Genesis is embarking on an bold new technique with a refreshed design language and is keen to ascertain itself as a professional rival to not solely Lexus but in addition the German trio of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi.

Lately, Genesis has constructed some fairly spectacular autos and of them, the G70 has been the spotlight. Lately facelifted for the 2021 model year with a brand new grille and redesigned head- and taillights and bumpers, the G70 is an outstanding sports activities sedan and blew us away in our first overview of the pre-facelift mannequin in mid-2020. That mannequin had the flagship 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, however we have been intrigued to see what the G70 can be like with the entry-level 2.0-liter turbo. And, right here we’re…

Considered from the skin, you’ll be hard-pressed to note the distinction between this base 2.0T mannequin and the mid-range 3.3T Sport. Look a bit nearer, nonetheless, and a few issues do stand out.

Relatively than sporting a black chrome grille like the two.0T Sport and three.3T Sport, the usual G70 2.0T has a chrome grille and grille encompass, offering it with a barely softer look. Equally, the darkish chrome accents across the home windows of the Sport have been changed by a extra conventional chrome end. Our check automobile additionally got here with a set of distinctive multi-spoke wheels that we truly desire to the five-spoke rims of different variants.

Learn Additionally: Driven – 2020 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Makes For A Truly Compelling Proposition

The obvious visible level of distinction between the two.0T and the three.3T is discovered on the rear the place the twin, oval-shaped tailpipes on both aspect have been changed by a less complicated dual-tailpipe design on the decrease proper nook. The diffuser of the two.0T can also be extra delicate and our check automobile was completed in Adriatic Blue, a shade solely provided on this base mannequin.

From the second the G70 was launched, it was apparent that the cabin was much more luxurious and premium than that of the Kia Stinger, its extra humble “cousin”. Our check automobile got here outfitted with Walnut Brown leather-based throughout the seats, heart console, and internal door panels. Larger-end variants of the G70 have quilted leather-based however the cabin of our check was greater than sufficient.

Genesis hasn’t made many alterations to the inside of the facelifted mannequin, however the obvious enchancment is the fitment of a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has a singular Genesis UI and consists of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By comparability, the infotainment display of pre-facelift fashions just like the one which we examined is feeling its age and has the identical outdated UI as entry-level Hyundai hatchbacks.

One factor concerning the inside stands out above all others and that’s the driving place. It’s excellent, particularly for taller drivers. The electronically-adjusted seats might not supply fairly as a lot aspect bolstering as I would really like however they are often positioned extraordinarily low, a lot in order that it looks like your butt is sitting on the ground.

Do you really want the three.3-liter?

One may very well be excused for pondering that you’d be left craving for the three.3-liter engine when driving round within the G70 2.0T however we didn’t discover that to be the case. Positive, it isn’t as fast however for on a regular basis driving duties, it feels greater than sufficient.

The two.0-liter turbocharged Theta-II four-cylinder consists of variable valve timing and delivers 240 hp (179 kW) at 6,200 rpm and (260 lb-ft) 353 Nm of torque between 1,400 rpm and 4,000 rpm. By comparability, the three.3-liter twin-turbo is sweet for 365 hp (272 kW) and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm). The two.0T sports activities an eight-speed automated transmission that drives the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential. Throughout our week-long overview, we averaged 10.7 l/100 km (21.9 U.S. mpg), significantly better than the 16.0 l/100 km (14.7 U.S. mpg) we averaged with the three.3T.

In a straight line, the G70 2.0T isn’t overly enthusiastic and takes 5.9 seconds to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) with launch management enabled. With that being stated, it feels nice on the transfer and the engine is sweet and quiet, so long as you flip off the ‘Lively Sound Design’ system that pumps induction sound into the cabin. The eight-speed automated is respectable, though we do desire the eight-speed dual-clutch that Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have began to roll out all through their respective ranges.

Like its greater brother, the bottom G70 handles fantastically. Steering is ace and supplies you with all of the suggestions you possibly can ever want to grasp what the entrance tires are doing. These tires, by the way in which, are Continental Contisportcontact 5s and aren’t as performance-focused because the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s in different variants. However, they supply respectable quantities of grip and maybe as a result of diminished weight of the four-cylinder, the entrance finish of this mannequin appears much more direct.

The G70 3.3T Sport initially shocked us with how tail-happy it may get, however the 2.0T isn’t so susceptible to swinging its tail out round each nook. Even so, you’ll be able to nonetheless really feel the rear finish start to softly rotate throughout sustained cornering and like its extra highly effective sibling, the two.0T’s chassis is attentive to the best of inputs and by no means feels out of kinds.

Effectively-positioned and priced

Genesis Australia is presently seeking to off-load the ultimate G70 fashions in its stock earlier than the facelifted variant arrives. Priced at AU$65,800 (US$44,691), the entry-level 2.0T mannequin isn’t low cost, however should you go for it, we don’t assume you’ll really feel shortchanged for selecting it over the three.3T.

Picture credit: Brad Anderson / CarScoops