Nov 30, 2018

What we're driving: The Genesis G70

Joann Muller

Genesis G70 takes on German icons like BMW 3-series. Photo: Genesis

This week I'm driving the Genesis G70, a worthy finalist for North American Car and Truck of the Year (NACTOY).

If you don't know Genesis, it's Hyundai's new luxury brand. The G70 is the latest model in the lineup, a compact performance sedan aimed squarely at German icons like the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Why it stands out: Starting at $35,895 (thousands less than the Germans), the G70's bang-for-the-buck combination of performance and luxury is hard to beat.

I drove the 2.0T rear-wheel-drive model with an optional 6-speed manual transmission — one of three powertrain choices.

Active safety tech: Like all Genesis models, the G70 comes with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems like forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning.

The bottom line: The Genesis G70 has already won Motor Trend's 2019 Car of the Year. It's up against Volvo's S60 sedan and V60 wagon and Honda's reborn electric Insight in the independent NACTOY awards. The winner will be announced in January at the Detroit auto show.

Go deeper: What we've been driving in past weeks

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What we're driving: The Genesis G70

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