Well as some of you already know I had a long weekend with a 300h for free from Lexus. Right where do I start.... well when I am asked what I thought my initial response is......well it didnt suprise me or wow me in any way. Dont get me wrong, its a car and half but it was like sitting in my 250 wrapped up in a new shell. I prefer the look of it especially the front end. This was the base model so no leather or heated seats but at last a Satnav worth using!!. Full postcode input using a very easy to use joystick on the centre console, no more finger prints on the screen. the screen itself is a lot better quality but again preferred the sound of the stereo in my own car.
With it been a hybrid it is strange pressing start and all you get is a beep. Its sets off and reminds me of a milk float but its good to know its leaving your petrol alone. 3 modes of driving, Eco, normal and Sports. twist the dial to sports and the engine kicks straight in, the dials turn red and display a rev counter rather than when in Eco its blue and displays a charge indicator.
When giving it some hammer it does shift but to me sounded rather noisy, maybe I was just used to the quietness of it for most of the day so really notices it when the engine kicked in.
I went from South Elmsall in West Yorkshire to Cropton in North Yorkshire with a trip to Malton and Picklering. the car feels solid, sticks to the corners and feels light. While driving it felt to me a smaller car than my 250, not sure about the exact dimensions etc of this car.
No more rubber button on door handles, there is just a slight indent on the handle itself to a nicer finish. DAB radio too which was usefull while out in the Countryside with intermittent signals. I noticed it had Google Street View on the satnav option menu but you needed an account with Lexus to login.
I also like how the satnav directions are also put between the dials on the dash as well as the screen, very usefull. Even when Satnav is not on it told me the road name I was on and warned of speed cameras.
All in all a great car, I averaged 46 mpg all weekend. Would I buy one new?? NO Second hand in a few years, a very good possibility, dependant on price!