NORMALLY I veer away from boring old statistics like top speeds, fuel consumption and environmentally-friendliness, but then every once in a while along comes a car with a stats list to blow your socks off.
And that said vehicle is the hybrid Lexus GS 450h which boasts speeds up to 155mph, 0-62mph figures of 5.9 seconds and - wait for it - fuel economy in the region of 35 miles per gallon.
That means up to 500 miles on a tank of fuel which is almost unheard of in the car industry.
The reason for this fabulous achievement is that the petrol V6 engine is helped along by an equally impressive electric motor making it the first hybrid luxury saloon on the roads today.
And another joy of motoring in this model is the total silence. When the engine starts there is absolutely no noise whatsoever. In fact, I was caught out on more than one occasion lurching forward because I wasn't certain the ignition had kicked in...it had.
Now, I said this was a luxury saloon and the luxurious touches are in abundance. From the heated leather seats to dual-zone air con, cruise control and parking assist, the Lexus has it all. It even boasts a smart keyless entry system which means the key only has to be close to the driver's door for it to unlock. Again the technology caught me napping as time and time again I got out the car, engaged the central locking system, only to unlock it all again when I double-checked the doors. Maybe a tad too clever for us mere mortals!
But the Lexus is a smashing drive, both in and around town and on the open road, it performed admirably. And the excellent safety specification is enough to put any mind at rest.
All in all, great drive, not cheap, but good, CLEAN fun.
FAST FACTS
Lexus GS 450h 3.5 V6 SE-L
Price: £46,830
Mechanical: 292bhp, 3,456cc, 6cyl hybrid engine driving rear wheels via automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.9 secs
Combined mpg: 35.8
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 186g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust