Genesis G70 Shooting Brake (2019-2026)

Slightly more practical than the sedan, but misses out on that sweet 3.5L turbo V6 engine – For 2022 the European exclusive ‘Shooting Brake’ body style has launched here in Australia. US buyers have already voiced their jealousy over our social channels. The G70 Shooting Brake adds boot space and attention from bystanders. There’s one slight issue. This only comes with the more mild four cylinder engine, and is not delivered with the spicy twin turbocharged V6.

Genesis build quality is a step above from what you can expect from a regular Hyundai. Leather seats, accenting trim pieces, headlights and the drivers display are all built to an obvious higher standard.

There are some hard plastics and panel gaps that show that the G70 isn’t built as well as the rest of the Genesis range. It feels disconnected from the quality standards that the GV70 SUV has to adhere to. It comes down to this interior feeling older than the rest of the Genesis line-up.

Landing in Australia at $79,000 before on road costs, this isn’t going to be the budget wagon alternative. Mercedes and Audi offer similar power outputs and body styles at this price point.

You’re getting a bunch of standard equipment, a sports-oriented drive and of course, the styling. A 15-speaker system and 16-way adjustable heated/cooled seats are some highlight inclusions.

The Genesis G70 Shooting Brake has a unique body-style. Although that comes at a cost when it comes to practicality. Thanks to that swooping roofline, you’re losing boot room when compared to a more squared off design (like the Volvo V60).

The G70 Shooting Brake comes with 5 years/50,000km complimentary servicing. That includes a ‘concierge’ pick-up and drop-off service and a service loan car. Warranty is an industry standard 5 year/unlimited kilometre coverage.

I got to experience the G70's sound isolation over 1000km of driving.

Sound isolation from the outside world is luxurious, achieving what Genesis as a brand is trying to do. There’s a distinct lack of wind noise, and hardly a roar or drone from its tires.

I loved experiencing the 15 Lexicon branded speakers placed throughout the cabin. You can switch between presets that include ‘Audience, Stage and Reference’, altering your listening experience.

Sound is rich and with substance when played through these speakers. Being picky, it lacks high end clarity compared to the likes of the Volvo V60’s Bowers/Wilkins system.

Compared to its competitors, the G70 will outshine them here.

These beefy Brembo brakes offer plenty of bite even when being pushed through fast-paced back roads. I found the tuning to suit a luxury driving experience, meaning these lacked a hefty initial engagement.

You have a pillow-like dead zone that allows for smooth deceleration. As you dip deeper into the pedal, those Brembos will do what Brembos do best, and anchor down hard.

The easiest way to criticise the new G70 Shooting Brake is that the Lambda-II twin-turbocharged V6 isn’t available here.

Instead, you’re only able to opt the 2.0L turbocharged petrol four cylinder with the Shooting Brake. It produces 179kW and 353Nm with power sent to the rear wheels.

A claimed acceleration time in the mid-7 second range didn’t feel all too slow in person. A dramatic start can be had with traction control turned off, as the rear wheels slip for grip thanks to a wave of torque.

It’s not as dramatic or intoxicating to drive as the V6 was in the sedan, but it’s still good for a bit of driving fun.

Mid-range acceleration is achieved for overtakes on high-speed sections of highway. Thanks to that large Garett turbo, this lack-lustre four cylinder has a little more play to it than the brochure suggests.

What came as a real surprise was the gearbox found in the G70. It’s a ZF sourced 8-speed transmission that has a Jekyll and Hyde type personality.

Around town, there are rapid shifts to avoid high revs. It’s an easy car to drive at low speeds and in traffic, making it a comfortable daily driver.

Move into Sport or Sport-Plus mode, and the gearbox evolves how this car drives.

A lower centre of gravity, combined with a rear wheel drive set-up is a driver's dream. The G70 Shooting Brake benefits by not being an SUV, rather, exploiting what makes wagons like this so great.

Steering feel, combined with a stiff yet supple ride makes cornering a lot of fun. The seating position offers an optimal view with both front wheel arches in sight. As this has power sent to the rear wheels, you can have a bit more fun with some slight power-oversteer too.

Once you’re done corner-carving, the around town ride is smooth, buttery and what you’d expect from a Genesis. It isn’t as plush as the GV70, G80 or GV80, but it avoids becoming upset over rough Sydney streets.

Claimed combined fuel consumption is 9.1L/100km. We saw figures as high as 13L//100km, and as low as 10L/100km after some extended highway driving.

There’s over 100L more boot space when you order the G70 in wagon form, resulting in a total of 465L of cargo space.

The automatic tailgate is a major plus, besides this being a hatch instead of a sedan trunk opening. Allowing for taller items to fit inside this boot.

I especially love the 40:20:40 split rear seats, meaning you can maximise the amount of boot space you have, and ensure up to 4 occupants are still somewhat comfortable.

I can’t recommend the G70 Shooting Brake as a one size fits all wagon solution. A limited back seat and boot and mediocre power outputs means that this is up against stiff competitors that will offer more of both on paper.

I would say the G70 would suit buyers who were in the market for a small SUV or hatchback, and desire the looks of an attractive wagon. For individuals, couples or a small family, it’s an ideal choice and will have enough space for these buyers.

Also, you have driving dynamics that won’t have you wishing you bought a more sporty car. Mix in the luxury appointments, and you have yourself a more affordable version of what Mercedes and Audi offer in their more driver-oriented wagons.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.