Auto review By Veeno Dewan
The Genesis premium luxury line now features not one but two new SUVs in its lineup. The mid-size GV80 and the compact GV70, a two-row, five-seat premium luxury SUV. First up, this new Genesis looks superb with an elegant design cue including swaggering curves, creases and tightly honed surfaces, unique front and rear light treatments, metallic accents, cool looking air intakes and vertical exhaust outlets. Just like the GV80 there is a large pentagonal Crest Grille, and funky G-Matrix mesh detail on the 21-inch alloy wheels that give it a unique look. It is certainly unmistakable and drew plenty of looks during our time with the test model.
Changes for 2023 are minor changes in interior trim on the center console with metallic trim pieces and spectacular blue -green leather seats and trim with contrast stitching. The two engine choices are either: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (300 hp / 311 lb-ft torque), or a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 375 hp unit with 391 lb-ft torque). Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
The GV70 is offered in two main variants with several trim’ options. The Elegant range is focused on the four-cylinder models, while the Athletic trim applies to the top-tier four-cylinder grade (2.5T Prestige) and the two 3.5 V6 trims. The athletic grades receive dark chrome accents, dark chrome grille, extended air intakes and round exhaust garnishes. 2023 Genesis GV70 Pricing ranges from $57,500 for the GV70 2.5T Advanced. The Advanced Plus is $61,500; and the 2.5T Prestige is $65,500. The 3.5T Sport is $70,500; while the 3.5T Sport Plus is $77,500. All prices include taxes and fees. There is brilliant no haggle pricing policy from Genesis, you can book a test drive on line, Genesis will bring the car to your door when you buy it, For service, and maintenance Genesis takes your car e, and leaves a loaner,
. The 3.5T Sport Plus adds adaptive suspension that “looks” ahead and proactively reacts to road imperfections, and also adds an electronic limited-slip differential.
The GV70 interior lives up to the excitement of the exterior. An aircraft “wing” links the dash centre stack and door pull cut designs and looks very elegant. High quality material define the cabin: metallic speaker grille covers, door pulls and centre console inserts, to the backlit, tempered glass gear selector knob, all wink and beguile. Meanwhile the rich , sumptuous, comfortable quilted leather seating will have you in admiration. I just loved the rich leather interior trim on our tester!
The dash incorporates a wonderful 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster which uses a group of sensors to project a stereoscopic 3D image that can be viewed from any angle.
A spiffy multimedia controller supports a variety of features such as: handwriting recognition, push, rotation, and swipe. The superbright 14.5-inch infotainment display includes a s LCD screen and a plethora of multimedia functions and apps, plus standard Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Also impressive is the degree of customization available – with a vast range of colors, for the interior trim, and seats with contrasting stitching and piping. Exterior paint colors range from the sublime to the downright exuberant. The GV70 features a roomy interior throughout with decent sized accommodation at the rear. Cargo volume is rated at 1,610 litres (56.9 cu ft) accessed through a power liftgate and improved with folding rear seats. The GV70 can also tow up to 3,500 lbs for a trailer with brakes.
I will have you know, the GV70 was put through its handling development at the famed Nürburgring racetrack in Germany under the beady eye of men in white coats – so the 2023 Genesis GV70 handles more like a sports sedan; some nice rear wheelspin on hard standing start can be elicited and there is fast strong acceleration. The engine is immensely powerful and provide lot of torque off the line. I love that urgent exhaust note! The steering has good on-center feel but is a little light in my opinion. However, there are multi drive modes which when used offers tightened handling and more steering feel. The variable ratio steering, and electronically controlled suspension provide agile responses and a balanced ride and handling. Performance drivers can also choose from a variety of drive modes according to their personal preference for driving situation. Fuel economy is rated at: 12.9 / 10.0 / 11.6 L / 100 km city / highway / combined. Not a lot of downsides I can see for now.
To sum up, you just must take a test drive if you are cross shopping with likes of the BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi competition. The GV70 is better looking, better equipped, offers more value for money, and does not give much away. A very impressive luxury sports SUV for now, and highly recommended
2023 – Genesis GV70 2.5T Sport Plus: Priced from $77,500.
WEBSITE: www.genesis.com/ca
