Car reviews

The Lexus RX has managed to succeed in a market dominated by diesel cars despite running only on petrol. The RX300 of 2003 was a much more satisfactory car to live with compared with the original RX which was designed only with North America in mind. It arrived here a few years into its life and never quite felt as advanced as many of its rivals. The 2003 model was a far more accomplished machine. In 2005 the RX300 was joined by the RX400h model which is actually a hybrid - it has both electric and petrol power units. Look at it as Lexus's alternative to a diesel, being more economical than a petrol unit, but it's also more powerful and much more refined than even the petrol version. A clever CVT gearbox helps to juggle power from the V6 and the two electric motors as needed, ensuring smooth delivery and clever system of generators recharge the onboard batteries under braking, coasting or engine power to ensure the system doesn't need additional charging. The only real downside of this system is the fact although four wheel drive, the RX400h couldn't be used off-road as the rear wheels are only powered by one electric motor. In 2006 the RX300 was replaced by the RX350 which was both more powerful and more frugal than the smaller engine.