THERE are none so blind as those who cannot see, and that would appear to be the case for critics of the Rover 75 Tourer 2.5 V6.
The Rover 75 series has been the saviour of the struggling Midlands company, and its eventual outcome remains to be appreciated, but at least the car is holding its own.
In fact it's doing much better as you discover if you drive it. It is now a little long in the tooth and does not offer the space of more modern rivals but it still delivers pace, performance and that all elusive prestige in a highly sophisticated package.
If it had a German badge on the tail instead of the union flag, it would probably be more highly acclaimed, such is the British tendency to overlook what's good for what is almost as good.
Derived from and delivered to market after the saloon, the 75 Tourer is a modern semi-estate which entered the crossover market before the term was even created.
If you believe in such things as a "lifestyle" vehicle, then the Rover 75 Tourer says a lot about you as a lover of the better quality of life, who has nothing to prove and need a vehicle for a multitude of roles all fulfilled easily and comfortably.
There is a range of trim levels and engines shared with the saloon but the 2.5 V6 is a good choice for the ultimate in restrained performance without going for the much more expensive to run 4.6 V8.
It is exceptionally smooth, willing, strong and surprisingly economical and matched with good ratios in an easy changing automatic box it is an impressive package.
To this powertrain's virtues you can add a highly effective steering system with a pleasant feel, good turning circle and no vibration whatsoever. Beautifully balanced brakes always provide effortless yet reassuring stopping power.
The secondary controls and switches also minimise driver effort with their location and operation while the smartly coloured instruments not only look good but work effectively and give the fascia a strong character identity so lacking in many cars.
In fact it is the nice touches like the fascia trim detailing and the use of brightwork in the cabin which you appreciate a little more with every journey. Oddments space is very plentiful but some of the compartments are on the small side.
At the other end of the car, the luggage area is carpeted behind a bumper height opening tailgate and it's easy to use, with the space rapidly increasing as the offset split back seats are folded.
Driver and passengers will have no trouble slipping into the car either and there is plenty of room unless you are very tall. Seat adjustment is reasonable and all are very well shaped and extremely comfortable.
Ride quality is exceptionally good with the Rover 75 Tourer really soaking up the bumps, however big or deep, yet not allowing the car to roll alarmingly around corners. It has an overall tautness and responsive chassis which does nothing but inspire good comments.
Acceleration is rapid, deceptively so, and it cruises effortlessly at the motorway limit and as long as this was not exceeded the economy was consistently in the mid-30s.
At high speed or around town, the noise levels are low and this adds to the refinement of this Rover, which is a pleasure to use for any journey.
When you look at what you get for the money, the Rover 75 Tourer V6 is a remarkable package, but one of the hardest jobs the company faces is not taking on rivals but actually replacing it with something a lot better.
If we do not believe the current car is as good as it is, how will we be convinced there is a better one when the time comes?
FAST FACTS
Rover 75 Tourer 2.5 V6 Connoisseur SE
Price: £25,695
Mechanical: 177bhp, 2,497cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 128mph
0-62mph: 10.2 secs
Combined mpg: 26.6
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 254g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 6yrs paint