What is it?

The new car market is flooded with b-segment compact crossovers and the LBX is Lexus’ first take into this market.

With its standard hybrid powertrain and compact dimensions, the Japanese firm should be on to a winner when it comes to offering low running costs with ease of driving and ownership. We take a look to find out.

What’s new?

It may be a new model, but underneath its skin, you’ll find all of the mechanicals and platform from its cheaper sister – the Toyota Yaris Cross.

However, that’s no bad thing as the Toyota also has plenty of plus points to make it a great small crossover.

The acronym for this new car stands for ‘Lexus Breakthrough X (Crossover) and although that might have an odd meaning, it certainly isn’t an odd car.

What’s under the bonnet?

To make it as stress-free as possible when buying, Lexus is offering the LBX with only one engine. It’s a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that is mated to an electric motor and comes as standard with a CVT automatic gearbox.

In terms of performance, the engine gives out 138bhp and 120Nm of torque. That means it can take the car from 0-60mph in nine seconds and runs out of puff at 105mph.

Running costs should be low as CO2 emissions are only 103g/km and Lexus claims the LBX can do a combined 62mpg.

What’s it like to drive?

To drive, the Lexus really does impress. It feels agile, poised and nimble at speed.

When driving down a twisty road, there is little body lean and the steering feel is nicely weighted. The car feels planted and stable at the top end and we’re impressed with just how much grip there is, too. However, put your foot down and the engine coupled together with the CVT gearbox drones its way into the cabin making it noisy and unrefined.

But, when you're not under hard acceleration, it’s very quiet with a good amount of sound deadening to eliminate tyre, road and wind noise. Also, when driving in town, using ‘EV Mode’ will allow the car to run on electric mode below speeds of 30mph – making it effortlessly comfortable and relaxing to travel in.

Other little niggles are taller drivers might find they hit their knee on the centre console and visibility out the back is limited due to the thick rear pillars and small back window. Thankfully, our test car’s parking sensors and reversing camera help with this.

Our test car has been achieving 58.1mpg wherever we go in it, not quite the claimed 62mpg that the manufacturer says it will do, but nonetheless, it’s not too far off.

How does it look?

The LBX has quite a squatted stance which makes it sit on the road very nicely. Its angular bonnet and wraparound front headlights give it that distinct Lexus exterior design making it have its own identity.

Our test car features a bi-tone black contrasting roof with Cement grey paintwork which also makes it look clean and modern. At the back, there is a single light bar that runs the width of the boot lid and the firm has started to use specific lettering for its rear badges, too.

What’s it like inside?

The cabin itself is aesthetically pleasing and minimalist without it being a case of style over substance.

There are still physical buttons for the climate control which makes them more intuitive to use while on the move and the touchscreen houses shortcut buttons to the most commonly used driver assistance setting – which is handy.

Storage is good enough with large door bins and a decently sized storage cut out under the centre console. It’s just a pity that the glovebox is of average size.

Talking of space, in the back is quite a cramped and uncomfortable affair as the rear seats don’t offer that much knee or leg room.

The rear seats don’t fold down flat and rivals such as the Volkswagen T-Roc offer more boot space with the Lexus offering 402 litres compared to its German rival of 445 litres.

What’s the spec like?

Lexus always gives generous equipment to all of its cars and the LBX doesn’t fall short on standard kit.

There are a lot of versions to choose from including Urban, Premium, Premium Plus, Premium Plus Design, Takumi, Takumi Design and Original Edition.

We are driving the mid-spec Premium Plus Design which comes in at £35,605 and features rear privacy glass, a head-up display, heated front seats and blind-spot monitoring.

Higher specced versions gain equipment such as a Mark Levinson premium audio system and a 360-degree camera.

Plus, Takumi and Takumi Design models are available with all-wheel-drive for added grip.

Verdict

The LBX is a great all-rounder that benefits from good looks, a great driving experience and an upmarket interior.

All versions come well equipped and the consumer isn’t cut short on choice of what trim level to choose from.

It may be let down by a smaller boot than the opposition and its rear passenger space is not the best in class, however, we can forgive it for its excellent build quality, refinement and above all else, its running costs are extremely low – which should make this little Lexus a hit with company car buyers and small families.

Overall, it’s a great alternative and should definitely be on your shopping list if you’re in the market for a compact B-segment crossover.