IF there's a type of car that never fails to attract and fascinate, for me it's those in the junior executive sector.
Here you should have a saloon with serious pace, enough space for four adults so it's fairly practical and sufficient luxury to molly-coddle you.
We Brits just love the combination of these qualities. Just look at the success of the BMW 3 Series, C-Class Merc, Audi A4 and now the home grown XE from Jaguar.
There's another contender in the shape of the Lexus IS 300h which has an additional stand-out factor...it's a petrol hybrid whereas the other compact luxury saloons rely on conventional petrol and diesel engines.
Now one of the obvious advantages of a hybrid is it cuts CO2 emissions, on which our tax system is currently based, so allowing the Lexus to hit a relatively low 109g/km.
Its rivals must rely on diesel power to achieve similar results. Another plus is that the blend of an electric motor and a petrol engine - a four cylinder, 2.5-litre in the case of the IS 300h - is quieter and generally more refined than a diesel.
This is an aspect that fits in well with the car's character as a quality mile-eater with a highish price tag, top end cabin and stacks of luxury kit.
A few stats, then... with a top speed of 125mph and acceleration to 62mph in 8.3 seconds, the Lexus is a tad tardier than most rivals. But the continuous stream of power flows smooth as cream and you rarely feel that it is left lacking.
The continuous variable transmission isn't as engaging as a good double-clutch automatic nor as satisfying as a slick six-speed manual but it is far better than most CVT systems.
Handling is safe and utterly predictable with minimum roll during enthusiastic cornering. The ride isn't quite as compliant as either a Jag or a Beemer but manages to suppress all but the worst ruts and potholes. Steering is light with a tight turning circle even though it lacks a degree of road-feel.
I suspect that few drivers will approach the official combined fuel consumption of 60.1mpg. But I was happy enough with my more realistic average of 41mpg during some pretty demanding routes. Thrash the 300h hard and you pay for it at the pump, like most hybrids.
The cabin is a place of comfort and beauty with top-notch furnishings, plenty of goodies and the sort of flair you'd hope for in a car costing double.
Standard kit in the £36,750 Premier includes front and rear parking sensors, sat nav, electrically adjustable heated and cooled front seats, infotainment system and rear view camera.
The sat-nav is just a bit too sensitive to be used effectively on the move and I found the remote mouse to control the infotainment system somewhat fiddly and difficult to use.
There's ample space for four onboard and a surprising amount of legroom in the rear. The boot can take 450 litres of luggage - about average for the class.