Genesis G70 Shooting Brake 2.0 Review: An Asian Avant-garde

Wagons aren’t particularly popular in the South-East Asian region as compared to the utility it provides for the family-hauling, ute lifestyle of the Australian consumer. But this interesting body line offers compelling practicalities that the sedan Genesis G70 falls short in, mainly being boot space. An interesting proposition if golf is your fancy, alongside the Ikea flat-pack trips and long grocery runs to the supermarket.

Its muscular lines that stretch from the front to the back accentuate the powerful stance and imposing grille it sports. One may even mistake it for a more premium German offering, such as the Sport Turismos from Porsche. With that greenish hue peeking out in the occasional sunlight, it gleams and testifies to a potential owner’s sophistication in choosing the G70 as their daily commute.

With astronomically high COE prices in recent times, would this be a better proposition than its Korean sibling, the Kia Stinger, if it was ever offered in Singapore? At a lower price point than its German rivals, it still looks sharp in the company’s parking lot.

The G70 posits itself as a grade above the Stinger. Beginning from the inside, it's reflected in the creature comforts and interior refinements - its quilted leather seats that are both cooled and heated were a feature that I like a lot. It’s a surprisingly underlooked feature that not many of its German counterparts fit as standard into their compact executive cars. The cooled front seats are a bonus for occupants who’ve probably spent the last hour in the sweltering humidity queuing for takeaway hawker food or just nudging through the crowds at a Pasar Malam.

In my opinion, the Koreans have done impeccably well in their strive to improve driver comforts. The quality is equally on par with their established peers, doing sturdily well when the central tunnel was shaken. The quilted and contrasting stitching adds a fine touch of luxury. Furthermore, the light that the panoramic roof lets in during the day aerates the cabin amply, and especially in the cool Sydney weather (not Singapore maybe), I was almost always tempted to pop open the sunroof to give that “convertible” feeling.

Cruising at night, the centre dome emanates a diffused cool-white light that softly illuminates the ambient interior. I found it pleasing and noted its simplicity, unlike the usual 2400-colour lighting that has been increasingly overdone by its competitors. Its Hyundai-based infotainment system is sleek, well-integrated and easy to navigate. Honestly, with CarPlay and Android Auto available, it’s probably all you’ll ever need for your day-to-day commute.

Furthermore, all G70s sport Harman-Kardon-derived Lexicon speakers that give you a sonorous aural experience - varying from an on-stage orchestral experience to custom settings to your liking. Cocooned by mostly soft-touch materials and devoid mostly of nasty plastics, the G70 is a well-seated executive lounge to commandeer your daily commutes.

The G70, whether in shooting brake or sedan variants, offers a slew of driver assistance that ranges from the menial lane-keeping/departure assists to something which I’ve not seen in other competitors, such as a gentle “ping” to announce that the car ahead is moving off. These features, however, are not Genesis exclusive. They are excellent standard offerings that you can find in their Sonatas, or even the most recently reviewed Staria, for example. It’s a good initiative by the Hyundai Motor Company to equip even their most basic models with ample driver assistance so it’s definitely not a bad thing. The steering is reasonably light and helps with the tight manoeuvres inner-city. Given the Korean manufacturer’s willingness to include many of the otherwise additional extras in their standard package, that alone should be a good reason to consider getting one in a very exorbitant market.

Inevitably, there are a few shortfalls to its near-perfect facia. The G70’s boot has become one of my pet peeves in the week living with it. With the key fob in your pocket, I often triggered the boot to open unnecessarily. Thankfully, I’m sure this can be programmed out. Nonetheless, it can be a potential upside since it saves the effort of swiping your feet below the boot when carrying heavier items.

Other than that, one of the major downsides is the interior space for the rear passengers. In its shooting brake version, the rear legroom had not increased from its sedan counterpart. You’d really have to jostle over the foot wells beneath the front seats if you’re the middle passenger. An interesting compromise is a feature to shift the front passenger seat forward via a button located on the side of the seat. That being said, you can make your front passenger comply with giving the rest behind more room when sitting three abreast. Three-abreast is not recommended, however.

The G70 is a worthy alternative consideration to the sedate German offerings. Its debonair headlights and sleek bodyline is a standout from the crowd that you’re parking at the office with. It’s probably worth a look for you and also your boss if he’s really looking out for someone unique in the car park for a position raise. It’s an utopian thought nevertheless.