Can Genesis’ midsize saloon hold a candle to the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4? Fleet World road tester Al Suttie heads behind the wheel to evaluate.

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Genesis G70 2.0T Sport

List price (BiK): £39,080 (37%) CO2: 182g/km MPG: 35.4 Test efficiency: 32.9mpg

Monday

Genesis is nothing if not bold in its bid to break into the executive ranks of the fleet world and the G70 saloon is in the vanguard. It’s also now parked on my driveway and got the neighbours’ curtains twitching. Having had a couple of Genesis cars on test previously, I’m prepared for the comment, which is inevitably  “Ooh, a Bentley!” I give up explaining after the third time this happens and just smile.

Tuesday

The G70’s looks might have some thinking it’s a Bentley on the outside, but inside is where it’s more likely to convince with this illusion. This car is in Sport trim, so it comes with heated seats and steering wheel, which are welcome on today’s early start now the weather has turned very autumnal. There’s also plenty of adjustment in the electrically operated front seats, so comfort is a big plus for the G70 and it scores well over an Audi A4.

Wednesday

Some chores to fit in today that require driving on a variety of country roads, from battered lanes to smooth and curvy stretches. On the former, the G70’s suspension does okay, but it pays to change the settings to the more comfort-biased offering using the rotary control in the centre console. On the swoopy bits, the G70 is in its element as a fast, nimble and comfortable express.

Thursday

With fuel economy working out at 32.9mpg during my time with the G70 2.0T, compared to an official claimed of 35.4mpg, it makes me wonder if I’d rather have the 2.2-litre diesel model. There’s decent shove from our 2.0-litre petrol and the eight-speed automatic gearbox smooches through the ratios, but a bit more economy wouldn’t go amiss.

Friday

A jaunt into Edinburgh for a meeting today and time on the motorway for the G70. It’s at its best here, where comfort and refinement are the calling cards for this saloon. The cabin is very well insulated from outside noise and it makes the return trundle through rush hour traffic an almost soothing experience, with heated seat on, Radio 4 warbling away, and the G70 taking it all in its stride.

Saturday

An away match for my son’s football team gives an unexpected opportunity to drive on some great roads. The G70 offers up plenty of grip, but more time spent with the car shows the steering misses the feel of that on a BMW 3 Series. On the plus side, the Brembo brakes of the Sport model are superb and are easily modulated to brush off a bit of pace on the approach to corners.

Sunday

A week isn’t long enough to find out about Genesis’ five-year servicing package, but it does make for a tempting business case for the G70. Enough to offset the so-so running costs? Perhaps, but I think the clincher would be if the G70 was just a bit more engaging to drive. It has refinement down to a tee, but a BMW or Mercedes offers that plus some more fun to boot.