Driven: 2022 Genesis G70 Remains A Great Sports Sedan For The Money
The Genesis G70 was a revelation for the automaker and proved that it could compete with the German establishment. Last year, it received a mid-life facelift and should be considered by anyone looking to pick up the keys to a luxurious sports sedan.
Production of the G70 started in September 2017 and it was built for three years before the updated model came along. We, like most others, were won over by the G70 in both 2.0-liter and 3.3-liter guise and the updated model is now more appealing than ever.
Simple updates
In refreshing the G70, Genesis’ designers adopted the ‘Two Lines’ approach currently found across all of its models. As such, the sedan now sports split headlights and split taillights, a redesigned grille and an enlarged lip spoiler incorporated into the trunk lid.
Fewer alterations have been made to the cabin. In fact, when stepping into the facelifted G70 for the first time, it takes a keen eye to notice any changes. The most significant upgrade is the installation of an enlarged 10.25-inch infotainment screen that uses the latest Genesis software and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Entry-level models sold in Australia also come standard with a new 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster while variants optioned with the AU$10,000 (~$7,240) Luxury Package receive a larger 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster.
Genesis says the 3.3-liter model can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds and it feels every bit as quick as that claim. However, it isn’t the straight-line performance of the car that really stands out but rather its superb handling.
For a four-door sedan that weighs up to 1,765 kg (3,891 lbs) in its heaviest specification, the G70 3.3T feels remarkably light on its feet. Turn-in is immediate and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires fill you with confidence, encouraging you to push harder through corners to really see what the car is capable of. Switch into Sport mode and it feels even more responsive.
tested the G70 in pre-facelift guise in early 2021 and Genesis says it is good for 9.0L/100 km (26.1 U.S. mpg) over the combined cycle, a figure that’s actually achievable in our experience.
