WITH its sharp creases, curves and bold SUV styling, the Lexus NX is not going to suit everybody. But there's no doubt it attracts plenty of attention.

Sales in the UK of 4x4s, SUVs and crossovers reached an all-time record in 2014 at almost 300,000, and globally there seems to be an insatiable demand for this type of vehicle. This year sales could top one million.

The Lexus NX 300h hybrid, which comes with front or all-wheel-drive, joins the compact SUV sector where rivals include the non-hybrid BMW X3, Audi Q3 and Q5, RangeRover Evoque, Volvo XC60, the new Land Rover Discovery Sport and from next year, the Jaguar F-Pace.

The larger Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Britain's best-selling petrol-electric hybrid SUV, is also a rival because of its lower tax benefits.

Hybrid technology is no longer a rarity. It features in an increasing number of models to improve fuel economy, lower emissions or to increase performance. It can either be used as a complete system such as plug-in electric/petrol engine/electric motor drivetrain, or as a simpler hybrid 'energy gatherer' through regenerative braking.

The NX 300h four-door, five-seater compact SUV is a smaller version of the Lexus RX 450h. It has the same sharp styling lines, flared wheelarches and coupe roofline as its bigger brother. It looks aggressive and bold and won't be everyone's cup of tea, but you can't deny it's full of character.

All NX versions are powered by the same hybrid unit - a 2.5-litre 153bhp four cylinder DOHC petrol engine linked to a front electric motor that runs in tandem with the the petrol unit. There is also a second electric motor at the rear to drive the rear wheels when AWD is needed.

The total power output is 194bhp with the engine producing 154lb/ft of torque from 4,200rpm.

The rest is supplied by an electric motor which at the front is rated at 141bhp but it doesn't generate its maximum power at the same time as the engine. For the four-wheel drive system, another electric motor drives the rear wheels. This makes 66bhp but no matter whether you are in two or four-wheel drive the 194bhp output stays the same as does the 0-62mph acceleration of 9.3 seconds.

All this seamless technology happens automatically and there is an EV mode that lets the vehicle be driven for up to a mile, possibly a little more, in eerie silence using only battery power. Drive is through a continuously variable automatic gearbox.

Not having an electric plug-in system means the NX misses out on reduced emissions, lower taxes and reduced fuel economy. Officially, the NX 300h returns 54.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 121g/km so road tax is zero in the first year but £110 a year after that.

During plenty of mixed driving average consumption differed, registering 36.2mpg on the short, stop-start trips but rising to 47mpg on long, motorway hauls.

Where the Lexus performs best is in city and commuter conditions because it loves all that stop-start motoring, thriving of the regenerative braking and overrun energy capture. Owners will also like the easy, smooth driving experience.

Where it becomes very thirsty is out on the open road when you put your foot down. The petrol engine will kick in and fuel consumption will rise significantly. At commuting pace the CVT transmission is smooth and quiet with the Eco, Normal and Sport settings offering useful choices for varying driving conditions.

Urge the car on, however, on the open road and the lazy transmission forces the revs to rise and noise levels to intrude. Once you get up to cruising speed, the car returns to its refined, serene behaviour.

Comfort is generally good although larger potholes can be felt and there is also some wind noise. The ride is flat during cornering and there is minimal pitch under acceleration or braking. Front-end grip in corners is reasonable although it is less predictable on greasy surfaces.

The steering doesn't deliver much feedback but it is direct, accurate and well-weighted.