Not only is the acceleration delivered by the G70’s 365 horsepower turbocharged 3.3L V6 breathtaking, the sounds it makes while working hard border on intoxicating. Impressive passing power is facilitated by the smooth, responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The sophisticated all-wheel drive system on our G70 tester has a default 100 percent rear-wheel drive bias, enhancing the sporty feel of the car. Precise, quick and communicative steering. Handling on our V6 tester was crisp, neutral, aided no doubt by the gigantic 19 inch wheels and super low-profile tires. Despite the ultra-low-profile tires and firm suspension, the ride was compliant and free of any road shocks. The Brembo-branded brakes are strong, predictable; with great brake feel. In a four car test, the G70 easily eclipsed the Audi A4, Infiniti Q50 and Mercedes C300, and was the overwhelming choice of all drivers on the road test team.

The G70’s cabin is elegant and sumptuously outfitted. The driver faces crisp instrumentation and the controls for the climate and audio systems are straightforward and easy to use. The front seats are very comfortable and legroom is ample. However, headroom is tight and the very wide centre console intrudes on the space available for the front seat passenger. The rear bench seat is substantial and supportive, but legroom is very tight, and after you struggle to get your feet into the car you find there is little space for them under the front seats. The rear seat of the G70 is the tightest of the mainstream cars in its class and its space constraints will be a deal breaker for those who need a true four seater. Good trunk space. Strong air conditioning during sweltering weather but the performance of the heated steering wheel was disappointing on its top setting. The audio system of our loaded V6 car was exceptionally sonorous.

Exterior styling updates overlays the new Genesis styling themes, including the large-format grille and the twin-bar headlamps and taillamp designs, that were first seen on the new G80 and GV80 models. Large, triangular gashes, the styling flourish du jour, lay beneath the headlamps and the previous bright-finished boomerang-shaped front fender accents have been exorcised in favour of small rectangular pieces inset in the lower front fenders. Certainly the facelifted G70 looks cleaner than the car did upon launch. The elegant cabin features attractive materials. Clear gauges and straightforward controls. A larger format infotainment screen is the most significant cabin update to the G70 for 2022. The comfortable front seats have plenty of travel, welcoming even the tallest occupants.

Genesis cars are sold on a Prix-Fixe basis with no negotiations possible. Scheduled servicing is included in the price. The base trim, the Select, with L.E.D. headlamps, an active safety suite, a sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, but vinyl seating, is nicely equipped.  Moving up to the Advanced trim, which adds leather seating, alloy trim fillets, parking sonars, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wireless cellphone charging, a Lexicon-branding audio system and a number of smaller comfort and convenience items, is excellent value. The Prestige trim includes Nappa leather, a head up display system and a number of minor items, but is overpriced. Genesis charges a massive $6000 to move from the 2L turbo four to the 3.3L turbo V6 on the Advanced trim. The range-topping Sport V6 adds Brembo-branded brakes, Nappa leather, active suspension as well as a limited slip rear differential, and in good value. The Kia Stinger, built on the same platform as the G70, is priced roughly $3000  to $6000 less than an equivalent G70 V6T. A Genesis G70 Prestige is priced roughly $10,000 less than a Mercedes C-Class with similar equipment. The G70 has not set the market on fire and sales are disappointing. Hopefully the spate of crossovers issued by Genesis can provide enough volume to sustain the brand in Canada.

Five year/100,000 km warranty. Regular scheduled maintenance, including car pick up and a courtesy car, for five years/100,000 km, is included in the price. Consumables, like brake pads, wiper blades and tires, are not part of the maintenance plan.