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The new Lexus GS450h is a whisper quiet sedan that packs in more power, lighter weight, better fuel economy, sharper reflexes and superb handling - all of which will appeal to buyers craving for civilised motoring.

2nd generation Lexus Hybrid Drive

The "h" at the end of the model name designates it as a hybrid, which means that it can be driven on electric-only power at low speeds. This 4th-generation GS, 2nd -generation Lexus Hybrid Drive, comes with a heavily updated petrol-electric drivetrain. The crème de la crème in this range is the Lexus GS450h F Sport. This petrol-electric hybrid has a new 3.5-litre V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine combined with an electric motor, which kicks in almost silently and the brakes feel as natural as those on a non-hybrid car.

And what do you have? A car that combines slick performance with competitive power delivery.

Glides in comfort

Its excellent noise insulation makes it whisper quiet on the highway, as the car manoeuvres with absolute ease even on rough roads and over bumps, transiting imperceptibly between its petrol engine and electric motor.

Toyota has given the car an all-new multilink suspension at the front and rear, active dampers and a new Lexus Dynamic Handling package, which brings with it rear-wheel steer that translates to a much sharper turn-in. Body control has improved in this new model, such that there is less dive and lateral body movement.

Combine this with the luxury and improved roominess of its cabin and you may be willing to forego the extra oomph from sports saloons in exchange for a stress-free, relaxing drive where controls are within easy reach. Passengers get seats with different contours, with more shoulder, hip and foot space and the re-designed instrument panel in the driver's area comes with a better field-of-vision.

Biggest LCD screen

This 2012 Lexus 450h boasts a gadget that beats its rivals flat - a 12.3 LCD multimedia screen, which is the largest ever fitted to a production car..

As you would expect from a luxury car, the interior fittings and furnishings are of a high quality, with stitched leather from top to bottom in the 2012 GS450h. The new GS has better boot space (a generous 450 litres), thanks to a more compact rear suspension layout and the repackaged hybrid battery which now stands vertically instead of horizontally. Another special feature is an analogue clock with LED indicators that is created from a single ingot of aluminium. In a world first, customers can opt for a unique bamboo finish for the steering wheel.

For those who opt for the top-of-the-range F Sport design, there is exterior and interior differentiation as well as custom-made suspension tuning. The styling is sharper, with beefier bumpers and F Sport trim.

All in all, with the new V6 that has more power, more frugality and more efficiency, lovers of the no-nonsense Lexus ride will find more reasons to love this refined cruiser.