Genesis reveals GV70 medium SUV

GENESIS has continued its expansion into the SUV segment with the reveal of its second high-riding wagon, the GV70 medium SUV, which will arrive in Australia in the first half of next year.

The fifth Genesis model, the GV70 joins the GV80 large SUV, G70 and G80 sedans and the not-for-Australia G90 limousine with its styling immediately identifying it as a member of the Genesis family.

From the front, the GV70 closely resembles its larger GV80 sibling, with the same horizontally split two-tiered headlight arrangement flanking the central ‘Crest Grille’, which has been mounted lowered further down compared to the GV80 to give it a sportier feel.

Sculpting around the front bumper and side intakes contribute to the GV70s sporty look, as does its sloping roofline that gives it a coupe-like appearance.

At the rear the quad headlight arrangement is replicated with the tail-lights, while the visual stakes are heightened further by the rear spoiler, vertically shaped tailpipes and body coloured diffuser.

A GV70 Sport model will also be offered by Genesis, which features a uniquely designed front bumper, 21-inch alloys with a G-Matrix pattern on the wheels, dark chrome garnishes and larger tailpipes.

Moving inside the vehicle, Genesis designers have clearly gone for simple, uncluttered yet futuristic design for the GV70, using the South Korean philosophy of “the beauty of white space”, which aims to maximise comfort and convenience for passengers.

At the top of the dash protrudes a large, landscape-style touchscreen – likely the same 14.5-inch unit found in the GV80 – while underneath sits a neatly packaged air-conditioning button cluster, housed within an oval-shaped bezel that extends through the steering wheel to the driver’s side of the dash.

A rotary dial is used for gear-changing duties, while the tri-spoke multifunction steering wheel looks to handle most other infotainment navigation duties.

An abundance of leather is used for the interior, with the upper and lower dash split by two-tone leather, while the seats look to be upholstered with the choice of quilted and ventilated leather or a leather/microfibre combo.

As for engines, Genesis has given no details as to what powertrains will motivate the GV70, however the brand has a number of options in its portfolio to choose from.

The GV70 will enter the market against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and Audi Q5, and will likely offer similar engines, namely four-and six-cylinder turbocharged mills.

An almost certain starter will be the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine from the G70 sedan which pumps out 179kW/353Nm, however if Genesis engineers deem it insufficient it can always take the larger 2.5-litre four-pot from the GV80 good for 224kW/422Nm.

If Genesis wants to take on the likes of the X3 M40i, GLC43 AMG and SQ5, a six-cylinder engine would be required, which would either be the 204kW/588Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel or 279kW/530Nm 3.5-litre turbo-petrol unit.

Genesis has confirmed the GV70 will be available either in rear- or all-wheel drive.

More details on the GV70 including local pricing, specification and range line-up will be detailed closer to the model’s arrival in Australia in the first half of next year.

To the end of September, Genesis has sold 127 examples of the G70 and G80, up 54.9per cent year-on-year.