The Lexus NX 300h, the first-ever compact sports utility vehicle by Toyota’s premium brand, is the latest object of desire among motor enthusiasts.

Launched on Oct. 6, the hybrid vehicle has an “aggressive” exterior, according to Lexus International chief designer Kato Takeaki.

It boasts a kick-down feature mimicking a regular automatic transmission whenever the driver accelerates briskly.

The price, ranging from 56.8 million won ($53,000) to 63.8 million won, may be an advantage for those seeking German cars ― it is cheaper than BMW’s X3 and Audi’s Q5. 

Above all, its gas mileage of 12.6 kilometers per liter is quite attractive. The fuel economy was rated higher during the actual driving than Lexus’ official record ― it reached 21 km/liter at a certain point.

The test drive was held in Incheon, from Yeongjongdo Island to Songdo. Most of the roads had less traffic than Seoul, and the 21.38-kilometer Incheon Bridge, which has no traffic signals, provided the perfect environment for the drive.

We were advised to make the most use of the electric vehicle mode, which automatically runs at below 60 km/h and sometimes even up to 60-80 km/h.

The green light on the dashboard shows the engine mode, and fuel efficiency is marked at the center of the dashboard, alerting the drivers of their speed when they want to be mindful about the gas mileage.

In the EV mode, hardly any noise was heard and the gasoline mode wasn’t that noisy either. Even when driving at 100 km/h, the car’s interior was quiet enough to engage in small talk.

In terms of design, Toyota seems to have maximized the aggressive exterior. The vehicle boasts a spindle grill, diagonal side silhouette and trapeze-body, all of which deliver a more masculine and tough image than the predecessors’ grave, elegant and subtle outlook.

But it is the inside that may satisfy most people.

All trims were made with premium Shimamoku wood, prepared through 67 stages of processing for 38 days.

The touchpad remote controller gave users easier and more precise access to the entertainment and navigation systems, while a mirror attached to the lid of the center console box amazed female drivers trying to put on their lipstick.

The trunk was also large enough to accommodate up to four 9.5-inch golf bags without readjusting the backseats.

The only concern was about the sturdiness. Possibly due to the fact that the driver’s seat of an SUV is a bit higher than a sedan’s, I felt a little shaken while speeding.

But still, it seems like the compact SUV will become the latest darling of the Japanese automaker.

It gave the vehicle the moniker of “premium urban sports gear,” targeting people with “high self-respect, fashion sense and trendiness, seeking intelligent innovation and eco-friendly economical consumption.”

“With the ES 300h to be released next year, we will seek to solidify the Lexus status in the premium car market,” said Toyota Korea CEO Akihisa Yoshida.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)