Lexus set out to introduce a sleek-looking compact premium SUV aimed at the younger European market that delivered brilliant economy and an engaging drive, then they seem to have nailed it with the LBX.

The new compact SUV, along with others in the Lexus stable, has buried the old “pipe and slippers image” of being primarily driven by older drivers – given that the models produced in recent years have ground-breaking design and advanced technology .

The new model comes in seven versions with a starting price of £29,995. Compact with a muscular profile, the familiar Lexus ‘spider’ grille that sits under a narrow grille has been modified; the company says it’s part of Lexus’ “Resolute Look” design heritage.

There is a new headlight design that integrates daytime running lights and indicators. The new face of the vehicle is to improve the drag coefficient, by directing the airflow from the front bumper down the sides of the vehicle.

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

It has plush soft finish with logical controls well placed for optimal use. Also new is a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, padded knee pads on the side, 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 the main functions through Lexus Link multimedia which includes navigation, smartphone integration and an advanced Mark Levinson audio system on this model.

An optional digital key is compatible with both 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 is packed with kit including, on the entry-level model, automatic LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, all-round parking sensors and a reversing camera and 17-inch alloys, while this upper mid-range model has leather-style upholstery, tinted rear windows, a charging pad for cordless phone, ambient interior lighting, a head-up display and power tailgate.

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

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

This combination delivers rapid performance to 60mph in just over nine seconds, while WLTP combined figures show fuel economy up to an amazing 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions from 102g/km

On the road, it offers both fun and economy. It feels stable in corners while the suspension is firm enough for excellent handling, but not so firm that it makes the ride uncomfortable.

It may be the smallest Lexus, but storage space is decent at 402 litres, with room for two 75-litre suitcases under the boot lid.

Like all Lexus models, it is packed with safety equipment including the latest Lexus Safety System+ active system which includes hazard detection capabilities and new braking, steering and traction control functions to avoid collisions.

Fact file

• Lexus LBX Premium Plus Design

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