Genesis uncovers G70 mid-size sedan

GENESIS has revealed its second model destined for the Australian market in the form of the all-new G70 mid-size sedan, which is due to land in local Hyundai showrooms in the first quarter of next year.

With the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in its sights, the G70 will launch in Australia either shortly after or alongside the premium Genesis brand becoming its own standalone marque independent of Hyundai – similar to Lexus’ relationship with Toyota, or Infiniti and Nissan.

The Hyundai Genesis large luxury sedan – which was released in late 2014 – will be renamed the G80, while the third and final model in the line-up, the G90 upper-large sedan, is not destined for Australia.

When it launches next year, the G70 will be offered with two rear-wheel-drive petrol powertrains, including the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 shared with the incoming Kia Stinger.

Peak output is the same at 272kW/510Nm, enough to scare the likes of the Audi S4, BMW 340i and Mercedes-AMG C43.

Sprinting from standstill to 100km/h can be completed in 4.7 seconds, on to a top speed of 270km/h.

The other engine choice will be a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit, which makes either 185kW or 188kW in Sports trim, while torque stands at 353Nm for both.

Hyundai Australia is still yet to decide which 2.0-litre variant it will take, but all engines will feature an eight-speed automatic transmission.

A 149kW/441Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder variant will also be offered globally, however the oil-burner will not make an appearance in Australia.

More than just the V6 engine is shared with the Stinger too, with the G70 also set to gain a mechanical limited-slip differential and torque-vectoring system, while Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) public relations manager Guido Schenken told GoAuto that the G70’s suspensions set-up – which includes multi-link rear suspension – has been tuned specifically for Australian conditions.

Visually, the G70 is an eye-catching model with the brand saying the design of the G70 “represents the future direction of the Genesis brand’s design identity”.

The LED headlight cluster is not dissimilar to the Infiniti Q50, while LED daytime running lights and aggressive lower and side air intakes add to its unique look.

Its large mesh grille is more in line with its G80 big brother, while lashings of chrome on the front bumpers gills, side window bezels and rear bumper give it a more premium feel.

A swooping roofline is finished in a subtle boot lip, with LED tail-lights, twin-exit exhaust pipes and a mesh rear bumper finish off the look.

Inside, the G70 has a stylish finish to give it clout against some of its pricey rivals, while still retaining hints of its Hyundai DNA.

Leather abounds in the cabin, including on the quilted seats with white stitching, the centre storage compartment, the dash and the steering wheel.

A tablet-like infotainment screen sits above the centre cluster, with aluminium highlights throughout.

Pricing has yet to be announced for the G70, but a point of entry similar to the Lexus IS range ($59,340 before on-roads) and Infiniti Q50 range ($53,900) is expected.

For comparison with its German rivals, the BMW 3 Series starts from $62,500, the Audi A4 from $56,100 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from $61,900.

Mr Schenken could not confirm a date for the launch of the Genesis brand, but said it would likely be late this year or very early next year ahead of the G70 launch.

Hyundai has sold 99 examples of the Genesis (aka G80) so far in 2017, down 66.7 per cent on the 297 it had managed to the same point last year.