Company Car Review of the Lexus NX 300h F Sport

What is it?

SMALL yet premium SUVs are all the rage, with Land Rover, Audi, BMW and Volvo all fighting for sales in an increasingly competitive environment. Now there’s another option to add to the list as Lexus finally gets involved with the NX, a sharply sculptured SUV of their own.

Only available as a hybrid – at least until a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol option turns up next year – the NX’s 2.5-litre engine is combined with an electric motor to stand out in a segment that’s dominated by diesel.

That hybrid choice means BIK burdens are relatively low at 16%, resulting in quite a saving over a BMW X1 or Audi Q3 rival.

Economy is strong, with an official combined economy figure of 54.3mpg, while performance is acceptable; the 0-62mph sprint is despatched in 9.2 seconds.

Four-wheel drive is on offer on all but the entry level model, although the NX is no off-roader. A damp car park at the races won’t defeat it, but the Darien Gap will.