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I like cars fast. And the first time I saw the XG, let me confess, I was disappointed. It looked more like a South Korean-built Mercedes-Benz; well, almost. It looked heavy and gave the impression that it was designed for a chauffeur than an owner/driver in mind.

When it comes to looks, this car screams that it is a luxury automobile but that exactly is its problem. It `screams' instead of conveying the message in a more subtle manner. A bold grille, with no dearth of chrome, flanked by twin head lamps housed in a console with high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps, give the car a purposeful look. But those small fog lamp units on the vast bumper do not enhance the looks any further. The slab-sided profile of the car exudes the lines first seen in S series Volvos and more so with a pronounced waistline that runs the entire length of the car. The Formula One style aero rear-view mirrors could have done without the stalks in my opinion. The Volvo lines continue in the rear with the S70-like wrap-around tail lamps. No, it is not a photogenic car, but in reality it is quite an handsome automobile.

If the exterior had more in common with Swedish cars, the interior is inspired by German saloons and that too, of the three-pointed star variety. Our test car was clad in a combination of leather and wood veneer trim. The seats are mechanised and the driving position and the view are just perfect. The luxury touches include a seat heating mechanism that one may not need in an Indian summer. Once that door shuts with a resounding thud, you know that you are inside a well-built automobile.

Turn the key and the 3000 CC Sigma V6 wakes up to a lazy rumble. Hyundai XG is available with either the above-said motor or a smaller 2500 CC V6 that is good for just 160 bhp, but with an option of either a manual or an automatic gear box. Our test car though, had on-board computer controlled 180 bhp on tap and came with only automatic transmission. The XG is not a very quick car and the pick-up resembled the smooth yet sure take off routine of the Thai 747-400 that took us to Seoul. The curvy bit of asphalt that we got to drive meant that we were not going to test the top speed of the XG. The over-articulated power steering is absolutely sensitive and it was time to rejoice since back home I drive a Tata Sumo (not a DX!) which demands a fair amount of wrestling in Mumbai city. The car becomes sharper as the engine builds speed and the inherent qualities of a V6 such as strong cruising ability and seamless mid-range performance shines through.

Our drive took us from Hyundai's Ulsan proving grounds to the hill station of Kyongju and then on to Yong-chon town. This route which took us parallel to the Korea Straits was magnificent with the ocean lining it before taking off into the hills. But we did give the car a thorough shake-down and the XG took to the challenge. While it may not be the `ultimate driving machine' nor the quintessential `limousine,' it is indeed a good compromise between them. And with a price tag of Rs 6,00,000 to 8,00,000, the XG is great value for money in the domestic South Korean market.

Would I like to see the XG making its entry in the Indian market? Sure, but there is a catch. If Hyundai can consider a small volume import run to India and if they can price it around Rs 13,00,000. Then the XG can be slotted into a market segment that does not exist today - this side of the Rs 25,00,000 Mercedes-Benz and that side of the Rs 10,00,000 Opel Astra Club. While Hyundai is yet to consider the XG for India, I hear the rumbles of an all new mid-size sedan revving up to storm our roads. I would be more than happy to test-drive this new car from Chennai to Mumbai. All the best to Hyundai and the XG for conquering world markets!