NEW LEXUS LBX

While the platform of the Lexus LBX might be shared with Toyota’s popular Yaris Cross, this is a true Lexus with bespoke engineering and appealing good looks. Significant (and costly) differences include a 20mm wheelbase stretch (to 2580mm) and a little extra length in the shapely body. It only looks distantly related to the Yaris thanks to bulging haunches, more rounded panels and big light clusters either side of a signature grille.

On the performance front, the LBX gains a more powerful and responsive electric motor driven by a nickel-metal-hydride battery, not lithium-ion, and it shares this with the much bigger Lexus RX. Total output of 100kW and 186Nm means it goes well, especially when pulling away from intersections or jinking through bustling traffic. With a balance shaft enhancing smoothness, it’s polished fun in an urban setting and pleasant outside of it.

Quite telling is 60mm extra width for wider tracks as these enable improved ride and handling. A four-wheel drive version is also available. It has an extra electric motor on the rear axle but offers no additional power, the focus being entirely on improving grip on slippery surfaces.

An elegant, restrained dashboard is in keeping with other Lexus products and the comfort and quality of front seats and surrounding materials is quite hard to fault at this pricepoint. The tape measure records 4.19m overall length and 402L of boot space, so the LBX sounds like a practical proposition. But it’s surprisingly cramped in the back seats and storage binnacles about the cabin are numerous but small.

The centre touchscreen may not be large at 9.8in diameter but is right-sized for a small car and is mostly good to use. There are physical buttons to alter the temperature settings but the fan adjustment is tricky to alter on the touchscreen when you’re on the move. Some functions are subject to voice operation. The e-latch door system, seen on pricier Lexus models, is a cool touch that underlines what a modern device this is.

On-road refinement is also mostly good, especially when silently negotiating city streets with the torquey electric motor. But when the raucous three-cylinder triple is called upon, the serenity suddenly dissipates. Compensation comes in the form of excellent stability at high speeds (and under heavy braking) and nimble, tidy handling on twisty roads. The LBX is faithful to inputs and fun to drive briskly. You can’t say that of too many upright eco-warriors. Overall, another class act from Lexus that will find favour with premium downsizers and brand converts.