Lexus has opened pre-sales for its LBX hybrid compact crossover, which starts from £29,995.

The “breakthrough” new model was revealed earlier this summer, heralding a new entry point for the brand’s SUV range and bringing a rival to the Audi Q2 and Ford Puma.

It’s powered by a new-generation, full-hybrid powertrain using a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and single electric motor, generating 134bhp with peak torque of 185Nm. No performance figures have been announced but Lexus says the LBX enables all-electric EV driving at higher speeds and over longer distances. An E-Four all-wheel drive model with an additional electric motor on the rear axle will also be available.

Six different grades will be on offer – Urban, Premium, Premium Plus, Takumi, Premium Plus Design and Takumi Design – plus the limited-run Original Edition. Each grade uses one of five different Lexus interior themes, dubbed “atmospheres”.

The lead-in Urban model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, Lexus Link Connect with 9.8-inch multimedia screen, front and rear parking sensors, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, LED headlights with automatic high beam, dual-zone climate control, E-latch electronic release, and rear-view camera.

Premium ups this with Tahara synthetic leather seats, heated front seats and wireless smartphone charger, Pre-Collision System with Driver Monitor, Rear Side Monitor, Blind Spot Monitor and Safe Exit Assist, automatic windscreen wipers, ambient cabin lighting and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The Premium Plus builds on the Premium specification with high-gloss 18-inch wheels, 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle, smart entry, LED fog and cornering lights and nanoe-X air purification system. The Premium Plus Design model then adds in bi-tone paintwork, machined alloys and perforated Tahara upholstery with red stitching.

Takumi grade come with a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, semi-aniline leather seats, 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.

The Takumi Design specification adds bi-tone paintwork, machined 18-inch alloys and combination Ultrasuede and leather upholstery.

The special Original Edition version is marked out with Sonic Copper bi-tone paint, matt black 18-inch wheels, bespoke badging and Alcantara and leather seats. Only 250 examples will be offered.

Designed and engineered with a focus on European customers, the LBX is built on a modified version of the GA-B global architecture platform also used for the Toyota Yaris Cross and majorly revised to give a low centre of gravity, wide tracks, short overhangs and a highly rigid body. Boot space stands at up to 332 litres for front-wheel drive models.

Full pricing will be announced in October along with formal orders opening but pre-orders are available here with a (refundable) £500 reservation fee.

First deliveries start from March 2024, or from June 2024 for the Urban grade model.