Can newcomer Genesis take the fight to the premium brands with its estate contender? Alisdair Suttie takes it for a spin.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Genesis G70 Shooting Brake 2.0 T Luxury

List price (BiK): £39,300 (37%) CO2: 204g/km Economy: 29.5 Test efficiency: 34.3mpg

Monday

Is the Shooting Brake a difficult second album for the Genesis G70? Terrible music reference aside, no, it’s not going by the looks of this compact exec estate. If anything, the Shooting Brake is even more visually appealing than the saloon and it certainly puts down a marker about how the Korean brand sees itself next to its European rivals. Maybe not as restrained as some, but that’s no bad thing to my eyes.

Tuesday

First task of the week for the G70 Shooting Brake is shaking off a heavy frost and dusting of snow for a drive into Glasgow this morning. The temperature is reading -3, so it’s pretty chilly. The G70’s 2.0-litre petrol motor fires straight up and, with everything turned up to max, it’s not long before it’s defrosted and I’m sitting with a warm backside and hands. This easygoing nature persists for the rest of the rush hour drive.

Wednesday

This particular G70 Shooting Brake has the optional Comfort Seat pack and Nappa leather upholstery. Neither is strictly necessary to enjoy the Genesis, but they do add a layer of extra luxury that’s very tempting if you’re in the market for this car. It also has a sunroof, but I’m not sure I’d bother with this car’s light-coloured hide for the upholstery as the interior already gives a spacious feel.

Thursday

Today is the first chance to try out the boot of the Shooting Brake with an evening journey to the shops. The electric tailgate works no problem, but the amount of room in the boot is smaller than in some rivals in this class. With various bags and boxes to cram in, it ends up being easier to throw a couple of boxes on the back seat.

Friday

A 244hp version of the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine resides under the bonnet of this G70 wagon. It’s plenty quick enough, offering 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds according to Genesis, and it feels more than swift enough. At a cruise, the engine is refined, but it can take on a slightly coarse edge when being pressed. However, the eight-speed auto gearbox is quick and slick to swap gears.

Saturday

Back into the routine of sports for the kids this weekend after the Christmas layoff. The Shooting Brake swallows a couple of kit bags and the kids are soon ensconced in the back seats with no complaints. The low-slung seating positions in the G70 might not be an SUV driver’s cup of latte, but I like it and there’s decent vision all-round, supplemented by an excellent parking camera system.

Sunday

Totting up the scores for the G70 Shooting Brake after a week, it’s easily surpassed its unprepossessing official claimed consumption figure by turning in 34.3mpg. Perhaps icy roads have helped with a more gentle driving style, but that’s decent enough in my book for a car of this type and pace. The near-£10,000 of extra kit on this car would sting more when it comes to monthly payments. Stick with the standard spec and the G70 Shooting Brake just sneaks in with a list price less than a more frugal but slower BMW 320i Touring.