Does it still have the armpit-deep center console of the Stinger?
Find the styling of the new Kia Stinger a little too polarizing, but like the way it performs? Well then, do we have a Genesis for you! Enter the G70. It’s every bit of the Stinger, but it a much more handsome package.
Not only is it a looker, but it’s a driver, too.
From Genesis: “The performance-focused G70 has been tested in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including Death Valley, northern Sweden, and Germany’s vaunted Nürburgring Nordschleife, to ensure world-class driving dynamics and exceptional durability.”
We can report that Florida roads were mere child’s play for the G70. Read our counterpoints here.
First, let’s get this out of the way: One of America’s newest luxury brands offers a sedan sporting a real, live manual transmission. For reals. More on that in a few.
So, the big question: Does today’s best sub-$40,000 sporty/luxury sedan come from Korea? The Genesis G70 makes a compelling argument.
It doesn’t sport all of today’s bells and whistles. The center screen is fixed, the gauges aren’t digital, and there’s no back-up camera hiding in the rear-view mirror.
But know what? That’s fine. Call this a sporty/luxury sedan aimed at drivers rather than their impressionable next-door neighbors.
Did someone say manual transmission? Yes, I did. You can get this one with a real six-speed manual transmission. Man-u-al.
Our car was not so equipped, however, as the stick shift only comes with the turbo-four and our tester had the twin-turbo, 3.3-liter V6 that produces 365 horsepower along with 376 lb.-ft. of torque.
And that V6 feels smooth. No dips, no lag. Its claimed zero-to-60 time is 4.5 seconds.
The eight-speed automatic delivers tight, precise shifts. Even in the standard mode it wasn’t overly conservative, quickly climbing to the top of the register. The Sport mode liven things up a bit, but the standard mode is totally fine around town.
The ride is spot-on–just crisp enough for this class. Steering feels properly weighted. No dead spots. Not too much assist. Call this a side benefit of the rear-drive chassis.
The chassis just gobbles up the miles. Excellent highway hauler. No major blind spots although you could argue that the rear window is a little on the small side.
Then there’s the interior. I loved it. Comfortable seats sporting just the right amount of bolstering. The pleated door panels look the business. Those analog, old-school gauges work perfectly. Nice mix of black and silver.
While there’s a touchscreen present, the center stack contains just the right number of buttons and knobs. Want to crank up some Judas Priest? There’s a knob. Need to change the station? There’s another knob. Want to cool off your bum? A simple button does that. Those who fear those dash-mounted iPads might feel a bit more comfortable here.
Where other manufacturers have gone fully digital in their interfaces–and while we have come a long way since the first iDrive–Hyundai, Genesis and Kia have found the right balance between old-school and new technology.
Some other things to enjoy: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, Brembo brakes and a real mechanical limited-slip diff.
I think that it looks good, too. It’s cool and subtle.
The G70 comes in both all- and rear-drive formats. The line starts with the automatic, four-cylinder 2.0T at $34,900. The six-speed version starts at $37,900. For a V6 car, you’re starting at $43,750. Our rather loaded tester stickered at $50,495.
According to the brand’s media site, these benefits are included:
• 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled G70 maintenance • 3 years/36,000 miles complimentary Service Valet: Genesis will collect the G70 to service it, and offer a courtesy replacement meanwhile • 3 years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, including Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Destination Search powered by Voice and Remote Start with climate control • 3 years of complimentary SiriusXM® Travel Link (Data Services) • 3 years of complimentary Annual Multimedia and Navigation Updates • Lifetime complimentary traffic data • Best-in-class warranty with Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Concierge Services, including tire changes or transportation to the nearest Genesis dealership or authorized service facility, and reimbursement for inconvenience
What didn’t I like? Not much. Maybe the turn signal could feel a tiny bit more substantial. Also, how will resale be?
So, lots of questions to answer. Does the lack of an established logo on the nose matter? Is it just a fancy Stinger? A legit 4 Series alternative? Infiniti and Lexus who?
Cars like this make you wonder.
I only drove the Genesis for a few miles, but I have to say: Hyundai might have just out-Lexused Lexus here. Quiet, comfortable, well-appointed, and smooth were all words that popped into my head. I think it looks damn good, too. One gripe? This car is small–so small that it’s a tight squeeze to take four people to lunch.
Does it still have the armpit-deep center console of the Stinger?
Did you get a chance at the 4 banger manual one?
In reply to Knurled. :
I... can't remember. I know it was small in there; too small for four adults to sit comfortably for any length of time.
Tom: No, only the 3.3T.
This world is a strange place. I grew up on Porsche 930s and BMWs and muscle cars, and in the past couple months I've found myself saying "wow, what a nice Kia!" "Wow, what a great looking Camry!" and now Hyundai is making a sedan that (to me) looks better than the 3 series. Especially that rear 3/4 shot. I love it, bring it on.
Yowza. A 3 grand premium to row my own gears, and stuck with the tiny engine. I guess we should be happy they offer it at all, though its likely destined to marketplace failure with those two negatives.
In reply to volvoclearinghouse :
With what I assume will be a low take rate on the manual they'll be selling them cheaper than the autos.
infinitenexus said:This world is a strange place. I grew up on Porsche 930s and BMWs and muscle cars, and in the past couple months I've found myself saying "wow, what a nice Kia!" "Wow, what a great looking Camry!" and now Hyundai is making a sedan that (to me) looks better than the 3 series. Especially that rear 3/4 shot. I love it, bring it on.
I have often wondered why a $20,000 car needs to look like a $20,000 car. I mean, if the manufacturer gets to choose the bends and curves, then why don’t we have a $20,000 entry-level vehicle that looks like a $60,000 luxury or sports car?
_ said:infinitenexus said:This world is a strange place. I grew up on Porsche 930s and BMWs and muscle cars, and in the past couple months I've found myself saying "wow, what a nice Kia!" "Wow, what a great looking Camry!" and now Hyundai is making a sedan that (to me) looks better than the 3 series. Especially that rear 3/4 shot. I love it, bring it on.
I have often wondered why a $20,000 car needs to look like a $20,000 car. I mean, if the manufacturer gets to choose the bends and curves, then why don’t we have a $20,000 entry-level vehicle that looks like a $60,000 luxury or sports car?
I suspect it has something to do with the most manufacturers making both $60k and $20k cars and not wanting to cannibalize sales from the expensive cars, which I would imagine have a higher profit margin than the cheap cars. I may be wrong on that last bit. But I would argue that this is kind of the direction that Mazda has been heading lately. The 3, the 6 and the ND all look more high-end than their price tags in my opinion.
Kia/Hyundai definitely have their game on. If I was in the market for this type of vehicle I would have no problem choosing it over BMW/Mercedes/Audi or Lexus.
With a tune, that 3.3T makes considerably more torque than my first turbo diesel truck! 
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