Lexus decided to introduce a sleek-looking premium compact SUV aimed at the younger European market, offering brilliant economy and an engaging drive, and then they seem to have succeeded with the LBX.

The new compact SUV along with others from the Lexus stable have buried the old “pipe and slippers” image of being driven primarily by older drivers – given that models produced in recent years have a avant-garde design and high-end technology.

The new model is available in seven versions with a starting price of £29,995. Compact with a muscular profile, the familiar Lexus “spindle” grille located beneath a slim grille has been modified; the company says it’s part of Lexus’ “Resolute Look” design heritage.

There is a new headlight design that incorporates daytime running lights and turn signals. The new facet of the vehicle involves improving the drag coefficient, by directing the airflow from the front bumper to the sides of the vehicle.

The interior is, as you would expect from Lexus, high quality with leather seats and a premium feel throughout.

It features a soft-touch finish with logical controls well positioned for optimal use. Also new are a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, padded side knee pads, a padded center armrest and a lower storage box with 12V accessory socket and USB Type-C port.

Central is a 12.3-inch color touchscreen that controls major functions via the Lexus Link multimedia that includes navigation, smartphone integration and a premium Mark Levinson audio system on this model.

An optional digital key is compatible with Apple and Android devices, and up to five people per car can use an app on their smartphone to unlock and start the vehicle.

A premium vehicle, it’s packed with kit including, on the entry model, automatic LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, panoramic parking sensors and reversing camera and 17-inch alloys, while this Upper mid-range The model adds leather-style upholstery, tinted rear windows, a wireless phone charger, ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, and a power tailgate.

It clearly has a traditional European look, a deliberate choice, and is powered by an efficient self-charging hybrid combination of a three-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor with a total system output of 134 hp.

Hybrid engines, whatever the future holds, are becoming more and more efficient, in many cases matching and surpassing the most economical diesel engines, and the LBX is no different.

This combination delivers rapid performance reaching 100km/h in just over nine seconds, while WLTP combined figures show fuel economy of up to 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 102g/km.

On the road, it offers pleasure and economy. It’s stable through corners while the suspension is firm enough for excellent handling, but not so much that it makes the ride uncomfortable.

It may be the smallest Lexus, but storage space is decent at 402 litres, with room to carry two 75 liter suitcases under the rear boot lid.

Like all Lexus models, it is loaded with safety features, including the latest active Lexus Safety System+ which includes hazard detection capabilities and new braking, steering and drive force control functions to help avoid collisions.

Information file

• Lexus LBX Premium Plus Design

• Mechanical: 134 hp, 1,490 cc three-cylinder gasoline engine and 67 kW electric motor driving the front wheels via an automatic gearbox