THE first thing you notice about the new Lexus RC 300h F Sport are its looks. Put simply, the RC is a striking looking coupe with dramatic styling... a point that will not have gone unnoticed by Mercedes and BMW.

Lexus' pioneering strides into hybrid technology are well documented, and the 300h F Sport is clearly part of this vision.

While many have lauded the Lexus RC 200 two-litre turbo petrol-engined model as the new RC that best ticks the performance box, I tested the 300h petrol-electric hybrid alternative - and I wasn't left wanting.

This hybrid engine might not have the out and out grunt of its petrol only cousin, but the 2.5 litre naturally aspirated engine and electric motor combo still provided 220bhp and 221Nm of torque.

It takes slightly longer to complete a 0-62mph sprint, 8.6 seconds compared to 7.5. And top speed of 118mph - limited to help efficiency - is 25mph less that the RC 200.

But it blows the RC 200 and much of the competition away when you factor fuel consumption into the equation.

Extra Urban mileage on the 300h is claimed to be an impressive 57.6mpg, and, driven sensibly, I could see you getting pretty near that mark. I also really enjoyed the car around town, especially with its almost silent electrically aided running.

Despite its strong environmental credentials - CO2 emissions hover around 113g/km - the 300h still drives very much like a sports coupe. Its tight, responsive controls will certainly put a smile on your face.

While the four cylinder petrol engine has no turbo charger, you get plenty of instant torque from the onboard 650-volt electric motor.

Lexus have already said they expect the 300h to be the best seller of the pair.

The F Sport, with exclusive 19-inch alloys and LED fog lights, has had its steering and suspension engineered for extra responsiveness.

However, one minor grumble is that acceleration can, at times, be tricky to gauge. An issue, I'm reliably informed, affects many hybrid power units. Also, good luck travelling as a rear seat passenger if you're anything other than a jockey.

Lexus fans will love those finer details they've become accustomed to - walk towards the 300h with the keys in your pocket and its door handles light up to welcome you inside.

Once in, there's a top range audio system, air conditioning, leather sports seats, machined aluminium pedals, a distinctive steering wheel and a seven inch multimedia display to play with.

Prices starting at £34,995, rising to £40,495.

Visit lexus.co.uk