We drive the most recent mannequin from Genesis – the brand new status model from South Korea.
Genesis would most likely moderately we didn’t point out the ‘H’ or ‘Ok’ phrases, however it might be odd to not add some context to the arrival of Genesis in Europe.
Already well-known in its dwelling market, in addition to the US, Canada, Russia, the Center East and Australia, Genesis is the posh arm of the Hyundai Motor Group, that means its different sister model is Kia. Assume Lexus/Hyundai and Infiniti/Nissan.
After all, in Europe it faces a troublesome activity, particularly in the case of stealing gross sales from the German massive three – BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Nevertheless, it does have a couple of tips up its sleeve to entice patrons, most notably a singular shopping for expertise, beneficiant guarantee and VIP aftercare package deal.
There are not any dealerships. As a substitute, you go to a studio the place you may work together with a Genesis Private Assistant (GPA), who’s beneath no strain to make a sale and is employed on a commission-free foundation.
It’s hoped the GPA will stay a direct level of contact all through your possession expertise, delivering automobiles for check drives and purchases, and gathering your automotive for servicing (offering a like-for-like Genesis whereas your automotive is away).
What’s extra, the 5-12 months Care Plan consists of servicing, roadside help, courtesy automotive, mapping and over-the-air software program updates.
Anyway, sufficient in regards to the Genesis idea, what in regards to the all-new G70 Capturing Brake? Effectively, not solely is its title steeped in historical past, nevertheless it’s additionally one of the vital elegant property automobiles available on the market.
Solely obtainable in Europe, it competes with the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Collection Touring, Mercedes C-Class Property, plus the Volvo V60.
Identical to the Genesis G70/G80 saloons and GV70/GV80s SUVs launched in 2021, the G70 Capturing Brake is obtainable with a selection of typical petrol and diesel engines. Sure, unusually for a brand new model, there’s no hybrid help, not to mention a pure electrical model.
All that can change later in 2022 when Genesis launches its first absolutely electrical automobiles, then from 2025 it would solely roll out EVs.
The engine selection for the G70 Capturing Brake is between a 2.0-litre petrol (194bhp or 241bhp outputs), or a 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel.
All of the models have 4 cylinders and a turbo, feeding their energy to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automated gearbox.
We examined G70 Capturing Brakes fitted with the diesel unit and essentially the most highly effective petrol engine.
Competitively priced from £35,250 to £41,880 (the 5-12 months Care Plan is included), there are three generously geared up trim ranges on supply – Premium Line, Luxurious Line and Sport.
It’s filled with the most recent security equipment too, together with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help and blind-spot collision avoidance tech.
Inside, it oozes high quality and it’s been nicely put collectively. There’s loads of house up entrance, nevertheless it’s barely cosier within the again, particularly for an grownup passenger sitting behind a taller driver. In truth, if the motive force sits low within the automotive there’s no room for the rear seat passenger to position their toes beneath the entrance seat.
With that caveat, the cabin is a snug, plush place to be and there’s a good 465 litres of bags capability (increasing to 1,535 litres with the rear seats flipped).
There’s a traditional structure for the motive force, so fortunately there are nonetheless a couple of dials and knobs alongside the ten.25-inch touchscreen, whereas the seating place is great.
Total, the G70 Capturing Brake handles nicely. The mix of supple journey, sharp steering, balanced suspension setup, grip and physique management are spectacular.
The petrol’s 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds is faster than the diesel (7.7 seconds) and respectable, moderately than smile-on-your-face territory.
There are 4 driving modes (Eco, Consolation, Sport and Sport+). We spent most of our time in Consolation (excellent for cruising).
Sport provides a bit of extra urgency, particularly within the torquey diesel, which additionally advantages from a piped in engine growl while you put your foot down.
The eight-speed auto is ok, however it would frustrate extra spirited drivers as a result of it tends to carry onto decrease gears, particularly with the petrol.
If the dearth of any type of electrification is a shock, then the financial system supplied by each the petrol and diesel engines is positively old style.
On paper the diesel can handle as much as 41.8mpg, however we couldn’t get larger than mid-30s, whereas the petrol has a claimed excessive of 30.2mpg (actual world early/mid 20s, until pushed like a saint). CO2 emissions are as much as 182.1g/km and 217.4g/km respectively.
Verdict: The smooth, elegant Genesis G70 Capturing Brake combines plush supplies and wonderful construct high quality with a sporty but comfy drive. Go for it if you would like a VIP proudly owning expertise and you want standing out from the gang.
Genesis UK
