The dynamic skillset of a BMW 3 Series and the interior fitout of a Bentley?
This appears the loose brief for Hyundai’s upcoming Genesis G70, based on fresh images from motoring.com.au’s spy photographers.
Already touted as a genuine rear-drive rival to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class – not to mention the Kia Stinger, its heavier and slower Korean cousin – the G70 is due to reach Australian showrooms before year’s end. It is understood local testing is already underway.
While the Genesis sub-brand hasn’t directly nominated Bentley as an inspiration for the G70’s interior, you wouldn’t be too out of line to suggest the car’s quilted seats, steering wheel motif, contrasting stitching and general interior layout channelled inspiration from the storied English luxury marque. Or even Audi.
The images reveal the G70 will employ a range of different materials through the cabin, broken up by textured materials and classy metal highlights. A large colour screen holds pride of place at the top of the centre binnacle.
Traditional analogue gauges in the instrument clusters are separated by a digital readout which promises to convey all manner of driver assistance features.
The G70 is expected to be more affordable than its German rivals, which start at around $55,000.
Hyundai Australia says the G70 will be lighter and faster than the Kia Stinger GT too, a vehicle which dispatches the 0-100km/h dash in just 4.9 seconds.
In its highest state of tune, the Korean-built rear-drive luxury sedan is expected to accelerate to 100km/h in about 4.7 seconds, thanks to its 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6, which should be good for at least 270kW and 510Nm – a similar output to the Kia Stinger GT.
“The Genesis G70 and [Kia] Stinger represent different design philosophies and positions in the market,” Guido Schenken, Hyundai Australia’s PR manager recently told motoring.com.au.
“The Stinger is a five door touring sedan with a hatch, while the G70 is a pure sports sedan.
“The G70 is shorter, narrower and lighter than Stinger as well as having a shorter wheelbase, hence it’s reasonable to assume it’ll offer better performance.”.
Genesis’ new sports sedan is tipped to be more agile than the Kia too, given its lighter weight, and with at least 270kW on tap, it could rival European stock such as the BMW 340i and Mercedes-AMG C 43.
The prospect of local suspension tuning for the Australian market could also be a boon for potential buyers looking for an engaging car to drive.
Spy photos of the new G70 sedan undergoing pre-production testing at the Nurburgring confirm the vehicle’s sedan body style. The exterior design will also be heavily influenced by the Genesis New York concept which premiered in April 2016, although that car’s quasi lift-back derriere appears to have been scotched.
Genesis has promised to have a six vehicle garage by 2020, including the upcoming G70, the G80 and G90 sedans, along with a pair of SUVs, expected to be the GV70 and GV80.
The final model will be a grand touring or GT coupe akin to the Lexus LC 500.