2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake Review

When we first saw the 2022 G70 Shooting Brake, it was love at first sight. How could it not be. It’s like a box of Cadbury Favourites, with all the best features neatly packaged into one gorgeous vehicle.

It has hints of Mercedes-Benz style, with special herbs and spices from some other brands, but together, with its own unique bits thrown in as well, it’s an elegant and sophisticated car, particularly when draped in classy Black Forrest Green.

Exterior

Its curvaceous body, featuring a single-piece glass hatch with integrated rear spoiler, hints at a level of naughtiness too. Brembo brakes and the G70’s dark chrome exterior trimmings perfectly complement the body colour.

The 19-inch twin 5-spoke dark finish alloy wheels, appropriately caressed in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres complete the package.

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Interior

The interior is a combination of sophistication and cutting-edge tech. Slide into the super comfortable, quilted Nappa leather-appointed, 16-way powered driver and 12-way passenger heated and vented front seats and be taken to a world of fine wine and riches.

We have to warn you, though, that the expectation of valet service wherever you go is imminent because you just feel like you’ve made the Forbes rich list in this car.

You can leave your smartphone in the wireless charging bay too, because it features an integrated cooling fan. Finally, no more burns from an overheated phone. Hook it to the audio system and choose your poison via DAB+, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Pop, rock, jazz, blackened death metal, whatever gets your fingers tapping and feet shuffling, the G70’s 15-speaker lexicon premium audio system delivers auditory immersion for your journey.

While you and your passengers re-enact the Wayne’s World Bohemian Rhapsody scene, you can take advantage of the G70’s Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic, and dual zone front climate control.

The Genesis’ 10.25-inch screen is your central command hub, offering minimal complexity, which also integrates superbly with the head-up display. There’s also a voice memo function and the Sounds of Nature relaxation program.

For some comedy, leave your significant other in the car with Sounds of Nature set to Open Air Cafe. Call them from a coffee shop, chat and hang up. See how many times they call you back to tell you your phone is connected to the car and they can hear everything.

It’s literally worth its weight in gold for that alone. You also get a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, which, with the assistance of sensors, recognises your eyes and presents the display to you in 3D.

With minimal road noise entering the cabin, it’s easy to forget you’re driving a Korean car, such as its driveability, easily rivalling high-class European competitors. But there are some downsides, including just how cozy the Genesis is.

It’s quite snug inside, and front row leg room is very sports car like, with restricted horizontal movement. Rear seating is comfortable, if you don’t require a large amount of leg room. Our 8 and 4-year-old test subjects struggled to abide by hands-off policies.

The lower roof line also presents a challenge for vertically blessed individuals too. On the plus side, the 465-litre luggage space is where the wagon comes in handy, and it’s a decent increase in comparison to the 330-litre for sedan models.

You also have split fold 60/40 rear seats to increase your storage space when required. Other annoyances include the fact the aluminium trim garnishes cheapen the luxury focus. It feels counterintuitive to things like a suede headlining and pillars, and panoramic roof.

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Driving experience

Luxuries aside, the 2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake doesn’t just offer comfort, it drives super smoothly as well. Handling is silky and flowy through the twisty stuff, the suspension (in comfort mode) effortlessly takes on the chosen path with minimal complaints.

Engage any of its sportier driving modes though, and you are definitely feeling those road blemishes. There is a definite audible and physical change in the car’s dynamics too, with Sport+ a favourite for our drives.

The elephant in the room, or the garage, as it were, is what’s under the hood. There’s no 3.3-litre twin turbo V6 on offer, like the sedan, with the Shooting Brake loaded with a rear-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbo powertrain, emitting 179kW of power and 353Nm torque.

It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and this heavenly matrimony is more than enough for your road legal requirements and daily duties. It has a claimed fuel economy of 9.1-litres/100km and we managed 12.6-litres/100km in real world conditions.

It is worth mentioning though that most of our driving was enjoyed in Sport or Sport+ modes. It’s a generally responsive vehicle, and a true pleasure to drive. Likewise, it’s quite amazing how quiet the cabin is, even under aggressive acceleration.

Safety

With a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the 2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake features blind-spot collision-avoidance assist rear, smart cruise control with stop and go, blind-spot view monitor, high beam assist and intelligent front lighting, along with multi-collision braking.

Special mentions must go to the surround view monitor, and its outstanding camera and visual quality, and the reverse light guide system, which provides a clear visual indication that you are backing up.

Pricing

The G70 comes with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, roadside assist, Genesis To You, a valet service and scheduled servicing. The Shooting Brake is priced at $85,280 drive away. It’s available in 15 colours, including three matte finishes.

There are also seven interior upholstery choices, including Sevilla Red, Velvet Burgundy and Obsidian Black.

Our test vehicle was provided by Genesis Australia. To find out more about the 2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake, contact your local Genesis dealership. Pictures courtesy of BrakefastMedia.

This article first published on Exhaust Notes Australia.

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