SPYSHOTS: Genesis G70 spotted – new 3 Series rival?

Following its bigger brothers, the G80 and G90, Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis is making inroads into the compact executive sedan segment with the G70 seen here, set to rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and the Lexus IS.

Seen in separate locations, our spy photographers have spotted two different versions of the upcoming G70, with powertrains possibly including a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a turbocharged 3.3 litre V6 version, both paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The presence of a test mule with dual exhaust pipes adds some weight to that assertion, and a lower vantage point shows the exhausts to be real, instead of a dummy for one side. The mule with the single-sided exhaust possibly represents the former 2.0 litre turbo model.

Visually, the front of the G70 appears to wear a more restrained design, with a slightly less prominent grille as compared to its bigger siblings. Cladding on the bonnet’s shroud implies some yet-to-be revealed sculpting details, though what isn’t concealed is the roofline, which appears to be more sloping before the bootlid, with proper rear-wheel drive proportions.

No timeline has been set for the G70’s debut, and at this stage the extent of the exterior disguises suggests there’s some way to go before the final product is ready. When it comes to market, the G70 will bookend the marque’s lineup into the luxury segment with the G90, which is aimed at the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8.

Meanwhile, the marque’s presence in Malaysia is represented by the Hyundai Genesis, which made its Malaysian debut in June 2015, powered by a 3.8 litre V6 GDI engine that sends 315 PS and 397 Nm of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed auto. In other markets, this model has since been rebadged as the Genesis G80.

GALLERY: Hyundai Genesis in Malaysia

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