The estate version of the G70 will turn a lot of heads as Genesis banks on European success, says Olly Benn.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

There’s no doubt Genesis left its mark on 2021. Launching into Europe in the middle of a global pandemic might have seemed like a risky move, but for the Hyundai-owned brand it was almost a case of ‘it’s now or never’.

The lack of any electric – or even hybrid – models introduced last year raised some questions from onlookers. But, with three on the way in 2022 and more planned (from 2025, all new Genesis models will be EVs), the rollout has been part of a carefully controlled strategy.

The latest ICE product to join the range was the G70 Shooting Brake. Genesis went to great lengths to emphasise that the car was developed for Europe. That means tested on European roads, with feedback from customers in the region and taking the demands of European drivers into consideration.

As observers might expect, there’s little to differentiate between this car and the ‘original’ G70. In addition, the core brand elements in the body-styling have been integrated into the regionalised model. The big difference, of course, is the addition of a boot to the saloon version, which adds a level of practicality that will be welcomed to those who like the idea of a Genesis, but don’t want to go down the SUV route of the GV70.

The Korean brand likes to do things in its own way, so the Genesis has a 40:20:40 split on the rear seats for added flexibility. Fold all the seats down and there’s 1,535 litres of space; keep them up and there’s still an impressive 465 litres available. Added innovation comes in the form of the ‘Smart Boot’. Don’t worry, there’s no leg waving with this one – simply stand behind the car (up to 100cm) with the key and up goes the boot lid. We tried the technology and it did work, but also thought it would have the potential to trigger when you might not intend it to…

There is a clear, but small, choice of engines: a 2.2-litre diesel with 200hp and 440Nm of torque or a 2.0-litre turbo petrol available in two forms. The standard 2.0T offers 197hp and the 2.0T Plus has 244hp on tap – both models have 353Nm of torque. Like the standard, non-booted car, there are three grades: Premium, Luxury or Sport lines.

Keen to get the positioning of the Shooting Brake spot on for Europe, Genesis says it is most certainly not a “sporty wagon”, more a “more spacious GT”. Having spent time in both diesel and petrol (2.0T Plus guise), that’s a claim that stacks up. The G70 Shooting Brake is a good-looking and well-equipped vehicle, with decent (if not class-leading) performance and luxurious surrounding for its occupants.

The G70 Shooting Brake might not get the attention it deserves – especially while potential suitors wait for the battery-powered G60, GV70 and G80 to make their bow – but it will tick the required boxes for many.

IN BRIEF
WHAT IS IT? Estate
HOW MUCH? from £35,250
ECONOMY? 31.5-41.8mpg
EMISSIONS? 177.1-203.5g/km

Key fleet model: 2.2D RWD Luxury Line
Strength: Boot space, sound system
Weaknesses: Limited powertrain options
7-word summary: Desirable estate – developed in Europe, for Europeans
Also consider: BMW 3 Series Touring / Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake