ONE of the top urban 4x4 choices of recent years has been the Lexus RX400h, a big hybrid petrol electric capable of no less than 35 miles per gallon.
The RX is also available with a straight petrol V6, but the hybrid is the one to go for if you can.
It’s a Lexus, so quality, refinement and opulence come as standard in all models.
And it has similar power and performance to any other similar large off-roader, while emitting a fraction of their carbon dioxide levels.
It was the world's first four-wheel-drive petrol/electric and is based around a 3.3-litre engine, plus electric motors front and rear, all driving through a standard continuously variable automatic gearbox.
The hybrid system operates in several modes, has stop-start for heavy traffic and at low speeds runs on electric motors alone.
At high speed, the engine drives the wheels and charges the batteries for the electric motors.
Interior
All RX’s have marvellous comfort and good driving ergonomics. Equipment is up with the very best, including leather electrically adjusted and heated seats, parking sensors, climate, traction and stability control and a full display showing which engines are doing what at any time.
Most will also have Lexus’ superb touch screen sat nav system – still one of the best you can buy.
FAST FACTS
Lexus RX400h
Price: Pay about £17,500 for an ’06 06-reg SE or £27,100 for an’09 09-reg SR.
Mechanical: 269bhp, 3,311cc, 6cyl hybrid engine driving four wheels via automatic gearbox
Max speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 7.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 34
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 192g/km
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Land Rover Discovery