Genesis adds diesel to local G80 range

GENESIS Motors Australia has added a diesel variant to its 5 Series-baiting G80 line-up, however it isn’t the 204kW/588Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six from the GV80, but rather the Hyundai Motor Group’s smaller 2.2-litre four-cylinder.

Priced from $87,900 plus on-road costs, the new oil-burner checks into local showrooms priced $3000 clear of the base 2.5T but still $12,000 south of the flagship 3.5T.

When asked why the four-cylinder was chosen in favour of the bigger six, a Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) spokesperson said the inline six had not been engineered for the G80, despite the sedan sharing its platform and most of its running gear with the GV80.

Nevertheless, the 2.2-litre engine is a proven and familiar unit, also found under the bonnet of the inbound GV70 SUV as well as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, albeit with a new ‘selective catalytic reduction’ emissions control system.

In this application it develops 154kW/442Nm, all of which is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Genesis quotes a combined fuel consumption of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres but it has not quoted any performance figures as yet – not that outright performance is the point of this powerplant.

Marking the diesel apart from the rest of the range are its unique lower bumpers, adorned in chrome accents and hidden exhaust tips.

In terms of specification, the G80 2.2D matches the base model 2.5T, with highlights including the 14.5-inch Genesis infotainment touchscreen, rotary gear-selector and 12.0-inch head-up display.

Other standard features include wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 12-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, panoramic sunroof, 21-speaker Lexicon premium audio system, dual-zone climate control with independent temperature control for the rear seats, DAB+ radio, power adjustable steering column, remote start, power boot with hands-free opening and retractable rear door sunshades.

In terms of safety, the 2.2D matches the rest of the G80 range in offering blind-spot collision avoidance, a blind-spot view monitor, driver attention warning, forward collision avoidance-assist with car, pedestrian and cyclist assist as well as junction detection, lane-keep assist, multi-collision braking system, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance-assist, safe exit assist and a myriad of other features as standard. 

Those after a bit more opulence without up-shopping to the flagship – and petrol-powered – 3.5T can opt for the $13,000 Luxury Package which nets buyers a heap more standard equipment as well as a few added safety gismos.

For the extra outlay, the Luxury Package adds a Nappa leather-appointed interior, quilted seat pattern, suede headlining and pillars, three-zone climate control, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with 3D function, smart parking assist, remote smart parking assist, 18-way adjustable driver’s seat with massage function, heated and ventilated rear outboard seats, power-adjustable rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, power rear-window sunshade and dual 9.2-inch rear seat entertainment touchscreens.

Additional safety features consist of attention warning, parking collision-avoidance assist and smart parking assist.

As usual for the premium brand, the G80 2.2D is covered by HMCA’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

2021 Genesis G80 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs