If you wanted a benchmark for how far the Korean car makers have come in the last 24 years you only need look at the Genesis brand.

Hyundai’s luxury brand has gone from strength to strength. Now with a portfolio of two sedans and two SUV’s it’s gaining real traction with buyers. I’ve been driving the smaller of its two SUV’s, the GV70 and, like the GV80 I raved about some months back, the GV70 is a very welcome addition.

The premium mid-sized Genesis GV70 in just six months has become the brands best seller, in rear wheel drive with 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine, in all wheel drive with a choice of 2.5-litre turbo petrol, 2.2-litre turbo diesel or the range topping 3.5-litre turbo petrol V6 – all three engines driving through an 8-speed automatic.

Prices range from $66,400 to $83,276 plus on-road costs. So where does it sit in the market – against some excellent models like Mercedes GLC, BMW’s X3, Audi’s Q5, Lexus’s NX and Volvo’s XC60. If you’re welded on to European badges think again – the design, build quality, level of finishes, driving experience and overall feel of the Genesis CV70 is up there with the very best Europe has to offer.

And it’s covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty with five-year roadside assistance. More details later this morning.

I’m David Berthon.

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