The Genesis G70 Shooting Brake, which is pitched as a South Korean alternative to the Audi-BMW-Benz bunch, makes a strong case for those who appreciate the sheer enjoyment of driving. Photos: Supplied.
Australians love SUVs.
Even if there is nothing remotely sporty about them, it’s the utility that has won hundreds of thousands of fans.
But what about the old-school station wagon? It, too, has plenty of utility, can be much more sporty and provides infinitely more driving enjoyment. Station wagons are still selling in small numbers, mostly to prestige-car buyers, but deserve far more attention.
The Genesis G70 Shooting Brake is a powerful reminder of what they can provide, and at a surprisingly good price of $81,000. OK, you do not ”sit high” in the Genesis and that’s a big deal for older people who are moving up to an SUV for easier access.
But the idea of sitting ”high” for better visibility in traffic is just an excuse since almost everyone in Australia is now sitting high in an SUV or pick-up. But back to the Genesis, which is pitched as a South Korean alternative to the Audi-BMW-Benz bunch. The Europeans have various upscale names for their wagons, including Avant at Audi and Touring at BMW, which is why the Genesis goes as a Shooting Brake.
If you have time for a Google, the name comes from the extended sedans developed for shooting parties in the UK in the early decades of the 20th century.
So the Genesis is more of a sedan than a Falcon-Commodore style wagon, which dropped a big box on the back. The design is a reminder of one of my favourite wagons, the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake, and there is plenty of other stuff that ticks a Benz-style box for the upscale division of Hyundai.
The Genesis is plush and cushy, equipped with all the luxury you could want, and drives like a sedan, not a wobbly SUV. Its two-litre turbo engine is smooth and responsive, with more than enough punch for overtaking and a lovely ability to cruise comfortably while returning fuel economy in the 6 litres/100 km range.
The car is quiet in all conditions, handles confidently and brakes well, and has driver-assistance systems that are not too intrusive. The final finishing is everything you expect in a prestige car, and more proof that you don’t need to spend big on a Euro car to enjoy life on the road.
The Genesis is plush and cushy, equipped with all the luxury you could want, and drives like a sedan rather than a wobbly SUV.
Now to the height questions. The G70 Shooting Brake has a roomy boot, but it’s not overly large and you might struggle with big boxes. Folding the rear seats gives plenty of space for things like bicycles. There is another advantage of a wagon over an SUV, and that’s the load height. You don’t have to do an Olympics-style deadlift to get the shopping or a pram into the back end, and it’s a far easier jump for a dog.
People seem to have forgotten that loading the boot is an essential part of a road test, and that an SUV is not the instant answer to all questions.
So the Genesis scores well on every front, providing classy old-school driving with an impressive prestige package and a value advantage. What else could you – really – want?
Genesis G70 Shooting Brake
- Position: Prestige station wagon
- Price: From $81,000
- Engine: 2-litre petrol turbo four-cylinder
- Power: 179kW/353Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
- Plus: Comfortable, practical, enjoyable
- Minus: Not an SUV
- THE TICK: A forgotten friend
- Score: 8/10.
