First drive Lexus ES300h

THE ES is a nameplate steeped in history for Lexus but one many here in the UK are unlikely to of heard of before. Roll back to 1989, and the launch of the Lexus brand globally, the ES was one of two cars tasked with allowing this new Japanese firm to take on traditional premium rivals – and its success has seen it now enter its seventh-generation.

Despite that, this is the first iteration of the executive saloon coming to the UK, replacing the slow-selling GS. Is it enough for Lexus to find success in a segment so traditionally dominated by the Germans?

The ES is both new to the UK and totally new in this form. It’s set upon the GA-K (Global Architecture-K) platform, which will also see action as host of the latest Toyota Camry further on into 2019.

There are some brand firsts for Lexus here too, with a new 2.5-litre petrol engine featuring as part of an overhauled hybrid system, while new safety assistance technologies back up the forward-thinking approach here.

It’s also the first time Lexus has had a real go at making its trendy F Sport grade distinguishable from the rest of the range here. More on that later. In the UK, we’ll only see the ES in 300h form, meaning it’s powered by a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, capable of developing a combined 215bhp while torque is rated at 221Nm for the internal combustion engine and 202Nm for the electric motor.

The system is paired with a CVT gearbox. As a result, 0-60mph comes in 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 112mph possible.

Lexus claims the ES300h can achieve 53mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 106g/km of CO2 emissions. In a move that’s to be expected of Lexus at this point, the system is well-refined and just simply does the job.

There’s not an abundance of power, but enough for it to accelerate briskly to motorway speeds and sit there quietly thanks to its electric capabilities.

That said, the old CVT trick of making an engine sound like a vacuum cleaner while getting up to speed is all too present.

Buyers of a Lexus ES will likely do most of their driving on a motorway and it excels here. Lexus has worked hard to ensure it’s u

ua quiet and comfortable thing at speed (they say 93% of the hidden metal is covered in soundproofing material), and it has paid off. It rides exceptionally well and there’s so little noise coming into the cabin that you could probably hear a baby breathing while hurtling along at 70mph.

Don’t expect the excitement to ramp up when things get twisty though – despite the F Sport’s attempts to bring that to the table.

What sets this model apart is trick adaptive suspension that, in simple terms, aims to bring a more involved drive when pressing on while creating a more comfortable environment at a cruise. It does the latter well, but there’s little sense of involvement under harder loads.

Unmistakably Lexus is the best way to describe the looks of the ES. It manages to be reserved yet bold at the same time, largely thanks to the gargantuan spindle grille sitting at the front of the car.

F Sport variants get a model-specific take on that grille, boasting a honeycomb pattern in favour of the lined unit found on other trims. On top of that, it also boasts 19-inch alloy wheels, jet black exterior highlights, tweaked bumper designs and a subtle boot lid spoiler.

The F Sport package doesn’t make the ES look over-styled to our eyes, but those who want the ‘sporty’ option in the range to stand out might be left wanting for more.

Cabin quality is of a seriously high standard. Plush materials are present on every visible and touchable surface in the cabin, while an abundance of leather ensures the seats and steering wheel match the impression of quality.

That said, the driving position almost feels like an afterthought – it’s slightly offset from a natural position to the pedals and pushed

SUZUKI has launched its Swift Attitude, the latest special edition model. The car is based on the popular SZ3 model and offers a unique exterior design from its numerous styling upgrades.

The Attitude is designed to be affordable and is one of the most powerful and economical cars amongst its direct competitors. In addition to the SZ3 standard specification, which includes six airbags, air conditioning, DAB radio with Bluetooth, rear privacy glass, leather steering wheel and LED daytime running lights, Attitude adds Black / Polished 16-inch alloy wheels, front foglamps, mesh front grille with chrome trim, rear upper spoiler and front, side and rear carbon effect skirts.

The Attitude is powered by Suzuki’s K12C 1.2-litre Dualjet four cylinder engine with an output of 90PS and is equipped with five speed manual transmission. It has a CO2 emissions figure of 108g/km (NEDC tested) or 124g/km (WLTP) and combined fuel consumption when tested under NEDC regulation is 60.1mpg.

Suzuki believes the car is an ideal choice for younger buyers who may perhaps be looking to aspire to the 1.4-litre Boosterjet Sport model in the future.

TheAttitude is available on the road now for £13,499.