THE spring sunshine dripped into the multi-storey car park, glinting off the car’s muscular and aggressively-sculpted bodywork.

As the angle of the rays picked out the vehicle’s dynamic lines, it was suddenly very clear that this was a special machine.

Equally pleasing was the sound that emerged when firing up the V8 engine, as the car gave off a tremendous deep growl that seemed to reverberate around several floors of the city centre building.

The NCP car park in Hall Ings, Bradford, may seem an unusual location to strike up a bond with someone or, in this case, something.

But it was the first time I had been presented with an opportunity to inspect the Lexus RC F - resplendent in azure blue - and it was impossible not to like what was on view.

Without even turning a wheel, the word that sprung to mind was ‘powerful’ - a description applicable both in terms of exterior styling and the punch it packs under the bonnet.

Out on the open road, this four-seater coupe does not disappoint and provides an exciting driving experience.

Equipped with Lexus’s most powerful 5-litre V8 engine, generating more than 450bhp, the car takes less than five seconds to perform the sprint from 0-62mph.

When the revs are kept below 3,000rpm, the engine is quiet and the car is happy to amble along in the most refined of manners.

Meanwhile, gentle acceleration results in a smooth reaction from the eight-speed automatic gearbox, arguably a bit sluggish through the low revs.

However, a more hearty push on the accelerator lets loose a superb throaty roar that fills the cabin with an addictive noise and goes hand in hand with the sort of forward-momentum that would not be out of place on the racetrack. Indeed, the vehicle really comes into its own and is immensely responsive as you climb higher and higher up the rev counter.

The car handles well in the corners, partly thanks to the world-first use of a torque-vectoring differential in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car.

However, while the handling feels assured, the car doesn’t quite provide the sense of driver engagement that you might get from other sports cars.

The fact that it is much heavier than many of its rivals may contribute to the sense of it not being as nimble as some.

On the bumpier country roads in outlying parts of our district, the firm suspension set-up doesn’t make for the softest of rides, but the comfortable seats and excellent driving position more than make up for that.

Inside the cabin, there’s a feeling of luxury, quality and impeccable build quality. The dashboard has an angular and layered design that is easy on the eye, while the high-resolution 7-inch multimedia screen is smart and well-located.

The F Sport steering wheel, high-back sports front seats and aluminium pedals enhance the car’s sporty pedigree.

In terms of practicality, my two sons were frankly too excited by the car’s sporty appearance to care whether or not it was easy to clamber into the back. In reality, the long doors mean access to the two rear seats is pretty decent and there were no grumbles about space in the back, although an adult may have found it a tighter squeeze.

The 366-litre boot provides enough space for a suitcase and a few other bags, but isn’t as big as some in the class.

While many other Lexus and Toyota models are designed with fuel economy firmly in mind, the emphasis is placed on driving fun with this vehicle.

That said, it will still return close to 30mpg if you drive very cautiously, although that statistic soon changes once you decide to test its performance credentials.

If you want a distinctive and powerful vehicle, there are worse ways to spend £60,000-plus.