Tuesday, August 11, 2020

2020 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport: The Luxury Brand’s Compact Sports Sedan

 

Highlight: The vehicle shares a platform with Kia’s hatchback-like Stinger.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $51,275 (Base Model: $35,540)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bag; ABS; traction control system; forward collision and pedestrian detection; blind spot collision warning with rear cross traffic warning system; lane keep assist system; a rearview camera; a high beam assist; a hillstart assist control system; a spare tire; and a tire pressure monitoring system  

Standard Equipment (2.0T Base): 18-inch wheels; a rear-wheel drive configuration; an 8-speed automatic transmission; a start-stop fuel saving engine; a leather steering wheel; a keyless ignition system; an automatic climate control system; a radar activated cruise control system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; illuminated door scuff plates; a reversible cargo tray; power front bucket seats; a power driver’s seat with lumbar support; leather-like seats; a rear center armrest; and driving modes




Standard Equipment (Sport): 19-inch wheels; 365-horsepower engine; 6-cylinder engine; a sport-tuned suspension; self-leveling headlights; front and rear ventilated disc brakes; LED headlamps; a 15-speaker, 660-watt Lexicon audio system; an automatic rearview mirror; heated/ventilated front seats; passenger seat with power lumbar support; a driver’s seat thigh extension; power folding exterior mirrors; a navigation system; and a hands free smart trunk

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: 19-inch wheels; low beam assist; rain-sensing wipers; parking distance warning; heated steering wheel; ventilated front seats; heated rear seats; wireless charging pad; a heads up display system; 360-degree camera; Black Nappa leather; heated rear seats; power trunk; microfiber suede headliner; an electronically suspension; copper headlights; dark tint taillight covers; and dark chrome grille and window tint

Other Trim Levels:

2.0T Sport

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM, 160-watt audio system with SiriusXM

Apple CarPlay/Android: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/252-hp (horsepower)

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/30-hwy

What’s New: The 2020 Genesis is literally a carryover model. New for this year a power pull-down trunk in the 3.3-liter, 6-cylinder engine.


Why: The brand’s entry-level sedan is available in a rear-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive configuration. BMW’s 3-Series fighter is available with either a base 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine and a 3.3-liter, 6-cylinder engine. In both models, three trims are available: elite, sport and prestige.

We spent time behind the wheel of the peppy 3.3-liter turbo sport model, with the optional quilted pattern seats, which screamed luxury. In fact, the seating patters in this Genesis separated itself from other vehicles in the segment. From the stylish exterior, with its red brake calipers, to the power operated seats, where the cozy front driver’s seat tightens up, as the vehicle is placed in sports mode, to the well thought out layout of the instrument panel and the infotainment center, the G70 is making a name in the established compact luxury sedan segment.

Being that the Genesis brand was birthed from Hyundai, this luxury make also carries the same new vehicle warranty, making it the best in the class.

Moreover, with a base price MSRP in the mid thirties, the G70 is priced at the lower end of the spectrum in the luxury compact segment. However, even with that being the case, the sporty looking vehicle does not skimp on amenities.  

Lastly, the Genesis brand has consistently ranked in the top tier of the quality studies conducted by both JD Power and Consumer Reports.  

But: The rear seat area is severely cramped. The average size adult will have difficulty being accommodated in the rear. We also recommend the power-infused 3.3-liter engine over the 2.0-liter turbo engine.

Also the 8-inch Hyundai-like infotainment system lacked an app for traffic and accident updates. Moreover, a navigation is only available in the higher trims. More automakers are moving toward larger infotainment systems.

Lastly, the front grille on the G70 seems to mirror that on some of Hyundai’s compact hatchbacks. Hyundai’s design team needs to consider making the two brands more distinct.

Verdict: For buyers seeking a sporty, well built, compact luxury sedan that is stylish and is available in a variety of configurations, the G70 is worth placing on the shopping list. We can’t wait until a high-performance vehicle is added to the brand’s portfolio to match the Germans AMG and M-Series lines.

Competition: Alfa Romero Giulia; Audi A4; BMW 3-Series; Cadillac CT4; Infiniti G50; Lexus IS; and Mercedes-Benz C Class  

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