Written by Keith Adams Updated: 20 April 2023

Overview

Is the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake any good?

The second model in the Genesis G70 range has been rolled out, and it’s a segment-busting estate/hatchback/coupe crossover that should appeal those looking for a stand-out compact executive car. In reality, the Shooting Brake is an estate car, with a commodious rear end and a choice of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines for those who don’t want to go for one of the default-choice German opposition.

With a decent range of cars already on offer – and more on the way – Genesis aims to establish itself as a premium player with a difference. To help on that journey offering a concierge-style package with all of its cars, and hoping that buyers will be swayed away from their BMWs, Audis and Mercedes-Benzes, on the promise of a better standard of service and more left-field cars – we’re looking forward to seeing how it pans out.

If you’re looking at one of these, you’ll undoubtedly have the BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate on your shopping list, but the G70’s daring looks mean it’s likely to appeal to those also looking for an Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, Volkswagen Arteon or Peugeot 508. It’s an interesting line-up…

What’s it like inside?

From the rear seats forward, the Shooting Brake is identical to the saloon inside. So you get the same blend of tastefully hued materials, pleated leather and dashboard that’s liberally sprinkled with buttons. It’s no worse inside than a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4 for quality, but feels rather dated especially compared to the Mercedes C-Class.

The interior highlight is the optional Innovation Pack, which brings you a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that will show you – on screen – what’s happening alongside when signalling left or right. Sounds gimmicky, but it really does work on the move. Other than that, it’s standard digital fare, and it all works seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It’s roomy in the front if you like a low-slung driving position, but the rear bench isn’t quite so roomy, with tight legroom being the biggest criticism. Of its rivals, we’d say only the Jaguar XE is more cramped. The luggage space in the Shooting Brake is not bad at all with the seats down – the carrying capacity is 1,565 litres, which beats the BMW 3 Series Touring’s 1,510, let alone the 1,300 you get in the sleeker 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Unfortunately, the cargo bay with the rear seats up is small by class standards. A figure of 465 litres is less than saloon versions of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, albeit a more practical and dog-friendly shape.

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What’s it like to drive?

It’s based on the same tech and underpinnings as the Kia Stinger and powered by a pair of four-cylinder engines. The choice is between a 2.2-litre diesel and a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol in 200 and 245hp forms.

The 245hp petrol model’s official WLTP fuel consumption is 35.4mpg and that’s someway behind the opposition, especially as you’ll find yourself driving it hard quite often, dragging the economy down further. It doesn’t feel too quick on the road, despite a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds. Blame that on a kerb weight of almost 1,700kg weight and a lack of mid-range pulling power.

The diesel feels more suited to the G70 Shooting Brake, putting in a solid performance and proving to be at its best when cruising, rather than being driven hard. It’s refined at speed, which is all that most owners will really want. But overall, you’re left with the lingering impression that it’s a great handling sporting estate in need of better engines.

To make matters even worse, all versions of the G70 Shooting Brake sit in the 37% BIK tax bracket making them a poor choice for company car users.

Comfort and handling

Like the saloon it’s based upon, the G70 Shooting Brake is very good to drive, and you can tell from the first corner that it’s excellent in corners, with fast and responsive steering and a near lack of bodyroll. Considering this is the company’s first entry into the compact executive market, it’s very good – up there with the likes of the Jaguar XE and BMW 3 Series for driver involvement.

As well as enjoying keen handling, the G70 Shooting Brake rides well, and all that you can really criticise it for is above average levels of tyre noise. In terms of comfort, the 3 Series and especially the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the G70 beaten, even if there’s little to criticise its ride quality for.

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What models and trims are available?

The new Genesis G70 Shooting Brake comes in three forms: Premium, Luxury and Sport. The entry-level Premium cars come with a 10.25-inch infotainment system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with electrically-adjustable leather seats, blind spot monitoring and LED headlights as standard.

The Luxury models get a heated steering wheel and heated seats, Sport models add more sporting-looking wheels and bodykit. Options across the range include a sunroof, a nappa leather interior and a great-sounding premium sound system.

All variants of the new Genesis G70 Shooting Brake are offered with either a 2.0 turbocharged petrol engine or a 2.2 litre Diesel. The petrol engine in the Premium model makes 197hp, whereas in the Luxury and Sport it makes 245hp. There is only one diesel engine, and it makes 200hp.

Read on to find out how we rate the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake in the Parkers verdict.