Introduction

In addition to being the smallest sedan offered by the nascent luxury automaker, the 2020 Genesis G70 is the sportiest of the bunch. Distantly related to the Kia Stinger, the G70 uses similar powertrains. Both South Korean makes fall under the banner of parent company Hyundai Motors. 

Fitted with a stiffer suspension, the four-door G70 features a sharper ride and tauter handling, dispensed with a luxurious undertone. Introduced as a 2019 model, the G70 has changed little for the 2020 model year. 

The two trim levels are based upon engine type. The 2.0T model packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, but rear-wheel-drive 2.0T sedans can substitute a 6-speed manual transmission ? a rarely seen configuration in contemporary four-doors. With the manual, engine output rises to 255 hp. 

Acceleration from 0-60 mph with manual takes less than seven seconds. All-wheel drive isn't available with the manual transmission, which costs more than automatic and is likely to be difficult to find at a Genesis dealership, but it is available on automatic-equipped models. 

Considerably more costly than a four-cylinder sedan, 3.3T models step up to a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 that develops 365 hp. This configuration shrinks 0-60 mph acceleration to a mere 4.5 seconds, and the manual gearbox is unavailable. Rear-wheel-drive 3.3T sedans include a limited-slip differential. 

Largely fuel efficient, the G70 is comparable to other luxury compact sedans. With the turbo-4 engine and RWD, it's EPA-rated at 22 mpg city, 30 highway, and 25 combined with the automatic transmission and 18/28/22 mpg with the manual. With all-wheel drive and the automatic, the G70 achieves 20/27/23 mpg. Moving to V-6 power shrinks fuel economy to 17/26/20 mpg with RWD, or 17/25/20 mpg with AWD. 

Automatic emergency braking is standard on all G70 sedans. So are active lane control, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warnings, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver-attention monitor. Parking sensors and a surround-view camera system are available. 

A good selection of standard active safety technology augments the G70's excellent crash test scores. The IIHS named the sedan a Top Safety Pick Plus, the institute's highest honor. However, this rating doesn't apply to base models, which get inferior headlights. 

Lineup

The 2.0T G70 costs $36,445 including destination and comes with the 2.0-liter turbo-4, synthetic leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, power front seats, automatic climate control, and a power-opening trunk. The infotainment system features an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 

The 3.3T model is priced from $45,645 and adds the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine. It also gets a limited-slip differential, automatic leveling headlights, Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, navigation, and a 15-speaker Lexicon audio system. 

An Elite package ($4,650 on 2.0T models, $1,450 for 3.3T) adds a sunroof, parking sensors, heated front seats, navigation, and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The Prestige package ($8,450 on 2.0T, $4,300 on 3.3T) includes Nappa leather upholstery, a head-up display, wireless charging, a surround-view camera system, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Sport package ($10,000 on 2.0T, $5,600 on 3.3T) adds 19-inch wheels, performance brakes, alloy pedals, a dark chrome grille, and an adaptive suspension. 

Walkaround

Not only does the G70 perform like rivals, it's more attractive than some. Nothing about the G70's body reveals any resemblance to other models. Unlike Kia's Stinger, which relies on blockier lines, the G70 imposes a sense of luxury borrowed from the larger G80 and G90 sedans. 

Low and wide in appearance, the G70 has a long hood and short front and rear overhangs, with a short trunk lid. Large intake ports, strakes, and lighting units frame a wide trapezoidal grille. The shapely front bumper and lower nose immediately hint that the G70 fits smartly into the luxury compact category. Sculpted front fenders imply noteworthy performance. 

Dimensionally, the G70 is nearly 6 inches shorter in wheelbase than the Stinger, and 2.8 inches shorter overall. Though stylish, it trails competitors in practical merits. 

Interior

Elegant and quiet, the handsome G70 cabin closely resembles that of the midsize G80, which is a virtue. Good assembly quality helps it appear convincingly luxurious. 

Though small in dimensions, the G70 is comfortable for two adults up front. Two more fit in back, but may not be pleased with that position for longer journeys. Buyers who frequently carry four or five adults might be happier with something more spacious like the Stinger. 

Front seats are sporty and comfortable, but not excessively snug. The quilted leather from the 3.3T trim or extra-cost packages looks and feels expensive. Those front seats are heated and cooled in certain configurations, too. 

Rear seats are less generous with both space and comfort. Two medium-size adults might fit well enough, but knee clearance is limited. The lack of head room could curtail comfort for taller folks. 

Trunk capacity is comparatively skimpy at 10.5 cubic feet. At least the G70's rear seats fold forward to add a bit of storage space. 

Driving Impression

Willing powertrains deliver excellent and sporty performance. Only a touch of turbo lag occurs in the 3.3T, which could handily keep up with potential competitors. 

Shifting promptly with a sense of intelligence, the 8-speed automatic transmission responds readily when pushed harder. The available 6-speed manual gearbox is something of a curiosity, not much more fun to use than the automatic. 

Sharp steering and capable handling keep the driver interested. Rather than placing comfort uppermost, the four-wheel independent suspension is tuned for sportier driving. The 2.0T gets the softest suspension of the group, while a stiffer version is installed in 3.3T and Sport variants. 

While the G70 is a stout performer, some drivers might consider its suspension overly stiff. In particular, the 3.3T model might not be the sensible choice in areas riddled with rutted roads. 

Summary

Despite its short history, the 2020 Genesis G70 is a genuine contender in the compact luxury arena. Every G70 is well-equipped and boasts impressive features. The 2.0T includes just about everything needed in a luxury compact. The Elite package is hardly a bad choice, as it further adds the sunroof, heated front seats, and navigation, among other features. 

 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.