THE name Lexus has always been synonymous with quality, if not always the cheapest to run.

But then again, if you can afford one, you should be able to afford to run it.

That said, you do get plenty for your money, with this luxury hybrid saloon no longer prohibitively expensive, being available for just under £30,000.

But even luxury manufacturers are consscious these days of fuel economy and environmental concerns from CO2 emissions.

As the luxury arm of Toyota that should be no surprise, as the Japanese firm has been one of the pioneers of the hybrid with the Prius, a car favoured by many ultra-rich stars concerned about the environment.

That technology is developing apace as is the design with the exceedingly handsome IS 300, with its all new look being one of the flagbearers.

Like the NX, the design is all sharp angles and creases, but none the worse for that and there is now a signifcant increase in rear space thanks to a longer wheelbase.

It has a low, coupe like stance, with distinctive daytime running lights in the shape of the Lexus ‘L' motif, either side of the deep grille and air scoop.

There is a powerful, low slung look, set off nicely with the eye-catching alloy wheels. The angular look is replicated at the rear end where the slim rear light clusters give an even more distinctive look.

The interior like all Lexus models is elegant and features high quality fixtures, fittings and soft finish trim to dash and doors. It is inspired, say Lexus, by the cockpit of the LFA supercar.

It feels classy and the neat analogue clock in the centre of the dash adds to the quality feeling. Sitting above the clock is a central touchscreen which, paired to a small joystick behind the gearchange lever, controls most of the major functions.

These include sat nav, infotainment, phone connectivity and multimedia systems and access to Lexus Connected services. Advanced HMI technology for dashboard controls, include touch-sensitive air conditioning temperature controls.

It also features advanced systems like the cruise control which can be adjusted in increments of one mph by nudging the lever up or down and hill-start assist which holds the car for two seconds on hills.

You also hear how the car sounds via and an active sound control with adjustable volume to relay the engine sound into the cabin using a speaker behind the audio unit.

It looks the part both inside and out, and on the road is a surprising performer. The claimed fuel economy from the combined 178bhp 2.5-litre petrol engine and 141bhp electric motor is 64.2mpg.

This is a figure I reckon I came close to achieving at certain periods over many days and different driving styles.

It has the capability of running of full electric mode, with the petrol engine kicking in at certain speeds. Mated to a CVT transmission, the car pulls away smoothly to reach 60mph in around eight seconds.

The hybrid is not hugely quick, but should be plenty for most drivers and really comes into its own on the motorway, with electric and petrol power instantly combining for effortless overtaking.

Road, wind and tyre noise are virtually absent and driver and occupants are whisked to their desitinations in quiet comfort. It also handles well, being so low slung taking fast corners with ease and feeling stable at all times.

Advanced safety systems including a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert as well as the full complement of airbags, including keen airbag, and braking and stability control systems.