Lexus has entered the premium small off-roader segment with the new NX hybrid, designed to take on the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi’s Q5.

Excellent

The efficiency is peerless, with the all-wheel drive model offering 121g/km, compared with 138g/km for an automatic X3 or 159g/km for a Q5 auto of similar power. The NX’s more edgy styling also makes it stand out in a pretty mainstream sector.

Good

The hybrid system works with Toyota’s usual excellence in heavy traffic, promoting a sense of zero-emission smugness. Equipment and technology on this very expensive Premium model is also impressive.

Average

The CVT gearbox means the petrol engine lacks the refinement of even diesel rivals under acceleration, and the mousepad infotainment control, while better, is still poor compared with rivals’ systems.

Poor

Economy at motorway speed is nowhere near what a diesel would achieve, and the RV on the top-spec model is just 35.4%, although models lower down the range break 40%. The X3 is at 48.0%.

Verdict

A nice new addition to the sector that’s most suited to low-mileage urban drivers.