It may all look a little Chelsea High Road frivolous at first. But under the skin there is some cutting edge technology that makes the NX 300h both economical from a fiscal perspective, and reasonably capable as an off-roader should the need ever arise.

Lexus’ E-Four all-wheel drive, hybrid powertrain features constantly variable transmission (CVT) which takes a little getting used to at first. It sounds like the engine is over-revving, but a CO2 emissions rating of just 121g/km and combined MPG of 54.3 will quickly outweigh any misgivings.

When the NX first arrived on our long-term test fleet it attracted a great deal of interest and that continues to be the case. Cars like this are a rare sight in the South-West (until they are about 18 years old) and it has proved to be a real head turner.

Such is the list of key features in the press pack accompanying the NX 300h that the next few reports will probably need to be preceded by a visit to the owner’s manual. But first impressions from one long trip and several short ones is that this is a car with supreme levels of comfort and all the creature comforts you would expect from a £36,630 price tag.