Genesis G70 | Credibility to establish

A beautiful car is not just one that “makes you rich”. It must also evoke craftsmanship more than mass production and stay above passing fashions. Most importantly, it must be from a brand that has a story to tell. On this point, Genesis still has a (good) way to go. The use of influencers will not change anything for the moment.

THE pub credibility, you know ? This is the name given in Great Britain to this test which allows you to gauge opinion towards a brand (or would it be your success?). The automobile lends itself quite well to this little game. All you have to do is place the remote control of your vehicle in plain sight and collect the reactions of the people around you. It's infallible, it seems, but not exactly scientific.

Changes…what changes?

Genesis doesn't pass the test. The brand is, it is true, not 10 years old and its products have not yet completely convinced buyers of competing (prestigious) brands to give it a chance to showcase itself.

For 2024, Genesis is revising the G70 in a homeopathic dose. Apart from the modernization of the air conditioning panel, none of the changes made excite the pupils. Only subtle modifications of details. This is exactly what we thought we saw. In fact, rather than polishing certain controls or creating a digital key, designers should have ensured that Android Auto and CarPlay apps, for example, work without the need for a USB cable.

The interior, nicely presented, is very welcoming and does not yet give in to the trend of plastering the dashboard with a multitude of oversized screens. The quality of finish does not have to be ashamed of the comparison with the competition. Including clearance on board.

Like many vehicles in this category, the rear seat is cramped. That of the G70 is more at the knees and legs. Additionally, access and egress require more contortions due to the roof profile. As for the trunk, its indentation is wide, but it is shallow.

She prefers flexibility

The line of this Genesis is aging quite well, unlike many South Korean creations.

The real novelty is under the hood. The entry-level model is powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder. This is more powerful and livelier than the 2L engine it replaces, but we especially note its greater discretion and its more linear range of use at medium and high revs.

Only good, then? Of course. However, if these gains allow Genesis to widen the gap with the competition in terms of pure performance, they result in slightly higher consumption than that of the previous engine. And it already swallowed more gasoline than its rivals.

In Canada, the G70 comes standard with four-wheel drive. This proves reassuring, despite its temporary nature (it only activates when necessary), on a roadway with a low coefficient of adhesion and sufficiently efficient to reach the winter resorts. Compared to other sports sedans, this Genesis proves flexible to drive. And pleasant too, as long as Comfort mode is preferred. By opting for the more “aggressive” settings (Sport and Sport+), the G70 demonstrates more choppy behavior, firmer steering and delayed gear changes. Clearly, these parameters are of no use on the deformed roads on which we drive and in the face of the regulations imposed on us. That said, no matter which driving mode the selector points to, the braking quality remains the same: correct. Even if Genesis never fails to remind you that the calipers come from the Italian specialist Brembo, that does not make them any more exemplary.

The G70 does not deserve anything. Its attractive prices, its generous guarantee and its personalized approach make it an interesting and credible proposition compared to the leaders in the category. It doesn't have the aura or residual value or appeal of historic, established brands. The G70 does not excel in anything, but is rather homogeneous in everything. For many consumers, that's enough.

Visit the Genesis Canada website