THE world of hybrid motoring was once the preserve of the luxury saloon buyer but these days it is an emerging part of the hatchback market, due in no uncertain terms to the pioneering work by Lexus.

Lexus is the premium arm of Toyota and both companies have invested countless sums of money proving that hybrid drive does work in a world in which CO2 emissions have to be driven down to the absolute minimum for motoring in the form that we know it to have a credible survivability factor in the long-term future.

And in the world of hybrids change happens fast. The Lexus CT200h was the world's first luxury full hybrid hatcback and stepped up the appeal of the genre to those who wanted a little more than the Toyota Prius.

And now the CT200h has been given a makeover with new equipment grades with all versions achieving sub-100g/km CO2 emissions.

It offers the lowest cost of ownership in its class with zero road tax, congestion charge exemption and attractive tax benefits for company car drivers and fleet operators.

Powered by a 99bhp four-cylinder in-line petrol engine linked to an 81bhp electric motor this 112mph executive hatch can achieve a combined economy figure of 68.9mpg with the F Sport model. This costs £26,745 and operates in one of the most hotly-contested market sectors, traditionally dominated by diesel power.

Aimed at the younger driver with a environmental leanings this car does not fall short on performance with a 0-62mph sprint factor of 10.3 seconds. Not bad for a car that carries a BIK tax of just 11%.

The latest version is a much more sophisticated and attractive vehicle thanks to Lexus's first female chief engineer, Chika Kato.

Its interior is much brighter, reflecting its future because it is the most economical luxury compact available. And it is extrememly silent. The newer version does seem to make much more use of electric power with the motor kicking in only when necessary. And it is all fed via an electric CVT transmission which does give a luxury feel to every day driving.

Full marks too for the ride which is in a class above.

All versions feature a digital radio, two USB ports, hill start assistance and a tyre pressure warning system as well as a spare wheel instead of a tyre repair kit.

It is interesting to drive each new hybrid as they appear because each one becomes more refined. It is witnessing automotive history evolving and it is certainly happening at a fast pace.