The Genesis G70 is getting a more powerful base engine in other markets, but Australia is set to miss out.
Government approval documents show the updated range, due here in the fourth quarter of 2023, will stick with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder as the base engine instead of upgrading to the new turbo 2.5-litre that will be offered in markets like Korea.
CarExpert understands the G70 2.5T hasn’t been developed for right-hand drive markets. It was the same for the G70’s now defunct platform-mate, the Kia Stinger, which gained a 2.5-litre turbo four in 2020 that was never offered in right-hand drive.
The Australian-market G70 2.0T will continue to produce 179kW of power and 353Nm of torque, down 48kW and 69Nm on the new 2.5T.
A 274kW/510Nm twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 will continue at the top of the range in all markets. This is available exclusively in the sedan, with the Shooting Brake offered exclusively with a four-cylinder engine.
Genesis Australia has yet to confirm pricing and specification changes for the 2024 G70.
In Korea at least, all models gain standard Brembo brakes, ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats as part of the update.
Genesis’ Korean press release also makes note of adaptive suspension being fitted. This is currently exclusive to Sport models in Australia.
The G70 gains Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, which automatically adjusts the driving speed when there’s a new speed limit.
The updated model is distinguished externally with new 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs, Genesis’ new thinner Guilloché emblems, and new exterior colours like Bartna Grey and Kawah Blue.
Inside, there’s new touch-capacitive climate control switchgear, a frameless rear-view mirror and a USB-C charging port.
There’s also a revised steering wheel featuring Genesis’ new emblem, as well as tweaked inlays and other detail changes.
New two-tone interior colourways include: Obsidian Black and Fog Grey; Obsidian Black and Vanilla Beige; and Forest Blue and Vanilla Beige.
Despite gaining a second body style last year, the G70 was still the second lowest-volume Genesis in Australia ahead of only the G80 sedan (94 sales vs 81 sales).
The related GV70 crossover outsold it by more than five-to-one (499 sales).
Sales in South Korea have also tapered off. A total of 16,975 were sold in 2019, but by 2022 this dropped to 6087.
The G70 first entered production in 2017 but only arrived here in 2019, receiving a substantial mid-life facelift in 2021.
This could be the first and last generation of G70, per a recent report. Development of a successor, which would have used an electric powertrain, has reportedly been cancelled.
MORE: Everything Genesis G70
