I've been more of a stinger fan styling wise until I finally laid eyes on one in the real. Yes please is my only response.
Cousin to the crowd favorite Kia Stinger, the Genesis G70 functions as a sport-luxury sedan aimed squarely at the best that Germany offers.
How does it fare against the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes? On paper, the numbers look good.
In top twin-turbocharged V6 form, the G70 is good for 365 horsepower and 376 lb. ft. of torque. That's only 20 horsepower and short of a BMW M340i and 16 more horsepower than an Audi S4.
Numbers don't always mean everything, especially when the loaner we received was the lower 2.0T trim. Despite making only 252 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque, this entry-trim comes with a saving grace: a genuine six-speed manual transmission.
What is a manual-equipped G70 like to drive compared to it's more powerful 3.3T sibling? Keep reading to find out.
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Hold the phone: Is this really a rear-drive sedan featuring a traditional manual gearbox and a limited-slip diff? Have we gone back in time? Did we get transported to an alternate reality?
The calendar says no. Good or bad, we’re still here in 2020. Perhaps this is the year’s bright spot. I guess we need to celebrate our achievements.
First, the basics: The G70 is just the right size. How right? Let’s say that it feels like an E46 BMW. Yeah, that close.
It looks good, too. It’s clean and fresh. You won’t see yourself on the way to work. I’d love to see one dropped and wearing some different wheels. The chrome side trim blended into our test car’s silver paint.
The transmission shifts smoothly. The knob could feel a tick less like a cue ball, though. It’s pretty big and round.
The seats felt great. Comfortable. Propper. Real gauges with just the right amount of electronic display.
Steering could offer a tad more feel, though. I know this car has Albert Biermann’s blessing, but here’s where it doesn’t quite feel like a BMW. It’s close but still doesn’t have that German heft. Let’s call it 9/10.
The 2.0T is quick but not a rocket.
Hyundai Group is just nailing interiors lately. Like the rest, this one feels and looks modern yet–and here’s the big yet–it won’t bug you over technologying everything. You want to change the radio station or warm up the interior? The knobs are right there. Easy. As intended.
The perforated leather found throughout looks and feels good. Great steering wheel. Yes, could easily drive this every day.
The big question: Can the G70 steal fans from the Europeans? Because, let’s be honest, that’s what this is aimed at.
I've been more of a stinger fan styling wise until I finally laid eyes on one in the real. Yes please is my only response.
Manual Trans
Limited Slip
3 Knob HVAC?!?!?
Damn. They missed a real opportunity there, look at those buttons/knobs :(
I heart the Kia/Hyundai/Genesis HVAC and audio controls.
I like that they are better than a lot of cars, but still, the vent direction should be a knob. For example, my veloster has a temp knob (good), a fan knob (good) and a bunch of buttons for vents (dumb).
This E36 M3 was ironed out the the 90s/2000s and we have been going backwards for the past 10-15 years :(. That E36 M3 works, and works really well. You can operate it blind pretty much. Why do they not just do this? (but with the same quality buttons/materials/etc. shown above). Even better are the ones where A/C is a button in the center of the tmp dial and recirc is a button in the center of the vent dial (or similar).
One of these is VERY high on my "in a few years when they come off lease" list.
In reply to ProDarwin :
Ah. Yeah, not sure we can put that genie back into the bottle. I do hear ya.
That is a handsome sedan.
My friend has a G70 2.0T/6MT/RWD and LOVES it. I drove his back to back with a 3.3TT AWD and came away preferring the 2.0. It's lighter on the nose and wants to turn in more eagerly.
I don't love the current nose and the one that's supposedly coming next year is worse. The rest of the car is a delight. It's substantially smaller than the Stinger, I think. Definitely a good size if you liked the 3-series and C-class of old.
https://outmotorsports.com/2019/10/genesis-g70-comparison-manual-automatic-20-33/
ProDarwin said:I like that they are better than a lot of cars, but still, the vent direction should be a knob. For example, my veloster has a temp knob (good), a fan knob (good) and a bunch of buttons for vents (dumb).
This E36 M3 was ironed out the the 90s/2000s and we have been going backwards for the past 10-15 years :(. That E36 M3 works, and works really well. You can operate it blind pretty much. Why do they not just do this? (but with the same quality buttons/materials/etc. shown above). Even better are the ones where A/C is a button in the center of the tmp dial and recirc is a button in the center of the vent dial (or similar).
Hmm my E36 M3 has a bunch of buttons for HVAC controls and no knobs. You must be a base model M3 scum.
The G70 is a gorgeous car and the rear drive, 6-spd, LSD is a huge plus.
David S. Wallens said:In reply to ProDarwin :
Ah. Yeah, not sure we can put that genie back into the bottle. I do hear ya.
Haha. Sorry, I just had to rant for a bit. Hyundai is doing a good job, but they are *almost* there with a useable layout. Take that last step Hyundai!
Back on topic, I like this thing. The "E46 Sized" comment is very good news (although the numbers show it is 10" longer :( )
I'll be watching for these used in a few years (maybe). Wondering if the 6mt/LSD will be unobtanium though. Also wondering if a simple tune will give it an extra 50-100hp.
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