MT
the Genesis delivers on all the
styling fronts.
From the restrained
hexagonal grille that shares
geometric language with the
headlights and other air inlets,
to the sculpted wheelwells and
arches, to the carved fluidity
of the body-side sheetmetal,
to the fast, coupelike roofline,
this sedan talks to people.
Even the high trunklid, which
shares its roots with the
much-derided Bangle Butt of
the early 2000s BMWs, works
well in this aspect.
I’m not a fan of the chromed
asymmetric chevron detail
trailing the front wheel arches,
but I’ve also envisioned thecar without it, and the result
would be plain and anony-
mous. So I get why it’s there.
My personal design philos-
ophy leans toward the, “If it
looks right, it is right,” school.
And the G70 looks right in
proportion and stance. It’s
hard to make a compact car
look ready to pounce, but the
Genesis succeeds. From 50
yards away, it stands out in a
parking lot, which is likely why
many folks—mostly women—
have approached and asked
what kind of car it is.
If it were a new BMW,
the conversation would be aI (^)
t ain’t me, it’s the car.
I have been more than a
bit surprised by the public
acceptance regarding the looks
of the new Genesis G70. In a
world of samey, elephantine
SUVs, could it be the compact
sedan is now the cool-indie
choice of transport? Certainly,
quick, “Oh, OK.” Many think
it’s a Lexus that has finally
done away with the Predator
grille. But when I tell them
it’s a Genesis, there’s often
some confusion. American?
Japanese? Clearly, this is a
brand that still needs to get its
name in the forefront of the
American car-shopper’s psyche.
It helps that our G70 comes
with a paint color that reacts
well to the gloaming of a
Southern California sunset.
Pedants will call it “white,” but
the Siberian Ice paint carries a
faint undertone of sky blue that
gives it depth and warmth.
Updates on our long-term fleet
“Not even the scat from a distressed
seagull can detract from this car’s
magnificent paint.” Mark Rechtin
Service life:
6 mo/6,9 2 9 mi • Avg Fuel Econ: 20. 2 mpg
20 19 Genesis G7 0
74 MOTORTREND.COM JUNE 2020
Avg CO2 0.96 lb/mi Energy cons 169 kW-hr/100 mi Unresolved
problems Windshield wiper installation Maintenance cost $0
Normal-wear cost $0 Base price $44,745 As-tested $46,495
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 17/26/21 mpg