Genesis G70 – shooting star

DESIGNING an estate model that has the super-cool looks to turn heads wherever it goes doesn’t come without compromise.

And the latest model to hit UK streets from luxury brand Genesis, the G70 Shooting Brake, certainly has the low-slung style to steal those admiring glances.

If the Genesis brand name sounds unfamiliar fear not, it’s not some upstart car company but the premium offshoot of Hyundai – in much the same way that Lexus was started by Toyota, Infiniti (remember that one) by Nissan and Cupra by SEAT.

The company has got off to a busy start too, with five offerings arriving  in quick succession in the shape of the G70 saloon, mid-size GV70 SUV, G80 saloon, full-size GV80 SUV and in the last couple of months the G70 Shooting Brake.

Taking on the might of the big three German brands, let alone the likes of Jaguar and Volvo, is no easy feat, but Genesis has arrived with competitive pricing plus an emphasis on an ownership experience that puts the customer in the driving seat.

Instead of using the traditional dealership model there are ‘studio stores’ and online sales, with the promise of ‘no hard sell’ as the cars come with set prices and a five-year plan to include servicing. Customers can also arrange cars on a subscription basis.

But what of the G70 Shooting Brake – and those compromises.

Well, slinky stylish looks often come with a trade-off and that is the case with this car in that the boot opening is quite narrow, with a high loading lip into a boot that isn’t so cavernous as many estate car rivals.

Thankfully the rear seats do fold down in a 40:20:40 configuration and the boot can be opened either via a switch below the steering wheel or a neatly placed button at the base of the rear windscreen wiper.

Rear legroom could also be better and you wouldn’t want to be an adult perched in the centre rear position, which is firm and also hampered by the car’s transmission tunnel.

Otherwise it’s all positive news for the G70 Shooting Brake, which looks smart and well put together inside courtesy of premium leather upholstery lifted by sporty red seatbelts and matching stitching.

A stand-out feature of the cabin is the infotainment and dashboard set-up with its wide touchscreen, sharp graphics, digital 3D dials and proper knobs for the air con.

Engine options are either a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit or the 2.2-litre diesel used in our tested model which also came in top grade Sport Line trim.

With 197bhp on tap, and with the rear wheels driven via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the Shooting Brake has ample power on tap and proved economical to the point of returning only a couple of miles short of the official average fuel figure of 41.8 miles per gallon in the Eco drive mode setting.

It was smooth and engaging to drive as well, even with 19-inch low profile tyres fitted, the only downside being that the engine sounds every bit a diesel in its slower paces, and especially at start-up.

Standard kit is extensive and includes important safety items like blind spot warning monitors, but there’s still the temptation to add extra cost options like the Innovation Pack at £3,250, Comfort Seat Pack for £1,850 and Havana Red paint at £750.

That little trio took the price to £46,530, which wipes out any price advantage over opposition models like the BMW 3 Series Touring or Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate.