the design and layout of the G70 quite comforting.

The material quality is high and the seats are extremely comfortable with contrast stitching helping to lighten a dark space. The infotainment system is slim, albeit still 10.25 inches, and sits atop the dash.

Perhaps the downside is that some of the switches feel a little bit plasticky, especially those on the steering wheel, but if you want an oasis of automotive analogue calm in this very digital world, the G70 may well be for you.

We’ve driven the G70 in its top spec Sport Line trim, which adds pretty much every feature that you could option on the car for £40,480. That means the infotainment system is filled with all its possibilities, including sat-nav, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, DAB radio and more.

The system is not the best in the world, squeezed as it is into that compact screen it feels a little too small to be usable, especially if you’ve come from some of its stablemates, which use the system on giant displays where the it feels far more at home.

The Genesis G70 is a handsome machine with quite a lot that makes us want to recommend it. The interior manages to be a little outdated but also a breath of fresh air and the drive is comfortable and secure.

Perhaps it’s because this kind of simple but pretty car won’t be with us for long but we would really like more people to take a look at the G70. But its rivals are quite clearly in the lead, not just in driving and technology terms, but also miles ahead in sales terms. With Genesis firmly looking at electric technology you wonder just how long the petrol G70 has with us. Perhaps before it does go, Genesis could find a home for the 3.3-litre V6 the Stinger has just vacated… please?