ALTHOUGH many people's memory of electric transport probably extends only as far as the milkman's float, hybrid cars are growing in numbers.
With the likes of General Motor's Opel Ampera, set to become the Vauxhall Ampera by 2011, making an entrance at the Geneva Motor Show in March and even a pure electric BMW Mini currently demonstrating its capabilities in and around the streets of New York, electric power is set to become a bigger part of our motoring future.
One of the early contenders, the Lexus GS 450h, was launched in the spring of 2006, becoming the planet's first hybrid powered car to feature a front engine and rear wheel drive powertrain. The system is now fitted to the third generation of the Lexus GS which benefits from a recent series of styling and specification changes.
New elements on the outside include a chrome surround for the front grille, new door mirrors with integrated indicators and new look door handles while the front and rear bumpers have all been gently restyled.
Sharing a number of styling cues with other Lexus hybrid models, the GS 450h comes with blue shading to the headlamp covers and badging front and rear. Inside there's leather upholstery and heated front seats, plus wood trim coming as standard on all versions of a trim line-up of standard, SE and SE-L.
In the frame here is the SE version which includes a hugely generous level of standard kit delivering the likes of fully electric dual zone climate control system, 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system with six-disc video and audio, tyre pressure warning system, electric windows all round, steering guided parking sensors, electric, plus heated and folding door mirrors.
Safety is well taken care of with a dozen airbags plus ABS braking with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, hill start assist, vehicle stability control, and even variable gear ratio steering.
Security is of a high order including anti theft system and immobiliser and double door locks,
Attention to detail has also been well sorted in a cabin which positively oozes class courtesy of the high quality materials used throughout.
Paired with the electronically controlled, slick shifting continuously variable transmission, the Lexus hybrid drive system is based on a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine which, in series mode, can power the system's electric motor exclusively to be emission free. Alternatively - and in most situations - the petrol engine and electric motor work in tandem.
In pursuit of the best balance of power and traction, a mode select switch on the centre console can bring in any of three power response settings, normal, power and snow.
While rear seats have plenty of leg and head room to accommodate six footers, the transmission tunnel does intrude a little and perhaps the boot could have been more thoughtfully designed.
If you excuse the road rumble, progress is smooth and refined for the 450h hybrid is an almost silent engine.
Overall, the Lexus GS 450h has broken through a number of mean and green barriers and will, no doubt, continue to do so as it pursues its environmentally friendly goals.
FAST FACTS
Lexus GS 450h 3.5 V6 SE
Price: £42,285
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: 17
CO2 emissions: 185g/km
BiK rating: 23%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw