Should you buy one?

The Lexus UX isn’t the most practical choice of compact premium SUV. The cramped rear seats and tiny boot means it’s a car best suited to single people and couples, rather than families. But if you want a car that’s smooth, relaxing and easy to drive then you could do far worse than consider one.

We particularly like the interior’s peerless build quality – it’s put together with such precision. And the latest infotainment tech removes the main annoyance from older UX models. We were less engaged with the driving experience. Rivals such as the BMW X2 and Range Rover Evoque are more rewarding, but in many respects the UX feel more in-tune with the current climate of high petrol prices and emissions-concerned city centres. The hybrid system remains a rare feature in this class, works well, and can still get a shift on if you need it to.

But the biggest problem the UX faces is the existence of the smaller Lexus LBX. It’s not as nice to drive and its interior isn’t quite up to the same standards. But it’s more practical and costs several thousand pounds less. We get the feeling the UX really only still exists to fill the admittedly big gap in the Lexus SUV line-up between the LBX and NX.

What we like

Spec it carefully and the Lexus UX’s interior can be a luxury cocoon that puts almost every rival to shame. The hybrid tech is really efficient, as well as relaxing and smooth. The ride is comfortable, and performance is quietly quick rather than shoutily loud. It could be the balm for a busy soul you’ve been looking for.

What we don’t like

The rear seat space is poor for anyone but children and the boot’s laughably small – no way you’re getting a buggy in there, especially in the all-wheel-drive models. It’s not particularly engaging to drive, either, and is losing its raison d’être in the Lexus range.