2021 Genesis G70 scores new looks, AWD... and drift mode

Genesis has revealed the first details of its significantly updated G70 sports sedan including a dramatic exterior redesign, revised interior and more technology, ahead of its arrival in Australia early in 2021.

As part of the new 2021 G70 updates, Genesis has resculpted the aesthetics of its smallest model to share the family resemblance introduced by the GV80 large SUV and forthcoming G80 large sedan.

It's also added more tech - and in ways that may surprise.

On a design fron, the 2021 G70’s headlights adopt the unmistakable over-and-under ‘quad lamp’ light bar design first seen on the company’s SUV foray, twin-rail indicators which conform to the headlight shape and large shield-shaped grille with a single central point in its lower edge.

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Along its the flanks, tall air extractors have evolved into more compact details lower in the front wheel arches and do not house indicator repeaters like its updated G80 sibling, while the profile remains unchanged with bold blade-like trims leading the C-pillars.

Genesis calls its design language Athletic Elegance, and you can expect to see it featuring in varying forms on the company’s future vehicles which will include a smaller SUV and possibly even a sporty halo car based on the Essentia concept.

The rear has been treated to a similarly comprehensive redesign including a mirroring of the front light units, Genesis badging dominates a cleaner more expansive rear panel, which accentuates the model’s duck-tail boot lid. Larger oval exhaust outlets complete the look.

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On the inside the revisions continue, headlined by a new 10.3-inch central display with updated information and entertainment system and improved graphics. There are also new connectivity specifications including over-the-air updates, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and a reconfigured wireless charging to accommodate a wider range of devices.

In the current iteration, the G70 received criticism of its cheap multimedia interface which didn’t match the otherwise high-quality standards, but this update appears to address those concerns raised in the first version along with a welcome nip and tuck to refresh the model.

For example, a new 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen complete with a Genesis-specific navigation program will replace the previous inset screen, while wireless phone charging and a more easily readable instrument cluster will also feature.

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It's also been confirmed that the dimensions of the car remain exactly the same as before, as do the majority of its underpinnings.

The car is still 4685mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1400mm high, with a 2835mm wheelbase.

The engine options under the bonnet are also the same; there's the choice of a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with 272kW and 510Nm, or a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with 185kW and 353Nm.

This time, however, there’s an additional 2kW in Sport trim for the smaller engine.

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The entire range also now has a Sport+ mode, for a more aggressive engine and gearbox response under hard driving.

The 3.3-litre V6 version will, again in Sport trim, benefit from a variable exhaust system, which Genesis says creates “a more aggressive exhaust signature.”

Finally, for keen drivers, an all-wheel-drive system is available for V6 buyers, which includes a built-in drift mode.

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When it arrives, the facelifted G70 will go on sale not in conventional dealerships as per many other brands, but in Genesis’ bespoke and more premium boutique-style showrooms in metropolitan centres.

Contributing - Chris Thompson