• Limited range of conventional engines
• No hybrid tech to be found
• Prices are competitive, though

What are the running costs?

The G70 can be had with a range of conventional petrol and diesel engines, so you’re limited for choice when it comes to fuel efficiency. There are no tax-busting plug-in hybrid or all-electric drivetrains on offer, although electric versions of other Genesis models (variants called Electrified) are set to appear. That’s disappointing given the popularity of cars such as the BMW 330e.

There’s one diesel engine available, a 200hp 2.2-litre four cylinder, and this is the most efficient powerplant on offer, but it’s not that impressive. It returns mid to low 40s mpg on the combined WLTP test cycle, and has emissions that puts it firmly in the top 37% tax bracket for company car tax. That’s poor when compared with the latest rivals from BMW and Mercedes, which now come with hybrid assistance to help them achieve test figures in the region of 50-60mpg and far lower BIK payments.

A single 2.0-litre petrol engine is available with a choice of two power outputs. Both the 197hp and 245hp versions return low to mid 30s economy on the official WLTP test, while emissions are anything but competitive for both. Expect low 30s mpg in the real world if you’re gentle and figures starting with a two if you’re not. Again, compact executive saloon rivals deliver better figures, so none of the G70 models makes much sense for company car users.

Where the G70 does stand out is for pricing. It undercuts most rivals, and since there’s so much kit as standard, you’re getting a lot of car for the money.

Servicing and warranty

One aspect of ownership where Genesis aims to make a difference is with customer service, and to that end it offers the Genesis Care Plan. This is designed to take all the stress out of car ownership; maintenance and inspection services are included with the price of the car and cover the first five years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This means regular oil, fluid and filter changes are included in the car’s purchase price, and you can even get replacement wiper blades fitted if they’re needed.

In addition, Genesis will come and collect your car for servicing and leave you with a courtesy car so that you’re not left immobile while yours is being worked on. The five-year Care Plan also includes five years of navigation and software updates, and connected services that will operate for the duration of the Care Plan, too.

Add in the standard five-year warranty, and five years’ breakdown cover, and it’s clear that this is one area where Genesis is hoping to go beyond the services provided by its rivals.

Reliability

• New brand using proven tech
• Five-year warranty gives confidence
• G70 is already established elsewhere

While Genesis is a new brand to the UK, it’s been a part of the Hyundai family since 2015. The company uses technology from within the Hyundai group, and has delivered reliable, upmarket cars for the US and Asian markets for a number of years already.

In fact, US consumer intelligence firm JD Power ranked Genesis number one as the most dependable automotive brand in the United States in 2020, and awarded it the most technologically innovative company in North America in 2021.

The G70 itself uses a rear-wheel-drive platform that’s shared with the Kia Stinger and the Genesis GV70 SUV, although the latter is also available with four-wheel drive, a layout that’s available on the G70 in other markets.