Talking Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis today, the flagship GV80 SUV which now also comes in a rather sporting looking coupe version. However, I’ve just driven the recently updated 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol GV80 seven-seat all-wheel- drive SUV, at around $135,000 drive-away with an 8-speed torque automatic. The GV80 oozes quality and refinement, the body feels bullet proof, superbly insulated, and exquisitely detailed. Joining the upper echelon of motoring Genesis knew they had to build something rather special, loaded with luxury features and standout quality. I covered some long distances over the holiday break and cruising at the open road limit achieved 8.3 L/100km – impressive for such a large SUV. The GV80 has what Genesis call a road preview electronic control suspension – using a forward camera to scour the road surface ahead for undulations and potholes, it then adjusts the damping force accordingly. Genesis may not yet match the badge cachet or sales of Mercedes and BMW’s large SUV’s but in terms of quality, refinement and fit and finish this South Korean brand is up there with the very best – just so impressive in all it does and offering a cost saving over the German competition in the process. Only real disappointment – the lack of a spare wheel. I’m David Berthon.

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