WITH its giant grille, substantial girth and towering height, the Genesis GV80 is not a car for the shy or retiring owner.

It's also hardly the ideal companion for shopping trips - finding a parking place whether at a busy supermarket or parallel parking on the high street can be somewhat problematic.

Where the large SUV - it's a similar size to the BMW X5 - comes into its own is on long journeys, especially through inclement weather conditions, or negotiating muddy tracks lined with hedges where its considerable height allows great visibility.

The product of the posh branch of Hyundai and Kia, Genesis has a similar relationship with its mother company as Lexus has with Toyota.

And if you think the GV80's nose bears a resemblance to a Bentley, you'd be interested to hear that its designer had worked at the illustrious British firm.

It may be a surprise that beneath the broad bonnet of the GV80 is a relatively small 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine - a 3.0-litre diesel unit was offered but now this has been withdrawn. Nevertheless, it pumps out a useful 300bhp with 311lb ft of torque that endows it with decent performance and the ability to tow a boat or a caravan.

A luxurious, cossetting cabin with top quality fitments and leather seating is right up there with European prestige rivals to welcome its occupants. Broad, soft but supportive front seats - electrically controlled, of course - envelop driver and passenger, a huge 14.5inch touchscreen looks after the infotainment side of things and nine speakers ensure high sound is of the highest quality.

Switchgear and controls all feel sturdy and strong and yet they are friendly to the touch. The heated steering wheel, however, with its two-tone rim is more likely to be favoured by American or Middle East markets than the more reserved British buyers.

There's ample storage space in the centre console and glove box but the door pockets are too shallow to hold bulky objects - a shame. Rear seats split and fold 40-20-40 and you can specify a pack with a third row of seats that turn it into a seven-seater.

Despite its bulk, the GV80 will hurtle to 62mph in less than eight seconds, no mean feat for a 2.5litre engine. Cornering is stable and predictable but the laws of physics can't be defied and it does feel its size with noticeable body lean. Grip is more than adequate but rather lifeless steering together with its considerable height count against sporty driving.

Noise levels are commendably low, both from mechanical sound and road intrusion. When pushed hard through the gears of the eight-speed automatic box, you are reminded that this is a four-pot as the engine note becomes slightly strained.

It scores maximum marks on the safety front with a five-star NCAP safety rating. This was brought into sharp focus when a few years ago top golfer Tiger Woods flipped over his GV80 several times at more than 80mph but lived to tell the tale.