Genesis GV70: something genuinely new for SUV lovers
The GV70 from Genesis is something of an indulgence and a steal at the same time. Jasper Spires reports
South Korean manufacturer Hyundai’s latest addition to its luxury car brand Genesis, the GV70, provides a masterclass in affordable yet lavish motoring. Its bold aesthetics aim to please and make quite a statement, says Tom White in Australia’s CarsGuide magazine.
Its “signature design elements”, including the curved bodywork and V-shaped grille and badge, emulate a Bentley’s, and have made it into something “distinctively unique”. The GV70 looks like it will succeed in offering SUV enthusiasts something genuinely new – unlike rival offerings from Toyota and Nissan.
Happy with hoonery and refined cruising
Its corpulent frame has impeded the performance a little, but it’s no slouch, accelerating from rest to 62mph in a smooth 7.9 seconds and going on to a top speed of 133mph (for the 2.2-litre diesel model; a petrol version is also available). And the car can be great fun when you want to floor it, says Jake Groves in Car magazine. From a set of dials that are “properly Tron-like”, you select from a variety of drive modes, ranging from the relatively tame “Eco” to “Sport+’”, which disables the traction control and ramps up the power.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
The result can be exciting, even if raw speed isn’t the main feature of the car. “It’s quick to react to your inputs, giving you a surge of power and a sporty soundtrack to accompany it if you hoof it. The all-wheel drive system is unfazed by all of your hoonery; there’s no understeer even if you get silly with your corner speeds.” Still, the car is made more for elegant cruising than boy racing and its 1,985kg heft anchors you to the road while the effective suspension floats you effortlessly over unexpected potholes.
The high-quality interior is impressive too, says Alex Ingram in AutoExpress. It’s clear that “great care has been taken to ensure that all of the bits you touch most often are finished to a high standard” and tech-inclined drivers will be pleased with the wireless phone-charging ports, futuristic dash with 14.5-inch touchscreen, and hi-tech augmented-reality navigation programme.
More clever tech comes with the optional Innovation Pack (£4,190)”, says Motoring Research, which includes remote hands-free parking, surround-view cameras and a child-safety system that prevents the rear doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching. All in all, the Genesis GV70 is cheaper than a Bentley, better looking than your average Volvo, and packed full of tomorrow’s best gadgets. It’s something of a steal and an indulgence at the same time. Prices from £39,450
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Jasper is a former writer for the MoneyWeek and he wrote on an array of topics including travel, investing in crypto and bitcoin, as well as cars. Previous to that he freelanced at The Art Newspaper, PORT Magazine and The Spectator. Jasper is currently a freelance writer at FAD magazine and he has an English literature degree from the University of Exeter, and a Master's degree from UCL.
-
How to boost your pension pot as 35% of UK over 50s face huge retirement savings gapOver 50s are facing a later life with little to no funds - but there are steps you can take now to boost your pot.
-
Zoopla: House sales fall for first time in two years as buyers wait for Autumn BudgetThe average price of a house in September was £270,000, down £1,000 from August as the housing market’s Christmas slowdown came early, Zoopla says
-
8 of the best smallholdings for sale nowThe best smallholdings for sale – from a medieval cross-passage farmhouse in Taunton, Somerset, to a former farmhouse with an orchard in the Welsh Marches
-
Review: Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre – explore a city of Arabian delightsTravel The Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre is a great base from which to set out on a foodie adventure of the emirate
-
Albert Einstein's first violin sells for £860,000 at auctionAlbert Einstein left his first violin behind as he escaped Nazi Germany. Last week, it became the most expensive instrument not owned by a concert violinist
-
Last orders: can UK pubs be saved?Pubs in Britain are closing at the rate of one a day, continuing and accelerating a long-term downward trend. Why? And can anything be done to save them?
-
Review: Grove of Narberth – a warm welcome in WalesTravel Grove of Narberth is a rustic and charming country retreat in Pembrokeshire all the year round
-
Review: The Hut, Colwell Bay – a seafood lunch with a holiday feelTravel Getting to The Hut in Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight is almost as rewarding as actually eating there
-
Pinewood Technologies: a drive for growthPinewood Technologies’ platform is one of the best in the business. Investors should buy in
-
'EV maker Faraday Future will crash'Faraday Future Intelligent Electric is failing dismally to live up to its name, says Matthew Partridge
