Behind the wheel of Lexus’ new compact and very attractive LBX SUV today – I drove the LBX Sports Luxury all-wheel drive at $56,990 combining a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual electric motors with a combined output of 100kW driving through a continuously variable transmission. The all- wheel-drive combination knocks the weight up to 1415kgs. A classy small SUV which Lexus Australia Chief John Pappas says, breaks new ground for Lexus and is proof luxury is not dictated by vehicle size. It is however tight in the rear, best viewed as a personalised compact luxury two-seater. It’s no fire breather in this heavier all-wheel drive Sports Luxury variant however with parent company Toyota’s enormous success with hybrid technology it offers a very satisfying and practical hybrid performance with frugal economy – I managed a best of 4.6L/100 with 91 grade petrol in mainly city driving. Few gripes, I don’t like Lexus interior door latches, their awkward at best and should be on a horizontal plane rather than vertical and there’s no aircon vents in the rear. But the Lexus LBX really is a classy compact SUV with five-year/unlimited km warranty, battery warranty up to 10 years with annual hybrid dealer checks. I’m David Berthon

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