Sub-150g/km: Lexus RX450h
Petrol-electric SUV doesn’t cost as much to run as you think
Power: 295bhp
CO2: 145g/km
Price: £44,530
20% BIK: £140 pcm
40% BIK: £281 pcm
Hybrids are usually clean, but they can be powerful, too. Take the Lexus RX 450h. By using two electric motors to supplement its 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, the luxury car claims to blend V8 performance with the economy of a four-cylinder unit. And with headline figures of 295bhp, 44.8mpg and 145g/km, it’s hard to argue against this logic.
If you don’t think a 4x4 deserves to appear in a line-up like this, consider the RX’s acceleration. Those electric motors really boost low-down torque, and help to power the Lexus from 0-62mph in a highly respectable 7.8 seconds. A CVT box optimises efficiency, and around town it’s even possible to drive using purely electric power for short periods.
But what’s really impressive is the car’s refinement. The air-suspension delivers luxury saloon comfort, while at high cruising speeds, noise levels are barely noticeable.
There’s no questioning the quality of the fit and finish inside the RX 450h, either, and buyers who like gadgets will undoubtedly be impressed with the level of standard kit on offer, especially in £61,055 flagship SE-L Premier trim. It includes leather ventilated seats and a head-up display.
Company buyers watching the pennies would be well advised to consider the lesser SE, though. It’s nearly £20,000 cheaper, at £44,530, and will cost higher-rate payers £281 a month in tax, rather than £386 for the range topper. Yes, it misses out on sat-nav and the premium Mark Levinson hi-fi of the model in our pictures, but it still comes well equipped, with cruise control, fully automated climate control and bi-xenon headlamps as standard.
Plus, you get the same distinctive looks and practical 446-litre boot as the more expensive RX.
So although the Lexus is never going to compete with a Land Rover off the beaten track, there’s plenty to like about it.
Other choices:
Alpina D3
If you’re as concerned about sleek styling as CO2 emissions, the Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo Coupé is for you. It stands out from the rest of the BMW 3-Series herd with its striking looks and unique detailing.
As the name suggests, it uses two turbochargers to boost performance, yet its 144g/km CO2 output means temptingly low tax bills. The 214bhp two-door is certainly a more attractive buy than BMW’s 201bhp 325d M Sport Coupé, which costs higher-rate payers £27 per month more in company car tax.
2.2D Sport
Great drivers’ cars like the MX-5 and RX-8 have given Mazda a strong reputation for behind-the-wheel fun – and the 3 hatch lives up to it.
The most powerful diesel in the range offers 182bhp, but still returns 50mpg and sneaks under the
150g/km CO2 barrier. In addition, it’s one of the best-handling cars in its class, with excellent body control and sharp steering. It comes only in Sport trim and is very well equipped, with keyless entry, rear privacy glass, a heated windscreen and sat-nav all standard.
