In an era when one car can bear a close resemblance to the next, it’s refreshing when something as striking as this arrives on the scene.

The new Lexus RC 300h is a beautifully sculpted coupe with spaceship looks.

During my week-long test drive, its glamorous lines stopped onlookers in their tracks, including the assistant at my local garage, who remarked on its distinctive appearance and wanted to know more about its credentials.

The new styling direction from Toyota’s up-market offshoot is typified by the strongest interpretation yet of the trademark Lexus spindle grille, while the stylish folds along the side of the bodywork seem to reflect the sunlight superbly.

Once you’ve stopped marvelling at the car’s exterior design, it’s time to enjoy the five-star interior.

The softly leathered cabin in the 300h, along with its well-crafted buttons and dials, are conducive to relaxation and enjoyment, although the somewhat awkward multimedia controls are worthy of a small grumble.

Pretty much everything in the cockpit is solidly built and good-looking, plus there’s no shortage of standard kit on offer.

The sports seats, which are heated with electric adjustment, are a nice feature.

Meanwhile, dual zone climate control means there’s no need for awkward conversations with your passenger about the temperature in the cabin.

Fire up the engine and you’re met with near silence from this hybrid machine. An electric motor means you can drive it short urban distances with only the hum of the tyres being audible.

Press the accelerator a bit harder, though, and a 2.5-litre petrol engine kicks in.

Essentially, the electric motor and battery pack can either augment the performance of the petrol motor, with a total output of 220bhp, or run the car on electric power alone.

And, as you seek a real thrust of forward momentum for the first time, this may be the moment at which you feel slightly underwhelmed.

The rear-wheel drive car takes 8.6 seconds to get from 0-62mph, which does little to enhance its otherwise sporty aura.

However, once you get up to speed, the ride is smoothness personified as the vehicle purrs along comfortably at higher speeds, using very little fuel in the process.

In some ways, your enjoyment of this vehicle is heavily dependent on your driving style. If you demand continuous hard acceleration, the revs soar, the engine will whine slightly and all that effort won’t result in much more pace.

If you take things a little easier, the car comes into its own and provides steady acceleration and great refinement.

The handling in the corners is also very stable, giving the driver confidence to approach bends swiftly.

In terms of space and practicality, the driver and his front seat passenger will have no problem finding a comfortable position, as a trip from West Yorkshire to London proved.

However, if you need to accommodate taller front seat occupants, there may be one or two complaints from the rear-seat passengers because room in the back is not the best. Indeed, knee and legroom are limited for rear passengers compared with many coupe rivals.

The boot offers 340 litres of space, which seemed adequate for everyday situations but could be considered a little tight in comparison to some rivals.

The fuel consumption statistics and the low emissions that will will also help to give the 300h the edge over its rivals.

Official figures of 57.6mpg and 113 g/km are undoubtedly attractive to potential buyers.

There’s no doubt that this is a high-spec coupe and the overwhelming feeling you get when driving the 300h is one of pride.