Genesis GV70 – irresistible allure

IF there truly is such a thing as love at first sight then the Genesis GV70 has got off to the perfect start in its quest for UK sales.

Persuading potential buyers that they would be better off eloping with a brand they don’t know too much about, rather than staying with the tried and trusted Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC or Jaguar F-Pace, won’t be easy.

But when you can deliver a mid-size SUV with the elegant yet muscular profile of the GV70, and do so from a price point lower than any of those rivals, you’re certainly in with a big shout.

We found the allure of the Genesis compelling, as did just about everyone stopping to chat about our tested model with its racy-looking Brunswick green matt paint finish and Sport Line elements like the gaping dark chrome grille, rounded twin tailpipes and 21-inch patterned wheels.

If the car’s exterior looks really slick then there’s no let up in the style stakes when you move inside – the design is bang up to date and quality top notch.

The predominantly black leather fittings with sprinkling of shiny chrome inserts works really well with the gently sculpted seats in their mix of leather and fabric and there’s ample room for five, though the centre rear seating position is perched.

Boot space is more than adequate at 540-litres and a light tug of a lever flips the 60/40 split rear seats down almost flat for an expansive load bay.

A highlight is the slimline 14.5-inch infotainment screen that’s sharp, clear and well-placed, operated using either a menu click-wheel or by using the touchscreen.

Executive SUVs don’t come cheap and the GV70 starts at £39,450 for a 2.2-litre diesel model in Premium trim grade, lowest of the three spec levels but loaded with kit nonetheless.

Our own Sport model was from the middle of the range at £41,800 but came with a trio of extra cost Innovation and Comfort pack options that ramped the tab up to £49,260.

It featured the 2,2-litre diesel engine with 210PS of punch rather than the far less economical 2.5-litre petrol unit also available to buyers, and used the eight-speed automatic transmission that’s standard through the range.

We particularly like the glass-topped rotary gear selector – it both looks and feels classy, is handy to use and saves space too.

Out on the road the diesel is a treat to drive – comfortable, well balanced and with decent acceleration of 0-62 in 7.9 seconds.

There are several drive modes and whereas with some cars you hardly notice the dynamic contrast between them that’s not the case with the GV70 as the car becomes a completely different animal when you switch from the Eco or Comfort setting into Sport mode.

The dash dials light up red as the Genesis morphs into something of a demon with a far more poised feel, heavier steering, firmer ride and a throaty snarl from the engine.

Operating mostly in Eco or Comfort, we averaged 34.8 miles per gallon over 200 miles of mixed urban and rural motoring, a satisfying return compared to the official Combined consumption figure of 37.9mpg.

There’s no doubt Genesis, the luxury division of Korean brand Hyundai, has a fight on its hands to become an established part of the UK premium car scene, but its products have a real individuality and integrity about them.

And with their decision to shun traditional dealerships in favour of ‘studio stores’ and online sales with the promise of no hard sell, and also arrange cars on a subscription basis, the Genesis sales model is certainly forward looking.