Genesis G60 review rekindles a petrol engine love affair with a mix of muscle and opulence

Prestige brand Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, combines a long features list with a potent twin-turbo V6 engine in the G60

Getting behind the wheel of a Genesis G70 is akin to taking a trip with Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future.

While the G70 is more luxury personified compared to the sporty old DeLorean, it felt like going back in time.

The humble sedan powered by a petrol engine seems set for extinction.

Our recent test machines have been primarily electric and hybrid, reflecting the surging market in both alternative fuel realms.

With a price tag of about $95,000 once on-roads are settled, the G70 appeals to those wanting performance and luxury. Unfortunately, it’s a combination lacking love these days – so far this year the leading prestige brand sellers are all SUVs … including the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Porsche Macan.

Sedans have almost become forgotten, yet combine rear-wheel drive with a punchy twin-turbo petrol engine and it rekindles fond memories for those who love to drive.

What do you get?

Looking like a tailored Italian suit, the G70 exudes class.

Those unfamiliar with the badge often get it confused with Bentley, with the wings and bold Superman emblem-style grille delivering a striking oncoming appearance.

Side skirts, twin exhaust outlets housing quad pipes and 19-inch alloys shod with low-profile rubber complete the sporting luxury package.

There are 13 exterior colour options, including three matte finishes that add $2000 to the bottom line.

Inside is laden with kit, as you’d rightfully expect for this kind of money, with the highlights a 15-speaker Lexicon stereo, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats as well as heated outboard rear seats, quilted nappa leather trimmed seats and a central 10.25-inch central touchscreen.

Over the air upgrades, which automatically keep the G70 up-to-date with the latest software improvements and vehicle enhancements from the manufacturer, are now also standard.

Warranty coverage meets the industry benchmark of five years and unlimited kilometres, yet the Genesis sets itself apart with free servicing for the first five maintenance visits. Buyers who continue to have their vehicle serviced by Genesis have the roadside assist support extended to 10 years.

Among the features of the Genesis G70 are a 15-speaker Lexicon stereo, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats as well as heated outboard rear seats, quilted nappa leather trimmed seats and a central 10.25-inch central touchscreen.

How was the drive?

Hit the start button and the turbocharged V6 comes to life with a hairy-chested rumble.

It’s the same engine used in the Kia Stinger, and at its angriest can scream from standstill to 100km/h in less than five seconds – not so long ago that was supercar territory.

There are various drive modes to select. They start with economy that delivers subdued performance to eke out the most from each litre of fuel, through to sport+ which offers more aggressive shifts and extra weight through the steering.

Riding on low profile Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber, the G70 sticks beautifully to the bitumen, cornering and stopping with precision. Using the sport mode is particularly rewarding and the mid-size sedan can really flex its muscle, tearing up undulating rural roads with ease and complete composure.

Yet it’s not all about speed and pushing the limits, the G70 boasts a quiet ride which is equally adept to the school run or cruising quietly in traffic.

Our only complaint was the squirmy performance in the wet when the lane keeping assist functionality was in use.

Although there is a tradeoff for the performance, with the V6 drinking about 10 litres of premium unleaded for every 100km – our test returned an average of 9.6L/100km, which surprisingly was below the official figure from Genesis.

The Genesis G70 powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine.

Would you buy one?

Kel: Every Genesis I have driven has garnered looks and enquiries from friends. I’m surprised we don’t see more on the roads. The G70 driving experience is great, I just don’t love the interior look, even though it’s easy to navigate. I found it somewhat old-school and I’ve been spoiled by its brethren, the ultra modern GV60 SUV.

Grant: Genesis remains an underrated brand, and the G70 deserves more plaudits. Compare it to performance variants like the Mercedes-AMG C43 ($152,000), Audi RS3 ($109,000), and even the BMW M3 ($178,000) and the value equation begins to make more sense. A blend of opulence with a healthy dose of sporting enthusiasm, it offers ample fun for the keen driver.

Originally published as Genesis G60 review rekindles a petrol engine love affair with a mix of muscle and opulence