Genesis G70 review

Here’s where Genesis reckons you’ll taste the difference. Only two powertrains with three power outputs to suss out, a high level of standard equipment, and three trim lines with easy to decipher option packs on the menu. Genesis says it won’t do discounts: the G70 will sell at the RRP because the pound-for-pound value will speak for itself, apparently. 

A G70 Premium Line starts at £33,400, with the Luxury line coming in at £38,850 and range-topping Sport Line yours for £40,480. You can add a small selection of upgrade packs, like Nappa leather, electric memory seats and a better hi-fi (the standard system is pretty weak) but this is deliberately an untaxing car to spec. 

The very USP Genesis is banking on is the one thing we can’t really test for you. Each G70 comes with a five year care package of roadside assistance, servicing and warranty, with a courtesy car brought to your door while yours is away. Sounds idyllic, but we’ll have to keep an eye on ownership surveys to see how it shakes out. Presuming there are enough Genesis owners to take the survey. 

Sorry, that’s facetious. But it needs to be said that this marketplace is cutthroat. Lexus – after three generations of experience and just as the whole hybrid mind-set comes good – has pulled the IS from UK showrooms. 

The Jaguar XE has home advantage, but never dented the sales of the German hegemony. Seen a DS 9 lately? Thought not. Infiniti (remember posh Nissan?) was so burned by British antipathy it shut up shop over here entirely and flounced off back to the US. 

Genesis has the right backing to be a success: backing with bottomless pockets and the experience in what it takes to win over a cynical public. Only time will tell if its products are good enough to succeed where talented opposition has failed.