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AJ Film and Photography, Perth (2025)

18/01/2025

The Final Drive - Genesis Motors Australia GV80 Coupe

Designed to be the perfect blend between power and style, the Genesis GV80 is dripping in terms of technology, refinement and precision. With a long list of driver enhancements and style which puts it into another league, the GV80 is in good stead to be the perfect car. However, how does everything unite on the road, let’s find out in the final drive review of the Genesis GV80 Coupe.

At the heart of the new GV80 coupe is a super silky and smooth 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine which gives you a total of 279 kw and 530 Nm of torque. In a car as pompous and grand as this, it’s not going to be a powerplant that will snap you into the back seat when you put your foot down, however it’s more than adequate. It’s also mated to an 8-speed automatic which provides super silky gear changes that would rival anything from Bentley or beyond. To keep all this power tamed, the GV80 coupe also includes 7 different drive modes - three off-road modes and four on-road modes including a Sport+ and My Mode - meaning you can tailor the drive to exactly how you want. Thanks to the Ergo-Motion seats, I also love that the seat hugs you in when you activate Sport+ mode. Another credit to giving this a drive like no other is preview electronically-controlled suspension, which uses a combination of a forward-facing camera and GPS to anticipate road conditions and adjust the suspension accordingly to optimise comfort.

On the road, you really do feel like you’re driving a car which is double the price of what it actually is. Not only is the suspension set up like you’re driving a cloud, but everything about the GV80 is perfect - from the response you get when you put your accelerator down right through to the sensation you get when activating your massage seat, you can tell everything is quality about this car. From the moment the door seals shut, the outside noise disappears. Frankly, this is one of the most relaxing cars I’ve ever driven, and it’s not difficult to see why.

On the road, the GV80 is definitely not as responsive as a G70 sports sedan, but in theory it wouldn’t be because it’s not that sort of a car. Whilst it does have some power, the GV80 delivers its power in a very gentle manner. Flaw it and sure it’ll get you moving, but you get the sense when you’re driving it like you stole it, it doesn’t quite like it, moreso enjoying the pleasurable comfort mode stroll down the highway. With that said, if you need to get moving in a scurry, you can simply press your foot down and it’ll move. The gearbox is silky smooth and the steering is super light and responsive. Whilst visibility out the rear window, due to the coupe rear end is somewhat limited, I do like that Genesis have included a digital rear view mirror, making seeing a breeze. Space in the boot is also super generous, and you do have the ability to fold the rear seats down if you need to, to open up an insane amount of space.

The one place you really do want to sit however, is the second row. Not only do you get rear privacy screens, but you have heated rear seats, your very own climate control, and even the ability to recline and electrically move the seats - heck this is a feature you don’t even get in the front of some new cars these days. Space is plentiful and I like that the coupe-rear end hasn’t eaten away at a huge amount of headroom. The sunroof is also very generous and the glass is nice and dark so that even on a super warm day, it’s not letting in a great deal of heat.

In terms of technology, you’re also on another level. The new OLED infotainment display is incredible - from offering wireless smartphone mirroring to having super clear cameras and ease of navigation, it’s definitely a winner. I’m still not the greatest fan of the fact Genesis position their infotainment dial right above their gear selector which is a very similar shape and size, however it's super easy to navigate via touch. Better still, the sound system is incredible and the ability to wireless smartphone mirror is the icing on the cake. You also get a UV sanitisation pad inside the centre armrest and I love that when you activate the heated seats, it also warms up the centre console lid on your side - small things make the biggest difference.

So who exactly is this car for? Well, at $151k in the pictured spec, and the sport luxury option adding an extra $4k, it’s not what you would call cheap. However, the GV80 coupe rivals itself against many German offerings such as the BMW X6, Audi Q5 Sportback, Mercedes GLE Coupe and Porsche Cayenne GT, which all price themselves well beyond the GV80. Sure, higher spec M and AMG optioned vehicles do offer more performance, but for the $150k price region, you’re pretty much getting better bang for your buck here. There are a couple items I do wish to hopefully see in the future - air suspension and perhaps a V8 or higher output GT or Magma version would be awesome to see, however who knows what the future holds.

For more on the Genesis GV80 coupe, visit the AJ Instagram page.

17/01/2025

Genesis Motors Australia GV80 Coupe- Technology

With a strong design emphasis on elevating your lifestyle, the Genesis GV80 is arguably a bit of a bargain for its price. Sporting dash good looks coupled with sporty elements throughout, the GV80 definitely looks the part, however what does it boast in terms of driver technology and enhancements? Let’s find out in the technology review on the new Genesis GV80 coupe.

For me, one of the biggest changes in the new GV80 in terms of technology has to be the new 27-inch continuous drivers OLED display which completely redefines your driving experience. Expansive, it provides over 30 per cent more display than the previous set up and includes a host of driver information such as voice recognition to control settings such as heating and air condition and your vehicle controls and settings. I’m also a fan of the various different displays possible, with one map allowing you to essentially have three-quarters of the display set up as the factory sat nav, which was so expansive I could view the whole suburb of Hamersley in it! Better still, the display is crystal clear and the finish on every single animation and display is perfect. For the driver, there are also a host of other gadgets and goodies, such as fingerprint recognition which saves your driver profile at the touch of a finger, a digital rear-view mirror display and gesture control which allows you an alternative way of controlling your menus and screen.

The GV80 coupe also debuts the brand's new touch type air conditioning panel upfront which allows you to change your climate with a blend of touch-haptic buttons and physical dials. I love that it is a four zone climate, meaning every single passenger can have their own way, and both front seats are heated and ventilated and massage, and you can even have separate blowers active for each passenger. The GV80 also boasts an advanced air-conditioning system which filters atmospheric pollutants before they can enter the cabin, with a fine dust sensor constantly monitoring and purifying the interior air quality. Better still, the GV80 coupe can also be had with a scented air system which puts a small pleasant odor into the air system to give the car a pleasant scent.

Along with active road noise control which essentially makes the inside of the car a soundproof box thanks to an abundance of noise cancelling and tiny microphones in the roof lining to cancel out any exterior noise, to the point where it’s almost impossible to hear incoming emergency sirens. Along with the active noise cancelling, the GV80 also features the brand new Bang & Olufsen sound system which is incredible. Blending different sound profiles, it totally immerses you in a sound escape, almost as if you’re sitting on a stage and paired with the active sound deadening, you almost feel like you’re driving with headphones on.

To keep you safely cocooned in luxury, there is a full suite of safety technology, with the newest and most up to date being their latest iteration of Highway Driving Assist which includes lane change assist. The system also actively learns your driving habits and can assist in maneuvering the vehicle to maximise safety and obviously keep a safe distance to the car in front and keep you centered within the lane. Other usual refinements include lane departure warning, blind spot view, forward collision avoidance for not only roadways, but intersections for oncoming traffic and cross traffic and a very intelligent front lighting system which includes Matrix high beams as standard.

One of the things I love about the technology within a Genesis over its Hyundai or Kia sibling, is that it is far more refined and subtle - it’s not evasively moving you around or pulling you across a lane, moreso its almost as though they’ve given the technology a silver spoon treatment, which in a car well beyond the price of its siblings you would expect, however the most important thing here is that it actually works.

To find out how well all this combines, stay tuned for tomorrow's final drive review.

16/01/2025

Genesis Motors Australia GV80 Coupe - Design

Hallmarked as the first SUV coupe from the brand, the Genesis GV80 coupe is the perfect blend between style and sportiness - offering ample luxury and high end features while having a nuclear bomb for a heart to propel you in any direction you want to go in a hurry. In coupe form, the GV80 is the ultimate expression of Genesis’ design philosophy and future direction while also delivering refined performance and a full suite of driver enhancements. Let's delve into what makes the design of the GV80 coupe so special.

In the car industry, it is a very rare occasion that a car manufacturer actually does what the crowd asks - with this actually being the case with the GV80 Coupe. Genesis hinted the concept a few years back now - taking the coupe-style tail end which is all the popular rage right now and fusing it with their pompous GV80, and frankly the crowd went wild, so wild in fact that after some constant asking, Genesis released this, the GV80 coupe.

In coupe form, from the outside there are very subtle differences between this and the regular GV80 up front - you still have the double G-Matrix patterned grille to flowing dual headlights which reflect the flowing lines all around the car right through to the bulges in the bonnet. It’s more so at the rear of the car where things really change up. The GV8- silhouette is an evocative statement of strength - with a signature full-length parabolic arc that begins at the bonnet and defines the SUV’s shoulder line, it is echoed by the sculpted roof contour. The coupe also features its very own exclusive 22-inch alloy wheels which are a contrasting black and silver colour combination. At the rear, there are also very angular and rear twin exhaust slots in the rear diffuser and I’m also a massive fan of the integrated rear spoiler and dual roof spoiler at the top of the rear window, with the rear profile being quite commanding.

Inside, things are indeed very very Genesis. The cabin, like most other models, is the perfect blend between form and function with beauty in every detail. Every surface of the GV80 is a tactile confirmation of quality, and the driver's seat is definitely the place where you can tell this feeling begins. Inside, the GV80 coupe debuts the brand's all new dual-screen drivers display which is actually O-LED and super snappy and crystal clear. I also love that it’s positioned within arms reach, making it user friendly. Up front, there is also a two-tone leather steering wheel which is also heated and you are also seated in quality Nappa seats which offer so many different options of adjustment that massage chairs don’t come close. We call it comfort, however Genesis calls them Ergo-motion front seats which utilise seven air-cells inside the seat for a comfortable ride, while also providing side support in connection with the driving mode or vehicle speed. Up front, Genesis have also revised the central climate controls to be touch haptic for feedback and even give you a separating central arm rest with a UV-Sanitisation slot to clean your handheld items.

In the rear row, there are also revised seats which are electrically operated and offer the ability to recline. The second row is also heated and ventilated and can also be controlled electrically through the main infotainment system - meaning the kids can’t muck around with the system which is ideal. Space in the tailgate is also at a premium, with a power adjustable tailgate also as standard which also offers a smart tailgate system - great for those moments where you have full hands, meaning you can simply stand behind the tailgate and it’ll open itself. However, the biggest difference between the GV80 and GV80 coupe is that the coupe only comes as a 5 seater.

Next up, we look at the technology offerings (and trust me, there’s quite a lot) you get in the new Genesis GV80 Coupe, coming tomorrow.

09/01/2025

The Final Drive - GWM Ora

Appealing to a variety of buyers, the GWM ORA Blends style, value for money and fun into a neat little EV package. As more Australians consider the switch to EVs, the ORA is a fantastic consideration for those delving into their first EV venture or those who do a lot of inner city driving. Despite being small in stature, the ORA packs a punch in terms of efficiency, driver comfort and value for money. Let's find out what you get for your coin in the new GWM ORA.

Despite having the visual appearance of a VW Beetle/Porsche 911 lovechild, the ORA doesn’t quite get the performance of the later, with the entire range featuring a single electric motor pumping out 126 kW and 250 Nm of torque, which puts it on par with your entry level MG4’s and Jeep Avenger. The standard range version we have here boasts a 48kWH Lithium Ion battery which is good for 310 kilometres of WLTP range, with my driving tests giving me a max range of 275 kms with a mixture of freeway and highway driving conditions. The entire range, apart from the ORA GT, boasts a 0-100 time of 8.4 seconds, so swift would be the word. All ORA’s can also take up to 11kW of AC charging and 80kW hours of DC Rapid charging, giving it a 10-80 per cent change time of 41 minutes, which isn’t quite Earth shattering, but its a good top up as you do your groceries.

The ORA also rides on some 18-inch alloy GiTi tyres which to be honest, with the amount of instant torque and power you have available, will result in a slight wheel spin when putting your foot down and turning - typical front wheel drive behaviour. But as a result of it being front wheel drive and small in size, it actually feels like a fun and energetic little hot hatch. Sure, it boasts less power than a Polo GTI, but it only weighs just over 1.5 tonnes, and with super light steering, its quite fun. Around town, it handles bumps and tight twists and turns quite nicely, and thanks to its centralised battery pack, it feels super planted on the road. I also found that for a car of this price, its brakes were very responsive and thanks to the regenerative ability, stopped you up quite nicely. For when the roads opened up, even at higher speeds, putting your foot down in the ORA got you moving - sure it’s not as punchy as what it would be at 20 instead of 100, but it does move along and get you going nicely, and wind and road noise is also quite minimal for a car of this price tag.

Beyond the drive, I’m a huge fan of the seating position in the ORA, it still boasts a hatchback feel despite the battery pack slightly raising your driving position, and the seats are super plush and comfy. Steering is light and the leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a nice touch of luxury. I also like that it boasts variable drive modes, with Sport sharpening the dynamic of the drive while eco slowed things down, with the majority of my drive being spent in Sport. The driver display ahead of you is also super bright and clear and it isn’t clustered - only sharing the info you really need whilst driving. The central display however did have a very basic layout, one that looked familiar to an aftermarket head unit, however it did boast wireless Apple CarPlay, but at the time of reviewing the car no capabilities for Android Auto, which GWM did say would be a software update down the line.

While the ORA was nice and soft on the road, one thing I found it did very well was get you around the city nicely. It soaks up bumps and had a pretty taught feel on the road, one that didn’t quite feel like it was going to blow away. However the technology was this cars slight let down - with me experiencing a frozen infotainment display on numerous occasions, fuzzy screen and constant Apple CarPlay disconnections, I can only hope that down the line GWM iron out these bumps and bugs. However beyond that, the ORA is definitely one to consider for an every day driver. My personal recommendation is to opt for the extended range battery option over this standard range, as the extended range also gets you heated Seats, a sunroof and some additional goodies for not a huge amount of spend more.

For more on the GWM ORA, head to the AJ Instagram.

08/01/2025

GWM Ora - Technology

Labelling itself as innovative as it is intelligent, the GWM ORA offers quite a lot of street appeal for its price tag. However, in a cut throat part of the market, it needs to appeal on all fronts, including the tech and gizmos department. Lets see what you get in the GWM ORA.

From the moment you step inside your ORA, the technology becomes evident. For a start, you don’t have to start the ORA, simply hop into the drivers seat and the system wakes up, allowing you to simply apply the brake and select your gear, which on an EV, makes a lot of sense. Beyond that, you have full keyless entry and variable modes of regenerative braking, including single pedal drive mode, which is ideal for those taking this city slicker around the city streets. The ORA also comes as standard with a wireless charging pad in the centre which is flat and a 360-degree camera system as standard which makes parking in those tricky situations a breeze. Sure, there are more high def cameras out there, but it definitely outdoes the MG4.

However, one thing I wasn’t so sure about was smartphone mirroring, which at the time of this review was only available on Apple CarPlay. However, with that said it was wireless, and GWM did claim that they were working on a software update to alloy integration for Android Auto and other apps including music streaming services. In fairness, it was the infotainment system which was the biggest let down, which you can see from the pictures. It didn't look very appealing to the eye, however it was simply to use. I found the settings pages to be quite bland and the colour layout quite boring and worst of all had a couple screen freezes and glitches, however again GWM have confirmed that the software aboard my vehicle was due an update which was working on eradicating these flaws. And it’s this sort of attention I love from a car brand - actively listening to what their customers were saying to improve experiences moving forward.

To keep you safe on every journey, the ORA also included a lot of standard safety technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning which was not super aggressive or pulling, a camera-based drowsy driver detection system, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert and of course a 5-star ANCAP safety rating to ensure every journey was a safe one. As standard in the ORA, I loved that you also got 6-way power adjustable electric front seats, with the extended range trim offering seat heating. There was also a premium sound system fitted to all models which was actually quite punchy for a car of this price tag and charging points for all occupants.

But how does this all blend together for driver comfort and practicality? Let's find out in the final drive review on the GWM ORA, coming tomorrow.

07/01/2025

GWM Ora - Design

When you think of a fun and exciting small car, it’s often hard to look past the Fiat 500e. However, with stiff competition from abroad, car brands are throwing everything they can at their latest projects and GWM is the latest to do so, with this, the GWM ORA. Blending cute and quirky good looks in an EV platform with a microscopic price tag, let's unpack and digest what you get in Australia’s cheapest EV, the GWM ORA.

Combining a classic design aesthetic with an EV powertrain, the ORA is zippy, funky and good for the planet, making it the ideal inner city EV for those with a shoestring budget. On the outside, the ORA looks unlike anything on the road and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was the love child between a Porsche 911 and Volkswagen Beetle. From the front, the ORA has two retro-inspired round headlights which integrate a very modern daytime running lamp which also doubles as your indicator, as well as a short overhang thanks to being an EV, and two gills in the bonnet. The ORA also has a functional lower grille and two chrome highlights to help create balance.

From the side profile, the ORA is very Beetle, with classic 5-spoke alloy wheels with the signature exclamation mark ORA badge taking centre stage on the wheels and front nose. It’s important to note that in other markets around the world, the GWM ORA is known as the ORA Funky Cat, hence the unique badge. However, from the side, I love that you have a charging port located on the front quarter panel, curvaceous front fenders and a high window line and sloping roof line. I also love that the ORA can be optioned with a contrasting black roof, and in the tested vehicle, some retro-inspired colours such as Glacier Blue that we have here on test.

From the rear, things on the ORA change gear completely, with a more futuristic approach being given to the rear, with the most quirky feature being the separate brake light included in the rear window. Positioned up high, the brake light is segmented and positioned behind the tailgate glass, while there is a continued round profile to again give it a lasting impression. I do wish, despite the small window, that it did come with a rear wiper blade, however it does come with a functional rear hatch which opens up quite nicely, making it very practical.

Inside, the theme of space and practicality has definitely been one of the main emphasises here, with the continued retro and quirky design motif continuing on. One thing I particularly love about the Ora are the front seats, which have a quilted leather look to them, again giving the Ora a very retro vibe. Up front, there are switches inspired by those from a car from the 60’s while new technology such as a dual digital infotainment and drivers display and a two-spoke steering wheel with touch-haptic buttons really fuse the blend. Sure, there are lots of hard plastics throughout, but I’m a massive fan of the space. It’s generous, roomy and most of all, comfortable, which is exactly what you want from a small vehicle. The minimalist approach to buttons is also very on point, and I do like that there are climate control shortcut buttons below the infotainment screen are all within arms reach. In the centre, there is also your main gear selector which does look like an infotainment display controller, however it also integrates a wireless charging pad and some additional storage.

In the rear, space is definitely better than I expected - the Ora can seat three in the back, however if I’m being honest, it’s more for two adults or three children. Head room is okay considering its small proportions, and knee and leg room is average. Despite being an EV platform, toe room isn’t as generous as I expected it to be however it’s passable. However one area that exceeded my expectations was the boot, with plentiful width and length despite its small exterior proportions.

Next up we check out what technology you get for your buck in the GWM ORA.

02/01/2025

Defining Genesis Motors Australia, with Head of Genesis Australia Justin Douglass

Establishing itself as a brand unlike any other in our vastly populated automotive landscape, I recently got the opportunity to speak with Head of Genesis Australia, Justin Douglass about what defies Genesis and grasp a better understanding about its customer base and its visions moving forward in Australia.

Defining the Genesis Customer
To fully understand any brand, it’s important to not only understand your market, but to know exactly what your customers need, which is something Mr Douglass said was done through specific tailoring in their product lineup.
“While our product portfolio spans from performance sedans to a comprehensive SUV lineup, our customers share a common trait,” Mr Douglass said.
“They are sophisticated individuals who make deliberate choices - they tend to be well educated, with a mixture of families, middle aged couples and empty nesters tending to buy our products.”
When asked about their specific needs, he said these too were also very diverse.
“Genesis customers are incredibly diverse, and that’s a reflection of the versatility and broad appeal of our vehicles,” he said.
“Whether it’s larger families seeking the spacious comfort and safety of our GV80 Large SUV, or your professionals drawn in to the sport sophisticate of the G70 or GV70, or eco-conscious drivers embracing the innovation and technology of our Electrified G80, GV70 or GV60, our customers share a desire for a luxury vehicle that compliments their lifestyle.”

What makes Genesis sparkle
With one of the most populated automotive landscapes in the world, for a brand to work here, it needs to start with attraction, and this is something that Mr Douglass said Genesis did really well.
“Our brand stands apart by blending innovation, craftsmanship, and customer-centricity into our unique offering,” he said.
“Our vehicles deliver cutting-edge technology, meticulous attention to detail, and an ‘athletic elegance’ design philosophy that turns heads on the road.
“We believe we deliver a truly distinctive and customer-focused experience that goes beyond just selling cars and we also see ourselves as a challenger brand given we are relatively new to the Australian market, however our One Price Model, and Genesis Difference offering and Direct-To-Consumer model helps us stand out.”
Mr Douglass also added that the brand also benefited from being part of the Hyundai group.
“We benefit from having access to Hyundai’s extensive national dealer network to meet the servicing needs of our customers that choose to travel far and wide within Australia,” he said.
“Genesis also offers what we call ‘The Genesis Difference’, where our customers gain 5 Years complimentary servicing, 5 years 24/7 Premium Roadside Assistance, 5 Year Unlimited kilometre Warranty when purchasing our vehicles and for those customers that live within a 70k radius of our sales outlets, we provide Genesis To You, where we come to your house or work and take your car from you for servicing, and provide you with a complimentary courtesy vehicle whilst your vehicle is in our possession.”

Boots on the ground stuff
For all brands in the market, 2024 has been quite the tough year, with a cost of living crisis upon us and people tightening their purse strings, however it’s interesting to see where a brand like Genesis stands.
“The downturn in the automotive market, especially the luxury vehicle segments, is due to a number of factors,” Mr Douglass said.
“Firstly, broader economic conditions, such as rising interest rates, inflation, and a cautious consumer sentiment, have undoubtedly impacted discretionary spending.
“Additionally, the market has become increasingly competitive with an influx of new brands and models, leading to a dilution of demand across the industry.
“Supply chain challenges that previously limited availability in 2022/23 have eased, creating a more competitive environment where buyers have greater choice and leverage.
“However, while the overall market is experiencing a downturn, it does provide an opportunity for our brand where we are well positioned in price and spec in the luxury market, along with our differentiation.”
According to VFACTS data, Mr Douglass said the brands reported position in 2023 was buoyed by a high order bank of customer orders in 2022 that had their vehicles delivered throughout 2023.
“I am pleased with our progress in 2024, with orders taken on our products for the first 11 months of this year being +20% greater than the first 11 months of 2023,” he said.

The movement, ahead
Having recently returned from the US where he got an insight into future Genesis models, Mr Douglass shared an insight into what’s in-store for Genesis Australia in 2025.
“The future for Genesis in Australia is incredibly bright,” he said.
“We have the V3 GV70 which is a facelift, so it builds on the strengths of the previous model with exterior updates such as a redesigned grille, front and rear bumpers, spoiler, and new alloy wheels for a sharper look, along with interior enhancements, including a new 27-inch OLED infotainment screen, improved connectivity with over-the-air updates and Genesis Connected Services.
“There are trim-level Improvements for updated variants and new features like Nappa leather, a Bang & Olufson sounds system, enhanced climate control and Safety and Convenience features such as upgraded forward collision systems with advanced capabilities like junction crossing assistance.
“We have also just relocated in Perth to a new facility in Osborne Park, placing us in the heart of a key automotive retail strip and we have no doubt this makes us far more accessible and convenient to our future customers.”
Mr Douglass also hinted at a new wave of vehicles and editions coming soon.
“Our product portfolio will continue to expand with new variants and drivetrains. Keep an eye out for our Black Editions and Magma variants, joining our product stable soon.”

To experience a Genesis for yourself, you can visit the new Genesis Perth showroom at 474 Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park or check out their website.

AJ Film and Photography

18/01/2025

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