CLEAN BRAKE
Classy hybrid Lexus recharges itself as you pump pedals
Given the current fuss over fossil-fuelled cars – and the lack of them from 2040 (or 2032 if you are in Scotland) – it was very timely that a Lexus IS 300h should arrive on my driveway.
The “h” stands for hybrid and Lexus, for those who don’t know, is the premium brand of Toyota, who in many ways have pioneered the hybrid movement.
In particular, they have pioneered cars that do not require to be plugged in.
The Lexus IS 300h regenerates as it goes through braking and taking your footoot from the accelerator.
It is an extremely clever system which you can watch as you drive through a graphic on the dashboard, which shows you what piece of the drivetrain is in use, which is being charged and which is resting.
When the car arrived for me, it had about 550 miles on the clock k so, unlike all- electric engines, there is no need for range anxiety, you just need to fill the petrol tank up – not very often. It does about 61.4mpg.
In fact, this car is exactly the model you want to disprove all the myths and anxieties surrounding hybrids.
First, it is an extremely good-looking compact sports saloon, standing comparison with premium German models. It has a deep grille and creases that flow back to the nicely finished rear.
It sits on 18in tyres and both this model and the fully fledged petrol are available with F Sport style and handling. Inside, there is leather upholstery with laser-cut dark wood inlay and, if that sounds a bit techy, it looks and feels very upmarket. It has lots of safety systems such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traf f ic sign recognition and automatic high beam. It has a great sound system, an easy-touse sat nav, a rear view camera for parking and connectivity. But here’s the thing – it is also a great drive. The Lexus IS 300h is the kind of hybrid car you want to point to when drivers are considering hybrid but at a loss which one to choose. It is fast and agile, responsive and daring, the kind of car that gives a thrill to drive – and that’s only in the normal mode. This car also has a sport mode. In town, it makes for silent and emissions- emi free driving in purely electric elect mode. For a bit of grunt, kick down dow on the motorway and feel as the electric motor and petrol one combinecom for power and performance. This T is the car that will make hybrids hyb acceptable to drivers who want wa more than just a vehicle to get from fro A to B. It is for drivers who like to drive.