Is the LBX a game changer? A quite compact actual luxury car – not an economy car masquerading as a luxury car by having a few electronic gadgets fitted…

Well, in many ways, it would seem to meet the criteria that very few cars do. Although based on the platform of a low-cost Toyota model, Lexus have made a raft of changes which lift the LBX way into a different league.

There’s beautiful Ultrasuede upholstery on the seats, dashboard and door trims. The windows are made of sound-reducing double glazing. Electric buttons for door handles. Head-up display. Heated seats and steering wheel. Power tailgate. A lot of well-considered luxury. And it’s very quiet to ride in.

The hybrid mechanicals are a 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol with a pair of electric motors, making it all-wheel-drive – giving confidence in grip in any weather on any roads. It’s not especially fast, but that’s not what the typical buyer is seeking. The CVT transmission is fine except when extra performance is required and it sounds like a slipping clutch as the engine revs to provide more motivation. The LBX is especially economical.

Rear seat space and boot space are both quite compromised, like many other cars of the same size.

The tyres have quite high-profile sidewalls which means the chances of kerb damage are much less than the typical set-up on too many cars these days. That also helps the ride quality. Where many small cars pitch over speed bumps and big road irregularities, the LBX is quite composed.

The Lexus stylists have created a muscular look to the LBX but pleasingly, they have avoided the aggressive styling elements that so many current cars suffer from.\

The model tested sells for $56,990, but a 2-wheel drive version is also offered, from $47,550.

So does the littlest Lexus live up to the aim of being a proper luxury car in such compact dimensions? In most respects it does. With a better engine/transmission combination it would be an easier sell as a luxury car. And with a few centimetres more rear legroom the car’s other issue would be gone… Maybe you can’t have everything.

The legendary Lexus build quality and after sales service are the envy of all other luxury car brands, which should give any LBX buyer great confidence. The LBX is an easy car to live with and one that I found unusually appealing.

Copyright Paul Blank