WHEN car companies want to float an idea they normally introduce a concept motor at a major show.

It normally has futuristic looks and a wow factor that often doesn't make it to the finished article rolling off the production line.

Well hold on to your driving gloves because the Lexus NX 300h F Sport's exterior defies convention with space-age looks in a daring design that gives this hybrid real road presence.

It has retained many of the ideas that made LF-NX concept it is based on a stunner at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

That's not to say it will be to everyone's taste as the exterior is a bold statement not all will want to make.

Those that do won't lack for attention as the outrageous recipe of curves, sharp edges and muscular SUV-inspired bodywork will certainly turn heads.

The cabin is a little more conservative but still features an angular climate control panel and pleasing attention to detail.

Top quality materials are used and the fit and finish is excellent. Simple things like the light and wiper stalks have a solidity that is reassuring while the soft thunk of the indicator is oddly therapeutic after a hard day in the office.

There's 6.2-inch colour infotainment screen with a neat touchpad that can nevertheless be a bit hit and miss to use if you are driving. It accesses the excellent audio system featuring a DAB radio and optional sat nav.

The F Sport model also features a wireless phone charger in the armrest between the driver and the front seat passenger.

A raft of kit helps justify the premium price-tag as rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors and smart LED daytime running lights all make an appearance as do two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and integrated roof rails.

This compact SUV - a first for Lexus - also boasts a host of safety systems including a plethora of airbags, stability control, hill-start assist, traction control and a tyre pressure warning system.

As well as being safe to sit in, the cabin is also a pleasant place to spend a journey thanks to comfortable and supportive leather seats as well as a suspension that copes competently with the humps and hollows littering our roads.

There's plenty of room for four adults while the 475-litre boot is adequate to cope with their luggage and expands to 1,520 with the rear seats folded. An electric tailgate tests the patience a touch as paint dries quicker than it opens and closes.

If you decide to venture off-road the four-wheel drive system is more than capable of getting the budding Premier League star to his or her school football match across a muddy field.

That said, the majority of owners will probably stick to the road where the clever E-Four part-time system provides excellent levels of grip when inclement conditions are the order of the day, reverting to fuel-saving two-wheel drive when not required.

Beneath the bonnet is a 2.5-litre petrol-electric combo which plays a decent tune while delivering a combined 194bhp.

It boasts claimed average fuel consumption figures of 54.3mpg with the combination of petrol engine and electric motor producing hushed travel while helping to limit emissions so making it attractive to company car buyers.

Despite its sharp looks the NX300h isn't a lightning bolt although performance is respectable with the F Sport hybrid hitting 62mph from a standing start in a shade over nine seconds.

There are various driving modes that can be selected from Eco through to Sport which do pretty much what they say on the tin when it comes to the effect on the car.

The steering gives a reasonable feel for what is happening on the road and is festooned with controls, as well as being fully adjustable.

This, together with power adjustment and lumbar support for the heated driving seat make for a comfortable position behind the wheel.