Style, luxury and power combine to make the Lexus RX 200t an attractive package.

Many people may associate Lexus more closely with hybrid vehicles, with the vast majority of the brand's UK models sold with a petrol-electric motor.

But this vehicle provides the usual refinement synonymous with the upmarket Japanese brand, only with a more conventional powertrain.

While many competitors are opting for six and eight cylinder diesel engines, Lexus has gone down a different route by fitting a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit to its flagship SUV.

However, you could be forgiven for thinking you were actually in the hybrid version when you start it up, such is the quietness of the engine.

A family holiday to Devon provided the perfect chance to test the credentials of the RX 200t. On the long motorway stint between Yorkshire and the West Country, the car was a breeze to drive thanks to its smoothness and refinement.

There is very little to complain about in terms of wind or tyre roar entering the cabin due to extensive sound insulation.

Indeed, its whisper quiet characteristics combined with a splendidly finished interior ensured a relaxing drive, making the M6 and M5 almost bearable. Almost.

And there's no shortage of space and practicality either, with the roomy vehicle easily swallowing up five excited holidaymakers and an ample number of suitcases.

We also found the seats to be among the comfiest in the industry, with their extremely soft feel being perfect for long journeys.

Finding a comfortable driving position is also no problem, thanks to lots of adjustment offered by the electrically-adjustable seats and steering wheel.

Behind the wheel, the suspension and steering settings mean the handling round corners is stable and confidence-inspiring.

The vehicle comes with a user-friendly six-speed automatic gearbox, although it doesn't always react as quickly as you might wish.

When you do need to get a move on, the turbo petrol engine is capable of bursting into life, with 235bhp available and a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds.

However, you'll have to drive with much more restraint to get anywhere near the official combined fuel economy figure of 34.9mpg quoted for this vehicle. Indeed, the all-too-frequent trips to the petrol station were perhaps the only blemish on an otherwise splendid all-round driving experience.

That said, motorists with deep enough pockets to buy a car for £45,000-plus may not feel financially fazed by regular visits to the petrol pump.

The F Sport model, tested here, comes with bags of equipment, including wireless phone charging, seats that can be either ventilated or heated, and a Premium Navigation system. A larger-than-normal central screen displays information provided by the infotainment system, which is controlled by a joystick-style device.

It's not a bad-looking piece of metal either, with a striking silhouette characterized by dynamic and slightly aggressive-looking lines.

It's important to pick your holiday companions wisely - and the RX 200t certainly proved to be an agreeable partner on this trip.

Lexus RX 200t F Sport

Price: £45,995 on the road

Engine: 2.0-litre 4 cylinder turbo

Performance: 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds and top speed of 124mph

Economy: 34.9mpg combined and 189g/km

Warranty: 3 years/ 60,000 miles

Will's ratings

PERFORMANCE: 4

ECONOMY: 2

RIDE/HANDLING: 4

SPACE: 5

EQUIPMENT: 5

SECURITY: 4

VALUE: 4

OVERALL: 4