Ian Lamming drives the latest Genesis G70 Shooting Brake
IT’S early, too early, and time for work.
There’s a late frost on the windscreen and it’s surprisingly thick. That means the leather seats will be freezing. But the work keeps the bailiffs at bay so get on with it, I say.
By the time I’ve had a perfunctory go at scraping the windscreen the cabin is starting to warm up nicely. The bum warmer is on, as is the heated steering wheel and the radio is blaring through one of the best car hi-fis ever, courtesy of Lexicon.
So when I climb into the luxurious cabin of the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake I’m awake and raring to go. Engage the eight-speed auto and the powerful 2.0 turbocharged petrol gets things under way, the Shooting Brake (that’s an estate to me and you), glides forward purposefully.
The LED headlamps light up the world, especially on full beam which is like dawn braking in the East, and all memories of my comfortable bed are lost as the joys of driving a Genesis come into play.
I love this brand because Genesis are unapologetically plush. The G70 SB is no exception and the instruments, controls and trim are a feast for the fingers and the eyes. Take the sumptuous quilted leather seats and door trim, you just can’t stop touching them. The cabin really is exceptional in every way making each journey – even an early start like this one – an absolute pleasure.
If you had to guess you would swear the SB would be twice the price its accessible £42K price tag suggests, so high is the quality of the interior, which is lavish. But unlike many modern cars the technology comes in an easy to swallow format that appeals to more mature drivers in particular – there are still buttons and switches and the important functions are not buried in a touchscreen somewhere.
The seats are wonderfully supportive and sporty, the ergonomics perfectly placed and the driver can’t fail to be happier than the proverbial Larry.
Completely at home, it is time to enjoy the dynamics and performance of this attractive estate car. The 2.0 litre petrol motor packs a turbocharger and 245PS of grunt. This makes the SB a genuinely powerful car. It is fast, smooth and very quiet making it the perfect companion for long journeys and it loves the twists of the countryside as much as the highways. It is exhilarating if you are that way out but wonderfully relaxing if you just want to cruise.
Ride is exemplary with little cabin roll to speak of and firm yet compliant suspension. The steering is beautifully weight and positive adding to the overall pleasure of the drive.
Like the rest of the Genesis range the Shooting Brake is stunning to look at. The bold grille, the perfect proportions, the curvy lines, top and tailed with unusual and unique double-decker lights. It looks low and wide, aggressive and steadfast. It’s a real eye-catcher from any angle being both athletic and elegant.
It’s accommodating too. Driver and passengers are spoilt for space and the load bay is large and well-shaped making the G70 SB consummately practical.
In less than a year Genesis unleashed five utterly brilliant models upon the world, which was almost too much for the senses. The latest, the Shooting Brake, just makes life that bit more difficult by leaving you wondering which one to choose. Me? I’d be happy to have any of them.
Fact File
Genesis G70 Shooting Brake Luxury Line
Engine: 2.0 turbo petrol
Power: 245PS, 353Nm
0-62mph: 6.4 secs
Top speed: 146mph
Combined MPG: 31.5
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
CO2 g/km: 194
Price: From £42,100
