Refreshing or Revolting: 2019 Genesis G70 vs. The Competition

The 2019 Genesis G70 is the newest entry in the super competitive compact luxury sport sedan segment and it has its sights set on the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. Riding on a shortened version of the same platform underpinning the larger Kia Stinger, meaning the Genesis G70 is smaller and more compact. The car mark a big first step for the fledgling premium brand, but how does its styling compare to the competition? Below, we take a closer look at the G70’s design to see how it stacks up against another newcomer, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, and two class stalwarts, the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

Up front, the G70 features Genesis’ corporate face with the brand’s shield-type grille as the center piece. Its thin headlight clusters sweep back and have two LED accent strips in them that preview the automaker’s future design direction. Unlike the more conservative Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, which have a more restrained front fascia, the G70 is more aggressive thanks to the lower center opening below the grille. The functional air curtains that give it a squared off appearance as you go lower in its front fascia. It gives the car a sense of aggression, and like another competitor, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, a presence.

The Genesis G70’s side profile is more conventional. However, its silhouette is more coupe-like than the 3 Series, A4, and Giulia, making it look sleeker and sexier. Out back, the G70 features muscular rear haunches that make it look wider and more planted than its competitors while remaining elegant. The BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4, on the other hand, have rear ends that are more conventional and less dramatic than the G70 while the Giulia’s is slightly boxy and less rounded.

In terms of interior design, the 2019 Genesis G70 has a simple but cohesive design that’s clearly aimed at user-friendliness. However, like many of its rivals including the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, the G70 has a freestanding tablet-like touchscreen as the centerpiece of the dash. The rest of the controls, on the other hand, are more conventional with knobs and buttons used for the infotainment system, in addition to the touchscreen. Many modern cars, including the A4, have minimized the number of buttons of knobs and buttons in the interior, but the aging 3 Series and the Giulia continue to use them.

When it goes on sale next year, the 2019 Genesis G70 will be available with either a 2.0-liter turbo-four or a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6. An eight-speed automatic transmission will be available with both engines but the base four-cylinder will also be offered with a six-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is standard with both engines while all-wheel drive is optional.

So is the Genesis G70’s styling a hit or a miss compared to the rest of the class? Besides these three cars, there’s also the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50, Cadillac ATS, Jaguar XE, and Acura TLX to consider.

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