OPINION: There's a lot of overrated stuff out there

What constitutes a good or bad car is clearly a polarising conversation and something us enthusiasts can argue ad nauseam and indefinitely.

But an even more divisive subject (and I think more interesting) are those cars that don’t necessarily deserve the reputation they have, regardless of whether it’s positive or negative. In the spirit of wholesome car chats, here are my top three most underrated and overrated cars. Feel free to comment even though I’m afraid you’ll be wrong.

I remember the first time I drove the Suzuki Kizashi because it’s one of those handful of cars that can be driven absolutely flat out, absolutely everywhere without any fear of spearing off the road or getting irretrievably out of shape. Underpowered, you might incorrectly surmise.

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The Kizashi had a decent 2.4-litre engine but a beautiful chassis that was capable of handling a lot more power. I yearned for a Sport or Turbo version but alas it was not to be, its fate sealed by an esoteric diminutive sedan status and unsustainable sales.

The Hyundai Veloster was a similar case in its first generation, that was until it got a far more potent 1.6-litre turbo in the second generation and the performance to match its lovely chassis. It also grew up in styling with handsome looks and, say what you will, the oddball three-plus-one doors were cool and sort of practical.

With all eyes on its i30 N sibling at about the same time, and the Veloster N we never got, the Veloster Turbo failed to earn the recognition it deserved as a genuinely talented and appealing hot hatch. I might buy one.

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Want something less performance focused? Given Australia’s obsession with large SUVs, I’m constantly amazed the Genesis GV80 doesn’t sell in droves.

Here is a premium family mover with a diesel straight six as sweet as any from Munich, luxury to concern a Bentayga and a price that is nowhere near either.

Yes, you might have a bit more trouble moving it on when the time comes, but arguing against buying the right car based on resale value has always felt like asking your extended family to pick your spouse rather than deciding on one yourself.

I could go on, but this wouldn’t be a balanced column without some nominees for models that have enjoyed prolonged popularity without necessarily deserving it, and no car better exemplifies this point than the original Land Rover Defender.

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Before my fellow Somerset country-people come to lynch me like a cider hater, let me acknowledge the unrivalled off-road ability of the venerable Defender.

However, on-road, it was as pleasant to drive as a nail into ones eye, while it had the ergonomics of a bumper car. And let’s not even mention the maintenance required if you didn’t want a Defender to be as fickle as a pedigree racehorse.

I’m preparing for even more flak for nominating the R35 Nissan GT-R as the second car that deserves less credit than it gets.

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Let me start by saying for many years, I couldn’t cut a lap of Phillip Island in anything faster, but I felt like I didn’t deserve the time at all.

The GT-R is an 1800kg box of driver embarrassment mitigation devices and is capable spectacular performance regardless of the buffoon at the wheel and that’s exactly why it can’t be loved - only respected. It’s wall-to-wall technology where soul never goes, and a science experiment, not a passion project.

Oh, this last one. Dare I? The Tesla Model 3 is, objectively, one of the best cars I’ve ever driven but, subjectively, it’s as exciting as Eric Abetz. Sure, it’s fast, tech-packed and, in the electric car market, you can’t get a lot more for the cash, but I want to live with one as much as I want to live with Aileen Wuornos.

So let’s have yours. There are truly no deities in my house.