First Report

The Genesis GV70 gets a lot of attention. I’ve seen countless people turn their heads as I’ve driven past them and noticed passengers in cars checking it out when I’m on a motorway. Only yesterday, I watched as a chap walked up to the GV70 in a car park, stood staring at it, before moving in for a closer look at the bonnet badge. Forty years ago, I’d have been delighted with the likely massive points haul for my I-Spy book of cars. You don’t see many Genesis cars in my part of Devon, but things are very different in the USA, where Genesis is an established brand that’s able to rub shoulders with the likes of Lexus and Cadillac.

 In case you weren’t aware, Genesis is the luxury arm of Hyundai. That means you get the benefits of Hyundai ownership – reliability, dependability and a long warranty – with a bonus layer of sophistication you’d normally associate with Audi or Mercedes-Benz. Or maybe Genesis should aim higher than that. Within seconds of the car arriving in September, one of the builders working at our property downed tools to admire ‘my’ new ‘Bentley’. He was closely followed by the carpenter – who’s also a coach at our youth football club – asking if all the coaches were being treated to a Bentley. They genuinely thought Genesis was a new Bentley sub-brand, not a Hyundai in a very posh frock. In fairness, the optional Brunswick green matt paint and 21-inch alloys do lend it a whiff of Bentayga. The bling-tastic grille, pumped up haunches and fancy LED front and rear lights combine to complete the illusion that the GV70 is a product of Crewe and not South Korea. Hardly surprising, given that Genesis nabbed chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke from Bentley.

 To the already lavish specification of the Sport trim, the Genesis UK press office has gone all out with the options. Innovation pack (£4,190), Comfort seat pack (£1,690), Nappa leather seats pack (£2,350), second row comfort seat pack (£600), e-LSD (£50), 21-inch alloy wheels with red calipers (£1,310), sunroof (£1,460), Lexicon audio system (£790), fingerprint authentication (£80), towbar (£1,399) and that are-you-sure-it’s-not-a-Bentley green paintwork (£1,310). Combined, the options add up to the equivalent of a Hyundai i10. The GV70 is available with a choice of powertrains: full electric, 2.0-litre petrol and this, the 2.2-litre turbodiesel. Both the petrol and diesel versions come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.

 Bentley-esque styling and a sumptuous interior will only get Genesis so far down the road on the way to stealing sales from the premium establishment, especially in a country so loyal to the ‘big three’ from Germany. This is why Genesis is offering a comprehensive five-year care plan, comprising an unlimited mileage warranty, servicing and maintenance, European roadside assistance, over-the-air software updates and a concierge service. Genesis owners don’t have to lower themselves to take their car for a scheduled service. Instead, somebody from the team will come and collect the car and leave you with a courtesy vehicle for use while it’s away. Nice.

 First impressions of the GV70 are very good. As a shy and retiring type, I’m not sure I’m enjoying the attention it gets, but I’m loving the array of gadgets, sumptuous interior, and the fact that I’m driving something different. A few years ago, when anyone asked me for car recommendations, I’d also tell them to pick something from the Skoda range. Today, I tell them to visit either a Hyundai or Kia showroom, as there will almost certainly be something that ticks their boxes. After six months with the GV70, I’d like to think that I can add Genesis to the mix. For now, I’m just happy that I’ve made it to the end of the first report without a reference to Messrs Collins, Rutherford, and Banks.

Date arrived 19th September 2023 (Originally registered 6th March 2023)
Costs None Faults None
Mileage 5,667
Economy (combined) 38.3mpg
Economy (On test) 36.6mpg