THE Lexus NX is the brand's best-selling SUV and, once behind the wheel, you can see why. Especially if you choose the dynamic F Sport version here. I have to say, I really enjoyed my time with it.

With the 450h+ model, Lexus embraced plug-in technology for the first time. It uses a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a much-improved CVT automatic transmission with the 305bhp PHEV model including a 18.1kWh battery and a pair of electric motors to provide all-wheel-drive.

Whereas in the past a CVT transmission, in my opinion, has always been a negative point, it's hardly noticeable here, unless you want extremely hard acceleration. And, to be honest, in the 450h+, you don't really need that. It's not that sort of car.

The dual-motor set-up offers plenty of torquein all-electric mode so is quick off the mark if you want to embarrass boy racers at the traffic lights, but it will easily deliver zero emissions driving at motorway speeds.

It's an extremely comfortable cruiser but that high level of torque and strong grip from the all-wheel drive system ensures the NX is strong and stable through long, sweeping corners, as well as sprightly and sure-footed when dealing with sharper, country road bends. It really is a peach to drive.

Trail mode is also offered for the first time on a Lexus, It integrates control of the all-wheel drive system, braking and drive force to help prevent wheelspin when travelling on rough or loose surfaces, enhancing off-road driving performance.

So, if one wheel loses contact with the ground, Trail Mode will brake the spinning wheel and direct drive torque to the grounded wheel to gain traction, at the same time adjusting throttle response and shift pattern.

The NX 450h+ PHEV can cover up to 43 all-electric miles from a single charge, but let's forget about claimed ranges of over 300 miles. Without recharging the PHEV, I achieved 40.5mpg over more than 290 miles of A-road cruising and commuting.

When it comes to charging, topping up using a 7kW home wallbox, from 0-100%, takes just under three hours, which is also impressive.

As it's a Lexus, the interior of the NX doesn't disappoint with plenty of premium materials, excellent craftsmanship, and a definite feel of luxury.

To help keep the driver's attention focused on the road ahead, the main sources of information - the multi-information display, multimedia screen, gauges, meters - are grouped so they can be read at a glance.

The number of switches has been reduced from 78 to 45 and all of them fall nicely to hand. The best news is that the fiddly trackpad has been replaced by a highly responsive 14-inch touchscreen display, standard on F Sport. Rejoice!

Although the standard NX is very well equipped there's a Premium Pack which adds rear privacy glass, smart keyless entry, a wireless phone charger with 50% quicker charging performance, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Premium Plus Pack adds 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, LED headlights with Adaptive High-beam, LED cornering lights, 360-degree camera system, a head-up display, and ambient cabin lighting with 64 selectable colours.

To this, you can add a large panoramic sunroof. I'd say yes.

The latest NX is also the first car in its class to provide cloud navigation as standard. The car's data communication module (DCM) enables the navigation to be always connected, providing live information on traffic events, accidents and road conditions, which is handy.

Naturally, as an F-Sport there's added ‘sporty' touches such as a piano black grille, black roof rails and F Sport badging. The cabin features an F Sport steering wheel, aluminium pedals and sports front seats.

The package also equips the car with very nice Adaptive Variable Suspension and front and rear lateral performance dampers.

The latest NX is also a little bit longer and wider than its predecessor, so there's plenty of head and legroom in the rear while sitting up front is as roomy as it ever was.

Boot capacity is good at 521 litres, which opens up to 1,436 litres after folding the rear seats. There's also underfloor compartments to stow charging cables.