Genesis G70

The countdown to the World Car Finals has begun this week, with a list of 10 finalists announced for the overall title, along with the contenders in five specialist categories. According to the firm, a jury of 86 "distinguished international automotive journalists" selected the finalists by secret ballot, based on their own assessment of the vehicle as part of their professional work. The initial list of 40 models has been shaved to 10 finalists, with representation from around the world.

ANCAP has awarded five-star safety ratings to the Ford Focus, Genesis G70, Hyundai Santa Fe and Jaguar I-Pace this week. The two SUVs managed 94 per cent for adult occupant protection, while the Focus and G70 posted 85 per cent and 81 per cent respectively. Interestingly, the Focus managed an impressive 87 per cent score for child occupant protection, which was better than the other three models.

Hyundai's N division is plotting two more models after the i30 Fastback N (above) – set to debut at the Paris motor show – but a more focused version of the Genesis G70 luxury sedan won't be among them. Speaking with industry journal Automotive News, Hyundai's head of vehicle testing and high-performance development, Albert Biermann, said a fourth N model is definitely in the plan, with an additional "surprise" potentially in the pipeline.

The latest luxury vehicle manufacturer to enter the Australian market will be Hyundai-owned Genesis, which will have its full brand launch alongside two models around April or May this year. Hyundai has been testing the water with its ‘Genesis’ sedan, but will now use that as a platform to launch the full line-up of Genesis-branded vehicles before the middle of the year.