Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

The Genesis G70 served as Korea's 3-Series fighter that tries hard to upset the established competition with its unique performance, styling, comfort, and technology. For the first time in Genesis history, the G70 spawned a five-door Shooting Brake variant for those who need more room in the back for more while offering the same driving experience as the sedan.

2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

Although it was originally meant to be exclusive to the European market, it seems the Koreans wanted a shooting brake version of the G70 and looks like they're in luck because they can now buy one at the starting price of 43,900,000 Korean Won plus additional costs.

At first glance, it looks and feels like normal G70 judging from the signature Genesis design, the minimalist interior design, and seating for five people, but because this is the Shooting Brake, the hatchback proportions gave this G70 more space than the sedan version, meaning you can expect up to 465-litres of boot space with the rear seats present and up to 1,535-litres with the rear seats folded down. The added boot space means business and business is good for the G70 Shooting Brake.

Unlike the sedan version, the G70 Shooting Brake is offered only with the 2.0L Turbo GDi engine with 252PS of power output while mated to an 8-speed AT. Fuel economy is a combined 10.4km/L for FR variants and 9.7km/L for 4WD variants.

In terms of handling, the Shooting Brake behaves just like the sedan version, which is a good thing full-stop. With its front MacPherson struts, rear multilink suspension, electronically controlled adaptive dampers, Electronic Power Assisted Steering, and a mechanical LSD, the G70 Shooting Brake delivers dynamics reminiscent of European imports. Although it was meant to be driven on European roads, driving one from the streets of Seoul to the corners of Inje Speedium wasn't half bad at all. Above all, it's Korean through and through and it loves to be taken dramatically.

Like the sedan version, the G70 Shooting Brake puts safety as its top priority with its array of ADAS technology such as Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and more.

Despite being offered with only one engine, the G70 Shooting Brake delivers the same driving experience as the sedan version but with the added rear space for everyday situations. Europeans got their taste of it and now, the Koreans are ready to have a go with it, unless they have to think twice about which G70 they should drive.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

My GT7 Log: Born To Move

Despite criticisms and opposition, it appears that the luxury brand of the Hyundai Motor Group, Genesis, found its way home to the world of Gran Turismo via this latest installment, Gran Turismo 7. This car is one of them.

Front face resembling the Genesis logo, twin lines, distinctive styling, that's a Genesis alright but what Genesis is this? If your answer is the G70, then you are right but it's not just a G70...

...this is the latest version. By shock, the Genesis G70 joined the ranks of Gran Turismo exclusives such as the Toyota GR Yaris, meaning only a game like Gran Turismo 7 will allow players to taste the Korean luxury midsize sedan that is "born to move" in all the right places.

Launched in September 2017, the G70 is the baby of the Genesis sedan range and it runs on the same bits and bobs from the Kia Stinger. It is powered by either a 2.2L CRDi-VGT engine with 202PS of power output, a 2.0L Turbo GDi engine with 255PS of power output, and a 3.3L Turbo V6 engine producing 370PS of power and 52kgf-m of torque. All are mated to an 8-speed AT.

Seen here is the 3.3T variant with HTRAC all-wheel drive along with other features such as launch control, rack-mounted motor-driven power steering, dynamic torque vectoring system, and mechanical limited-slip differential.

I was in deep shock learning that the Genesis G70 found its way into Gran Turismo 7 as a Gran Turismo exclusive vehicle, causing a stir the world over. Whatever the reason, I took a deep dive over the G70's dynamics, and for a luxury Korean vehicle, it's downright impressive to drive. It can be clinically mild due to its AWD layout but it can be somewhat menacing to drive, meaning it has the right balance between pristine and lunacy, like quail eggs and cheese mixed into the super spicy noodles. Tasty.

To test this notion, I went back to Laguna Seca to do some experimenting with the G70. I'm pretty sure the G70 likes to be taken out for a track day just to experience what's like to be in what is known the be the Korean 3-Series fighter. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

After a quick lap, the G70 did it in 1:48.255, which is rather impressive for a Korean luxury midsize sedan almost possessing the levels of expensive German imports.

Is the G70 deserve some love or hate now that it's certified a Gran Turismo exclusive vehicle? You'll have to try it first before you had the final say.

The Genesis G70. Born to move. Now, born to be a Gran Turismo exclusive vehicle.

Kia Stinger VS Genesis G70 (2021 minor change)

Two Korean premium midsize sedans, the Kia Stinger and the Genesis G70 gained some minor changes for the 2021 model year and with the former taking a more conservative approach, the latter goes for a more heavy approach to its minor change. What's up with their latest minor change?

2021 Kia Stinger

2021 Kia Stinger

Let's begin with the Kia Stinger. When it was launched three years ago, this sports saloon caught the attention of horsepower-hungry, phone-flipping, speedo boys who can't wait to enjoy its dynamic character and its newfound street cred. Despite its popularity, there were only a few who are buying it, which is rather sad. While the Stinger's fate is in the balance, this minor change feels like it doesn't help because of its same looks, or is it?

On the styling side, the minor change features the same front as the old Stinger but with some new headlamps to differentiate it. Then, there is a new set of wheels to make a clear statement about it. And on the rearview, the Stinger gained new rear lamps, which sums up really well.

2021 Kia Stinger interior

On the inside, you will notice that the sat-nav is now longer than the old one, gained blue accents on the trim, and ambient lighting, and sports new and premium seats to make it look luxurious. These interior updates made the Stinger feel more luxurious, which is somewhat contrasting.

2021 Kia Stinger

The recent minor change made the Stinger look mature but it feels as fun to drive as the previous one especially when there are big changes under the hood. In the list of engines, the 2.0L turbo, and 2.2 diesel have been thrown away for good and while it retains the top-of-the-line 3.3L Turbo V6 engine, now producing up to 373PS of power, the facelift welcomes the Smartstream 2.5L turbo engine first appeared in the latest Genesis G80, producing 304PS of power and 43kg-m of torque. Both of these engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

While it behaves like the old Stinger thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, available AWD with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, and Brembo brakes, the facelifted Stinger has a load of safety tech that feels like it's in charge of driving.

Price? 38,530,000 Korean Won, which sounds more costly than the old but amazingly, it's less expensive than the Genesis G70 that I'm showing it to you right now.

2021 Genesis G70

2021 Genesis G70

The 40,350,000 Won Genesis G70 boasts a big minor change, which sounds like a heavy approach compared to the Stinger's because the new model now sports the signature Genesis look first debuted on the GV80 SUV last January. With that new look, the G70 is starting to look and feel like a different car compared to expensive European imports.

2021 Genesis G70 interior

The interior looks the same as the old one except for the sat-nav, which is now longer than the previous one, and now boasts tons of tech stuff including the rather handy built-in dash cam, which is great for spotting sweet potatoes on the road, if you know what I mean, and humiliate them on social media when you come home.

2021 Genesis G70

Unlike the Stinger, the G70 retains most of its engine lineup consisting of the 2.2L CRDi-VGT engine with 202PS of power output, the 2.0L Turbo GDi engine with 255PS of power output, and the 3.3L Turbo V6 engine producing 370PS of power and 52kgf-m of torque. All are mated to an 8-speed AT.

What's surprising is that the new G70 boasts a new "Sports+" drive mode which lets its engine and gearbox loose to get the most out of it and in the high-end 3.3L V6 with Sports Package, it features a flashy Variable Exhaust Valve System which makes it sounds more frisky. Couple that with its sport-tuned suspension and available Dynamic AWD system and the result is a rather enjoyable Korean luxury car that can be driven harder and longer.

On the safety side, the new G70 boasts a wide array of safety techs such as Forward Collision-Avoidance, Blind-spot Collision Avoidance, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Multi Collision Brake, Rear Occupant Alert, and so on.

These updated Korean luxury midsize sedans may feel different but they're worth the try so, which one will you go for?

Photo: Kia Motors/Hyundai Motor Company

Genesis G70

Hyundai Motor Company's Genesis is proud to present to you their final addition to the luxury brand's sedan lineup which began with 2015's EQ900 and 2016's G80. This is the G70 and by the looks of it, this is Korea's answer to the German establishments such as the BMW 3er, Mercedes C-Klasse, and the Audi A4, not to mention other competitors from across the globe such as the Lexus IS, the Infiniti Q50, or even the Cadillac ATS. So, what is it then, this Genesis G70?

2018 Genesis G70

That is a tricky one because the G70 is made to cater against other executive midsize saloons in its class despite the fact that it was heavily based on the Kia Stinger. Needless to say, there is a clear difference between the G70 and the Stinger because while the Kia Stinger is about getting things loud all day and all night, the G70 is rather like sipping a cup of Korean red ginseng after work. In short, it's much more of a civilized professional unlike the Stinger it was based into.

2018 Genesis G70

A closer look on the exterior design shows that Genesis really means business and all that Genesis design DNA is catered to their smallest offering yet. These headlamps look vaguely similar to the Alfa Romeo Giulia, which is also one of its chief rivals, while the side view is reminiscent of today's Hyundai Grandeur and the odd-looking rear view has some Accent-styled headlamps. I kinda admit that while the G70 is a good-looking saloon, the rear view just kinda spoils it like a hot female swimmer with her buttocks too big for a pictorial.

2018 Genesis G70 interior

The same story goes for the interior and while its pleasantly luxurious, the dashboard is rather questionable for a luxury saloon. Squint your eyes harder and you can see the dashboard can be a close resemblance of a the ones you saw on today's Mazdas while the steering wheel looks very average for a luxury car. Although the front view of the G70's not somewhat rewarding to look at, it's surprisingly high-tech because it comes with the heads-up display, server-based voice recognition service using Kakao AI platform, smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink support, wireless charging system, and 8-way intelligent driver seat, among many others. On the back, despite being 3er sized, it's surprisingly comfortable and can leave occupants on an "out on a limo" feeling every time they get out from the G70. Like most Genesis saloons, the G70 comes with the latest Quantum Logic surround technology and 15 Lexicon speakers optimally positioned for the ultimate acoustic performance.

2018 Genesis G70

Because the Genesis G70 uses the same architecture as the Kia Stinger, it offers the same choice of three engines available from the Stinger as well. ranging from the 2.2L CRDi-VGT engine with 202PS of power output, 2.0L Turbo GDi engine with 255PS of power output, and the powerful 3.3L Turbo V6 engine producing 370PS of power and 52kgf-m of torque, all mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox with Shift By Wire. All models can be either rear-wheel drive or come with the HTRAC all-wheel drive. 

In Sport variants, the G70 takes advantage of its sport-tuned suspension like you'd expect from the Kia Stinger as well as other features such as launch control, rack-mounted motor-driven power steering, dynamic torque vectoring system, and mechanical limited slip differential. As a result, the handling is expectation-shattering in every single way for a Korean luxury car but when compared to the Kia Stinger, the G70 is just plain subtle and too polite whereas the Stinger can be as bold and as brave as a village idiot.

The G70 is the first to introduce the new Genesis Active Safety Control, which features a wide variety of world-class safety tech such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Driver Awareness Warning (DAW). Other than that, the G70 comes with the Around View Monitor which keeps this car and the driver aware at all sides of the world, no matter where it may be.

The G70 starts at 37,500,000 Korean won for the 2.0T, 40,800,000 Won for the 2.2D, and 44,900,000 Won for the 3.3T, which is slightly expensive than the Kia Stinger. So, what can I say? While the G70 upsets the public in terms of pricing, the styling, and the subtlety that is not what you expect for a luxury car, it's surprisingly comfortable, technological, and handicapable on the road. It can be a decent contender against the German "establishments" but unlike the Kia Stinger, the G70 is too honest for its own good and I'll let you decide on what to do about the G70 for the time being.

Available colors: Marble White, Platinum Silver, Racing Grey, Carbon Metal, Titanium Black, Royal Blue, Graceful Grey, Blazing Red, Umber Brown, and Lapis Blue.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company