Introduction

The 2021 Genesis G70 is brand's compact sport sedan, a segment that isn't quite as popular as it was a few years ago but remains critical for bolstering its nascent image. 

The G70 isn't new, having debuted two years ago to much fanfare, so the 2021 changes are limited to a pared-down lineup and a few extra standard features for the 3.3T trim. More significant updates are on hold until 2022, when a thoroughly refreshed G70 is slated to hit showrooms. 

A 2.0-liter turbo-4 making 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque is used with all 2.0T trims. It sends power to the rear wheels unless all-wheel drive is optioned. An 8-speed automatic is standard, but Genesis continues to offer a 6-speed manual on rear-drive models, making this the only vehicle in this segment that can still be had with a clutch pedal. Get yours soon, though, as the manual won't be carried over past 2021. 

The 3.3T uses a potent 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 that generates 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. Only the 8-speed automatic transmission is available, and rear-wheel drive is again standard. This powertrain is shared with the G80 and G90, and is also found under the hood of the Kia Stinger. The G70 takes 4.5 seconds to reach 60 mph in this configuration. 

The turbo-4 with rear-drive and an automatic is the most efficient combination, touting fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 30 highway, 25 combined; that drops to 18/28/22 mpg with the manual and 20/27/23 mpg with all-wheel drive and an automatic. The 3.3T models return 17/26/20 mpg with rear-drive or 17/25/20 mpg with all-wheel drive. 

Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver-attention monitor. Parking sensors and a surround-view camera system are among the optional safety equipment. 

The NHTSA hasn't yet tested the G70, but the IIHS did so and came away impressed enough to call it a Top Safety Pick+. 

Lineup

For $37,025, Genesis outfits the base G70 2.0T with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power front seats, a power-opening trunk, and 18-inch wheels. 

The 3.3T begins at $47,225. Standard features for 2021 now include a heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, wireless smartphone charging, and front and rear parking sensors. Nappa leather upholstery, 15-speaker audio, Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, and navigation are also standard here. 

Walkaround

The G70 doesn't have a lineage to honor, so designers were free to pen whatever they fancied. Rather than do anything too avante garde, however, they stuck with the classic sport sedan formula, and the result is fresh yet familiar. The proportions are spot-on, especially the long hood, tidy trunk, and pert overhangs. The front wheels sit closer to the headlights than the door hinges, a nod to the G70's rear-drive nature. Other than a chrome chevron taking the place of where an air duct might call home on the front fender, there is no razzle-dazzle trying to artificially spruce things up. 

The front end has a mild scowl to it, as if it got called into work on its day off. It's a just-right amount of aggression for a car that is destined to do far more commuting days than track days. The rear is the closest the G70 gets to generic, even if it is a nicely scaled-down version of the design found on the bigger G80 and G90 sedans. 

Interior

For a brand without much of a past, Genesis comes off as an old hand at luxury: besides the high-quality materials and attractive, contemporary design, they've nailed all the little details, such as the myriad beveled surfaces, contrasting stitching, and knurled knobs. It isn't as glamorous as the brand's new GV80 SUV or their upper-crust sedans, but for something that starts at $37,000 we can't fault it. This well-crafted, driver-centric cockpit should put BMW and Mercedes on notice. 

The 8.0-inch touchscreen sits atop the center of the dashboard. Its software works well and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The intimate cabin doesn't provide much stretch-out room for passengers, especially those in the back seat. Leg room in back is 34.8 inches, which is less than that of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class but more than the Cadillac CT4. 

The trunk holds only 10.5 cubic feet, or less than that of a Honda Civic. Though practicality has never been a sport-sedan strong suit, the G70 still trails major competitors in everyday roominess and usability. 

Driving Impression

Sharp handling was expected with the G70, but even with such preconceptions we still came away impressed. This chassis wants nothing more than to frolic on some backroads. Oblige and you'll be rewarded with neutral balance, great grip, and crisp turn-in. Our only complaint is the ride quality on 3.3T cars, which is too stiff for everyday driving. Adaptive dampers would go a long way in providing the span of ride comfort a sport sedan should cover. 

The 2.0T is just supposed to be the base engine, but its lighter weight and long, flat torque curve is plenty charming, even if its 255 hp isn't the stuff of posters and Internet humblebrags. We found models equipped with this engine a little more light on their feet than the 3.3T cars. 

The 3.3T cars suffer from a bit of turbo lag but otherwise deliver an experience that better realizes the G70's intentions. It isn't as silky as the twin-turbo inline-6 found in the BMW M340i, but it is still a peach in its own right, snapping off 4.5-second 0-60 mph sprints without drama or fanfare. Besides the abrupt acceleration, pinning the throttle lets the husky exhaust note play out the tailpipes, further encouraging drivers to explore the upper limits of the tachometer and speedometer. 

Most models get an 8-speed automatic that works nicely with either engine. The available 6-speed manual on rear-drive 2.0T cars sounds like it should be the default choice for enthusiasts, but its action isn't as precise or refined as we would like. That's disappointing, as the G70 is the only car in the segment to offer a manual. 

Summary

The 2021 Genesis G70 is a breath of fresh air in the sport sedan segment. With excellent grip and good powertrains, not to mention comprehensive features and warranty coverage, it's an easy pick in a niche full of tough rivals. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos with driving impressions by The Car Connection.