Genesis GV80 SUV bound for Australia, but what about NZ?

Friday, 21 August 2020

Take a look behind the scenes at the making of the Genesis GV80 Concept.

Genesis has confirmed the GV80 SUV will debut in Australia this coming October. But what about New Zealand?

The flagship Genesis people mover will come in four variants with three powertrains, rear- and all-wheel drive and seating for five or seven.

At the entry point is the 2.5T, using a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 224kW and 442Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. This model is available in RWD and AWD forms, with the all-paw version taking seating from five to seven.

Those split headlights just look so good. Unfortunately, there’s little chance of seeing them on Kiwi roads.

Next is the 3.0D AWD, which swaps the engine for a straight-six turbodiesel unit displacing 3.0 litres and producing 204kW/588Nm.

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Finally, the top-tier 3.5T AWD uses a new 3.5-litre turbocharged petrol V6 producing 279kW/530Nm. An optional Luxury package available across the range adds Nappa leather trim, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, three-zone climate control, soft-close doors and an 18-way powered drivers seat with massage function.

Both the 3.0D and 3.5T models are only available in seven-seat configurations. They also get Genesis’ adaptive suspension system that can preview the road ahead and make adjustments ahead of hitting undulations, an electromechanical limited-slip differential and 22-inch alloy wheels.

All models get forward collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control with stop/start as well as a surround-view monitor with 3D function.

Inside is plenty of leather and wood to push up the luxury factor along with a 14.5-inch infotainment system, 12-inch head-up display and the optional 12.3- inch 3D instrument cluster behind the new twin-spoke steering wheel.

The SUV ushered in a new design language for Genesis when it debuted, including rather sexy split headlights. Genesis’ then-lead designer, Luc Donckerwolke, was keen to stress the new lights should not be seen as the 'eyes' of the car because the way they will change as autonomous technology becomes more prevalent.

“They are not eyes because they will evolve,' Donckerwolke said.

“We are in the phase of changing where the lights are technological elements that have a function. That function will certainly disappear in the future because when you have an autonomous car you don't need lights any more.”

Aussie prices range from AU$90,600 to AU$108,600 (NZ$99.7k to $119.5k), which isn’t that bad when you consider the level of luxury available. Unfortunately, Hyundai NZ still hasn’t committed to bringing the Genesis brand to NZ, saying it is still being evaluated, as it has been for some time now.