Near-$80K price tag makes new mid-size luxury wagon the most expensive G70 variant and there’s no V6
The 2021 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake has checked into local showrooms this week priced from an even $79,000 plus on-road costs, bringing the number of variants in the mid-size luxury model range to three.
That price tag jettisons the swoopy wagon straight to the top of the Genesis G70 family tree, even though it’s powered by a 179kW/353Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder as opposed to the twin-turbo 3.3-litre petrol V6 available in the sedan.
As with the four-door, drive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The reason for the high asking price is the level of equipment fitted as standard; in our market at least, the G70 Shooting Brake’s specification is equivalent to a G70 sedan fitted with ‘Luxury’ and ‘Sport Line’ packages.
So while it buyers may miss out on the bigger engine, they do at least score Brembo brakes and a limited-slip differential as standard and the whole package rolls on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber
Those wanting a sportier look to match the go-faster gear can opt for the ‘Sport Line Styling’ package at no extra cost, which ups the visual ante with a more aggressive 19-inch alloy wheel design, an angrier front fascia, darkened trim and a Sport Line interior treatment (sports interior quilting, swirl patterned aluminium trim inserts and sports pedals).
Sticking with the interior, the design and key features of the cabin are as per the G70 sedan, meaning drivers are greeted by the familiar 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment system and quilted Nappa leather upholstery.
The only difference both inside and out is the rear-end design of the Shooting Brake, which liberates an extra 135 litres of boot space; upping the sedan’s 330 litres to 465L in accordance with the VDA measuring standards.
Maximising the space further is the inclusion of a 60/40-split and folding rear seat and a power-operated rear hatch.
Other standard equipment highlights include heated and ventilated front seats, 16-way power adjustment for the driver and 12-way for the passenger, heated steering wheel and rear seats, auto-dimming interior and wing mirrors, a 15-speaker Lexicon sound system, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panorama sunroof, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start.
Safety features are likewise plentiful, consisting of 10 airbags, forward collision avoidance with car, pedestrian, cycling and junction detention, blind spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance-assist, blind-spot view monitor, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, lane following assist, surround view monitor, forward attention warning, intelligent front-lighting system and all of the usual chassis acronyms like ABS.
Genesis Motors Australia chief executive officer Jun Heo said the new Genesis G70 Sooting Brake “brings new allure to the G70 model line with its classic coupe-wagon styling, superb performance and an array of safety and convenience technology”.
In terms of rivals, it should come as no real surprise to find the swoopy Korean’s chief competition hale from Germany in the form of the Mercedes-Benz C300 Estate ($78,076, 190kW/370Nm) and Audi A4 Avant 45 TFSI quattro S Line ($73,300, 183kW/370Nm).
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Keyword: Genesis G70 Shooting Brake now on sale