THE 75 is the pick of the Rover collection, waving a distinctive flag for Britain in a market dominated by the Germans and Scandinavians.
Like the executive saloon version, the estate visually turns the clock back to a more genteel era - oval, cream dials, bold walnut facings and lashings of chrome conjure up nostalgia aplenty.
But underneath the finery there's nothing retro about the engineering and build.
Consequently, the 75 delivers a creamy smooth drive and an ultra-quiet one, thanks to a range of noise suppression measures. It's a cultured performance.
A key factor is the chassis quality and Rover's adaptation of the Z axle which imposes fine control over the rear end. It is easy to forget you are driving an estate, such is the suppleness of the ride.
Only when you swing through bends are you reminded that there's a hefty chunk of car behind you.
Adding to the satisfaction is the thrust from a recently-introduced 150PS 1.8-litre 16-valve turbo engine. There's 160lb ft of pull generated and low down (2,100 revs) for a petrol engine, giving the sort of torquey performance we expect from diesels.
Pick-up is excellent, while it is certainly possible to hold fifth gear in a 30mph zone. The sprint time to 60mph is 9.5 seconds and, using fourth, you get from 30 to 50mph in 7.4 seconds and 50 to 70 in 7.8 seconds.
The down side to this zip is the fuel economy which officially averages 35mpg.
There was no trip computer in the car so I can't be sure, but this figure seemed optimistic as the needle plunged relentlessly. Cash-careful drivers might prefer the frugal two litre turbodiesel versions.
It's quite a lot of car to zoom around, of course, although the 75 Tourer is not a cavernous estate. If the 2:1 split/folding back seats are up there's 400 litres of luggage space and the wheel arches intrude.
However, there's a through flap for lengthy items and the seats fold flat to raise the capacity to 1,222 litres. A garden furniture set was comfortably accommodated.
The load entrance is good and there's some under-floor storage space too.
Space for people, even in the back seats, is excellent, with big, wide-opening doors giving easy access, and the velour upholstery is classy. Good-looking soft-touch plastics complement the effect.
The lack of curtain airbags is a notable gap in the standard spec of the 1.8T Club SE, as is the absence of traction control and, in a tourer, cruise control.
But the car does offer dual-zone climate control, height-adjustable driver's seat and lumbar support, reach and rake variation of the steering wheel, all-round electric windows and heated door mirrors, hatch window loading, leather steering wheel, remote locking with superlocks, roof rails, fog lamps and alloys.
In-car storage is fair and there's a pull-down centre armrest, two spring-loaded drinks holders and bag/coat hooks at the back to make long journeys easier.
I did two lengthy motorway trips and the 75 Tourer certainly produced high relaxation and comfort for all aboard. It can wear its Union Flag badge with pride.
FAST FACTS
Rover 75 Tourer 1.8T SE
Price: £20,895
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,796cc 16v turbocharged petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual transmission
Max speed: 126mph
0-60mph: 9.5 secs
Combined mpg: 35.3mpg
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 193g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint