The hybrid compact SUV

Angela Pisanu tests the technology-packed Lexus NX300h, a petrol-hybrid compact SUV with bold looks and low-emissions

The Lexus NX300h is the Japanese manufacturer’s first entry into the fast growing compact SUV market; demand for this type of vehicle has grown almost seven-fold in the last seven years and is expected to top one million sales a year in 2015 globally.

   
It rivals the likes of the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and BMW X3, but unlike these, will not have a diesel version available; only a petrol and petrol-hybrid model. It comes in all-wheel drive or front wheel drive, although the latter is only available in the entry level S trim.

The hybrid NX, which is the version I drove, has a 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor which drives the front wheels, and an additional electric motor which drives the rear wheels for extra torque when needed.
   
The petrol version will be available in 2015 and will be a faster turbocharged model.

Electric motion
When you turn the engine on and get going, the NX is near-silent as it draws its power from the electric motor. It can do low speeds in electric mode, unless sudden acceleration is called for. There is notable engine noise when the petrol engine kicks in, but it is not offensive and mellows out when cruising.

Depending on what is required from the car, the NX chooses between petrol and electric power to maximise efficiency, comfort and performance.
   
The CO2 for the hybrid all-wheel drive model is 121g/km and fuel consumption is stated as 54.3mpg. For the front‑wheel drive S model, it’s 116g/km and 56.5mpg. These are good figures for a car of its size and performance, and of course, low-CO2 translates to tax savings.
   
The NX is a head turner. The design was influenced by the concept Lexus LF-NX hybrid presented at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show and the turbo model seen at that year’s Tokyo motor show. It’s a mix between bold SUV styling cues and elegant, fluid lines. The interior is roomy and finished with premium materials.

Packed with technology
The NX is equipped with impressive modern technologies, including a wireless charging tray for mobile phones and other smart devices, and a touch pad control for the infotainment screen. There’s panoramic view monitor (in Premier only) which gives you a complete all-round, birds-eye view of the car. This was very handy when manoeuvring a vehicle of such size. What’s more, the ‘rear cross parking alert’ has radars which scan behind you for other parked cars and alerts you if it spots a potential collision.
   
Additional safety features an plentiful, but of note is the adaptive cruise control. This can detect if a potential collision is imminent, and activates the pre-crash brake to avoid an impact, or lessen its severity.

Lexus NX300h Premier

ENGINE: 2,494cc, four-cylinder petrol‑electric hybrid
CO2: 121g/km
MPG (combined): 54.3
VED: Band D, £0 first year, £110 thereafter
BIK: 17%
PRICE (OTR): £42,995 (including VAT, £43,640 as tested)