The good doctor climbed in. “A class act by Hyundai, right?” And so opened a conversation on the South Korean auto maker … and the British Rover, the choice for generations of medicos in the days when they visited their patients at home.
The company that produced Rovers and MGs, MG Rover of the UK, went bankrupt in 2005 and ceased production. The intellectual rights and some property rights to the cars in production at that time were sold to Chinese companies. A similar model to the Rover 75 was produced for the Chinese domestic market, but not for export.
MGs are in limited production in the UK, again made from parts produced in China.
The ‘Rover’ brand name is now owned by the Indian company Tata. This ownership resulted from Tata’s purchase of Land Rover and Jaguar from Ford a few years ago.
At about this time, the doctor said no thanks to Rover and switched to Hyundai, so he was especially interested in the 2025 Genesis GV70 Signature Sport that took us to Brisbane’s Long Pocket Golf Range. This mid-size luxury SUV boasts an elegant design and a high-quality interior. It offers a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology, making it a compelling alternative to established brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The GV70 is a compact D-segment crossover SUV manufactured by Genesis, the luxury vehicle division of Hyundai. It is the second SUV model from the brand, following the mid-size GV80.
The GV70 was unveiled in April 2024 and went on sale in South Korea a month later. Changes include redesigned headlamps and front grill, climate controls, and centre console. The GV70 also features a sleek, refined design with elongated lines, a diamond grille, and striking LED headlights. The overall aesthetic is both modern and sophisticated, appealing to those who appreciate luxury styling.
Inside, the GV70 impresses with a 27-inch. OLED display that seamlessly integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The materials used throughout the cabin furniture are premium, with options for heated and ventilated seats, and even ergo-motion massage seats for added comfort. The attention to detail is evident, with features such as a wireless charging tray that effectively accommodates smartphones.
The Genesis GV70 offers a hefty 542 litres of boot space when all seats are in use, and 1678 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
The cream on the cake … the GV70 Advanced AWD won the 2025 Drive Car of the Year Award.
If you don’t want a BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC like everybody else, the Genesis GV70 is a tantalising alternative.
