Behind the wheel of Lexus’ new compact and very attractive LBX SUV today – Idrove the LBX Sports Luxury all-wheel drive at $56,990 combining a 1.5-litrethree-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual electric motors with a combinedoutput of 100kW driving through a continuously variable transmission. The all-wheel-drive combination knocks the weight up to 1415kgs. A classy small SUVwhich Lexus Australia Chief John Pappas says, breaks new ground for Lexus andis proof luxury is not dictated by vehicle size. It is however tight in the rear, bestviewed as a personalised compact luxury two-seater. It’s no fire breather in thisheavier all-wheel drive Sports Luxury variant however with parent companyToyota’s enormous success with hybrid technology it offers a very satisfying andpractical hybrid performance with frugal economy – I managed a best of 4.6L/100with 91 grade petrol in mainly city driving. Few gripes, I don’t like Lexus interiordoor latches, their awkward at best and disappointingly there’s no aircon vents inthe rear. But the Lexus LBX really is a classy compact SUV, as I said earlierperfect for the lady in the house with five-year/unlimited km warranty and batterywarranty up to 10 years with annual hybrid dealer checks. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.