Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Genesis G70 review – performance and 0-60 time

While the power on paper is initially impressive, things are more disappointing in reality

Evo rating
  • Striking design; interior quality and materials
  • Powertrains lacking; damping struggles with British roads; thirsty

As alluded to before, high-performance driving isn’t really what the G70 has been designed to do, instead taking a rather more laid-back approach. Unfortunately, this is evident in its straight-line speed, as while on paper the flagship 241bhp petrol model will hit 62mph in 6.1sec, in reality it doesn't feel anything like that quick. The 194bhp petrol takes an almost glacial 8.8sec in this same endeavour, the diesel 7.4sec.

Advertisement - Article continues below

What the figures don’t reflect is the amount of inertia that seems to weigh down the powertrain. Revs rise and fall extremely slowly, and there’s not much in the way of enthusiasm to the way the engine performs. True, most modern turbocharged four-cylinder units aren’t known for their ability to chase the red line, but BMW’s B48 is certainly more responsive at low-to-mid rpm and the latest mild hybrid-assisted Mercedes unit has that extra hit of electrically driven torque to bulk up its low-rpm range.

It makes the G70 feel like it’s always trying extremely hard to find the available performance that’s hidden somewhere in the powertrain. The transmission plays a subordinate role in this car, as while shifts are smooth and well calibrated to the engine as a whole, it’s not a standout transmission like the new nine-speed you’ll find in a Mercedes C-class, and lacks the ultimate zip of the ZF in a BMW.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses
Ford Focus ST Mk3
Features

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses

We’d hoped the 2015 Focus ST would share a good dose of its little brother’s magic. Sadly, it didn’t
28 Apr 2025
The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever
Ferrari 296 Speciale – front
News

The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever

The 296 Speciale is the latest in Ferrari's line of mid-engined road racers, packing 868bhp and LaFerrari-beating pace on track
29 Apr 2025
Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 2025 review – the ultimate analogue hypercar
GMA T.50 front
Reviews

Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 2025 review – the ultimate analogue hypercar

The GMA T.50 is the car we thought would never come: Gordon Murray's sequel to the ultimate hypercar, the McLaren F1
26 Apr 2025