TALKING about Hyundai in the same breath as Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar is not exactly an everyday occurrence but the Korean car maker is proving it can mix it in the premier league by introducing the Genesis saloon to the UK.

The Genesis is a 3.8-litre executive grade V6 that is loaded with equipment and costs from £47,995.

It is posh, plush, roomy and capable and aimed at a handful of motorists who are keen on trying something a little different.

The downside is it is on the thirsty side and with no diesel available Hyundai is well aware that in Britain at least the Genesis is more of a demonstration of what the brand can do rather than a genuine contender in the luxury stakes.

Nevertheless it is an impressive piece of kit, albeit one with a very American feel and a ride that is on the soft side.

The Genesis sells well in the United States and in its Korean homeland but is only just going into right hand drive production, extending its availability to other markets including Australia and India as well as the UK.

And with Hyundai expecting British sales in the tens rather than the hundreds it is going to be an exclusive model indeed.

It looks the part, sleek and nicely proportioned and has plenty of road presence. The bonnet is emblazoned with a Genesis badge rather than a Hyundai symbol and the legend is repeated on the kick plates.

But it is inside where the Genesis impresses with luxurious leather upholstery, a suede roof lining and proper use of wood in the trim. There is even an analogue clock as the centrepiece of the dashboard while the centre console has a remotely controlled double lid, similar to the arrangement Mercedes uses.

Instrumentation is plentiful and includes a head up display as well as a panel of controls in the back allowing rear seats passengers to adjust the audio settings as well controlling their own comfort levels with the car having multi-zone air conditioning and heated seats all round.

Everything is very well put together, finished with a quality feel and the cabin is very spacious for four.

Boot capacity is also generous at almost 500 litres, the rear seats can fold for extra space and there is a ski-hatch if required while the boot lid is configured for hands-free opening.

Technology is bang up to date and includes an adaptive cruise control system, automated parking and a high definition camera system as well as automatic high beam and high intensity headlights.

On the road there is nothing lacking on the performance front with the engine releasing a healthy 311bhp resulting in a brisk 0 to 60 time of 6.5 seconds and a 150mph top speed.

There is a multi-mode drive system which can switch the car into either eco or sport settings and the eight speed auto box is smooth and efficient, shifting rapidly when used manually from the steering wheel mounted paddles.

Noise suppression is also good although not quite as serene as the likes of a Lexus LS - but that is a model which can cost twice as much.

The electronic parking brake release is to the right of the steering wheel and not instantly to hand and that - and the relatively soft ride - are the real giveaways that this is a car designed primarily for elsewhere.

As with all Hyundais the Genesis comes with a five year, unlimited mileage warranty which includes roadside assistance and annual vehicle ‘health' checks so there is built in peace of mind but fuel costs are going to be on the high side.

We managed to average only 21 to the gallon and even Hyundai's official figures rate the Genesis at just 25.2mpg with emissions of 261g/km which does it no favours on the tax front.

If that is not a bother then the Genesis is a revelation, supremely well equipped and more than a match for what is on offer from the established marques.

This really is Hyundai's halo model and demonstrates it is a brand which has come of age - a far cry from the day it became the first Korean manufacturer to sell a car in Britain when it released the Pony back in 1982.