"Jake Thiewes" (outmotorsports)
10/24/2019 at 15:18 • Filed to: Genesis, Genesis G70, Hyundai, save the manuals
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"Jake Thiewes" (outmotorsports)
10/24/2019 at 15:18 • Filed to: Genesis, Genesis G70, Hyundai, save the manuals | 5
| 20 |
With fewer sedans on the market in general, let alone sedans with rear-wheel drive and manual transmissions, what’s an enthusiast to do? Enter Genesis. I had the opportunity to drive the
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back-to-back with… the 2019 Genesis G70. Allow me to explain.
Genesis, first launched as a large luxury sedan under the Hyundai marque, has become its own brand in recent years. Though Genesis’ initial focus was on providing larger, luxury sedans (the G80 and G90) to the America n market, the compact G70 was introduced in mid-2018 and positioned as a nice-yet-sporty offering.
The 2019 Genesis G70 is available in rear- or all-wheel drive, with a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder or 3.3 liter twin-turbocharged V6. The four can be had with a six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic, while the V6 must be paired to the automatic. The two Genesis G70s I drove were rear-wheel drive models – one 2.0L and one 3.3L. Nate’s 2.0L had the optional six-speed manual, which he specifically sought out.
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The Genesis G70 2.0 makes 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired to the manual transmission, acceleration met my expectations both in urban driving and on winding back roads. The manual transmission has longer throws but positive engagement and good feel. Clutch action was light enough that it didn’t annoy me in heavy DC-area traffic leaving the city. The G70 2.0 isn’t the fastest option in a straight line, but I enjoyed the level of power combined with the row-your-own gearbox. Much like an older,
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, I had to work for the power a bit, but enjoyed the process.
By comparison, the G70 3.3 is a rocket. Power is up substantially, thanks to the addition of two cylinders and another turbocharger. The 3.3 is rated at 365 hp and 376 lb-ft, and you feel the difference right away. It’s a shame the manual isn’t offered with this engine, as I think it would pair well enough. Regardless, the paddle shifters allow for manual control of the eight-speed automatic, and the setup is responsive enough for back-road fun.
Aside from the engine and transmission differences, both Genesis G70s were equipped similarly. They shared excellent seats, a nicely-trimmed cabin, and big Brembo brakes on front and rear axles. They both handled with competence, regardless of the 2.0’s traditional shocks or the 3.3’s adaptive setup. Both shared the same feeling from the rear as I entered sweeping turns, as if you feel the rear suspension really take a set through the corner.
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So, which one did I prefer?
Truthfully, both Genesis G70 variants were fun to drive. The big difference comes down to weight. With two fewer cylinders and one fewer turbocharger, the Genesis G70 2.0’s engine bay isn’t as full. There’s less weight hanging out in front of the front axle and you can see daylight with how much space is left. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! a 194 lb weight difference, with the G70 2.0 being the lighter car.
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And you feel that lack of nose weight on every corner. The G70 2.0 is a bit more athletic on back roads, lending to a more tossable feel that I preferred. The G70 3.3 will win in every drag race, but isn’t as eager to turn in by comparison.
Prior to this comparison, I hadn’t sampled anything from Genesis to date. I knew they were coming for Ze German s in an attempt to bring more sporty daily drivers to the market. Both variants of the Genesis G70 have succeeded in that mission, but they take two different approaches in doing so.
See more at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , a site created to not only share the pursuits of LGBT motorsports competitors, but to encourage others to get behind the wheel and participate as their full selves.
MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
> Jake Thiewes
10/24/2019 at 15:28 |
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I wish the manual was on option on the G80/Stinger as well. I’d opt for either of those with the 2.0 with a manual over the 3.3 with the auto. The G70, while I loved it, the rear legroom is just too small and the trunk too tiny for my needs.
Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
> Jake Thiewes
10/24/2019 at 15:32 |
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God that screen. It looks like someone propped a tablet on the dash. How can a design team walk away from that think that did their jobs?
HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
> Jake Thiewes
10/24/2019 at 15:32 |
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Can I get the quilted leather AND a manual transmission?
PartyPooper2012
> MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
10/24/2019 at 15:34 |
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Waste Management?
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MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
> PartyPooper2012
10/24/2019 at 15:35 |
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Shhhhhh
MrDakka
> Jake Thiewes
10/24/2019 at 15:37 |
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Coupe version when?
arl
> Jake Thiewes
10/24/2019 at 15:49 |
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Handsome car.
sm70- why not Duesenberg?
> Jake Thiewes
10/24/2019 at 15:49 |
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We got bestowed a well-equipped 3.3T G70 loaner while my dad’s Genesis was in for a warranty repair. That thing was a riot and oh so very satisfying when you stood on the gas.
Amoore100
> Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
10/24/2019 at 15:49 |
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I dunno, I kind of like it because it keeps the dash line pretty low while managing to make the screen eye-level. Better if it were retractable and had less bezel, but at the same time I don’t really want to pay for that.
My XC70 (same as contemporary S80) does it the “proper” way according to everyone, but it certainly makes the car feel a lot more enclosed and bunker-like. It
works well
for a two and a half ton wagon,
but I wouldn’t want in a little sport-sedan.
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Jake Thiewes
> HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
10/24/2019 at 16:05 |
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It’s exclusive to the 3.3, which means auto-only :-(
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HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
> Jake Thiewes
10/24/2019 at 16:16 |
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That is stupid. However I just noticed that the manual one also has a real parking break. That’s brilliant
Dy-no-mite Jay
> Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
10/24/2019 at 16:34 |
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Because that’s the norm now. Literally everyone (well almost) is doing it these days. Ford, Mazda, BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Toyota all have at least one car ( some have numerous) with this absurd placement. Lincoln does it as well but they somehow make it look a little better than the rest, in my opinion at least.
Spanfeller is a twat
> Jake Thiewes
10/24/2019 at 17:28 |
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I don’t think the car needs the v6
. If they could up-rate the i4 to 280hp I’d be delighted.
I say this being someone that dailys a 3.3 Stinger... Everytime I visit the pump I regret getting the 3.3. In a lighter car like the G
70 I feel like it makes even less sense.
Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
> Jake Thiewes
10/24/2019 at 18:03 |
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Holy cow I genuinely actually thought that was a BMW
1M or M2 with a swapped badge
on the lead photo. Like I was 100% sure.
pizzaman09
> Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
10/24/2019 at 20:47 |
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Screen placement was a lot better in thr late 90s early 00s like in the BMW e39/e46 or Jaguar XJ. Very integrated and out of the way below thr ventilation. With the screen above the ventilation it gets in the way of the sight line.
SiennaMan
> pizzaman09
10/24/2019 at 23:10 |
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I think part of the problem is the screen also displays the backup camera and any other cameras and they expect you'll be looking at it in some driving situations..
SpeedSix
> HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
10/25/2019 at 09:20 |
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Of the G70 lineup, only the 2.0T Sport Manual has the real handbrake.
Walter Moore
> Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
10/25/2019 at 12:41 |
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You’re just going to have to get used to screens that stick out of the dash. There's just too many reasons why they design in that way to give them up.
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Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
> Walter Moore
10/25/2019 at 13:00 |
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I mean... you say that, but I can choose not to buy a car that look like someone didn’t bother to style it. I do truly fear what will happen when I need/want to retire the Volvo....
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Walter Moore
> Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
10/25/2019 at 13:10 |
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De gustibus non es t disputandum.