Lexus LBX – premium quality, bargain price

IF there’s one thing you can pretty much guarantee from a car that falls into the Premium category is that it also comes with a premium price tag.

But Lexus has kicked that theory well and truly into touch with its latest compact hybrid SUV, the LBX, which is offered in no less than six trim grades and starts from £29,995 on the road.

At that price point you might expect the car to be either bereft of much in the way of standard kit, or not really premium. Neither is the case.

What the designers at the prestige division of Toyota have done is come up with a new model that oozes quality – both inside and out, as well as under the skin.

Modern car interiors continue to become more attractive and sustainable but the cabin of the LBX has raised the game to a level its rivals have yet to match, courtesy of everything from the quality of the seats to the response of the multimedia set-up and e-Latch electronic door release system.

It’s all based on the Japanese principle of ‘omotenashi’, which describes the concept of hospitality, mindfulness and gracious service.

And in the case of the LBX it centres on good visibility with an open view out, a smooth uncluttered instrument panel, the sense of a wide interior space and a commanding centre console.

In fact our only criticism of the compact Lexus is that space for adult rear passengers is a little too compact; cramming three across the rear is a very tight squeeze.

That said, there’s plenty of room up front and the way the cabin slopes is designed with passenger legroom in mind.

Interior stowage options are plentiful and robust and include a lower storage box for small items that also contains a 12V accessory socket and C-type USB port while all models also have upholstered side knee pads and a padded centre armrest.

All LBX models come with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and while the cheaper trim levels have to make do with a seven-inch digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel, our tested Takumi variant had a larger 12.3-inch screen.

The central screen is easy to use too, thankfully having a manual sound system volume control, though requiring to accept terms and conditions every time you start the car is irritating.

Opting for a higher grade also brings in 50 different options of ambient lighting across the themes of Healing, Relaxing, Arousing, Focusing and Exhilarated.

The 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid powertrain – present in every LBX model – is tuned for rewarding performance but also responds well to urban conditions, and being a hybrid it can operate at low speed exclusively on electric power.

The official average consumption figure is 62.7 miles per gallon and even with plenty of suburban pottering, with the petrol engine frequently kicking in, we were still able to return 58mpg.

In time-honoured Lexus style the LBX is also dynamically superior too, with ample kick for overtaking, a lovely balanced feel from the steering and lots of agility through winding roads.

Even entry grade Urban trim models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with automatic high beam, Lexus Link Connect multimedia system, dual-zone climate control, smartphone integration (wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto), E-latch electronic release, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera as standard.

Moving up through the grades adds more kit, our tested Takumi version including the likes of a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, semi-aniline leather upholstery, power driver’s seat adjustment with memory, multi-colour interior ambient lighting, Intelligent Park Assist, an Advanced Safety Pack and LED headlights with Adaptive High-beam System.

So there’s plenty to like about the LBX – and it’s the best compact SUV we have tested so far.