I've never thought cars looked good in brown, even when I was in short trousers, so I can't say I was disappointed when it went out of fashion along with the family's Austin Maxi.

It appears, however, to be enjoying a bit of a resurgence in popularity. This time around, of course, there are many more shades on display, most of them metallic.

I shouldn't have been surprised, then, when the Lexus RX arrived in Copper Brown. Shouldn't, but was. It wasn't the colour that surprised me, however, it was the fact that I actually quite liked it. In the sunlight, at least. That was when the 'copper' sparkled. As the light faded, so did the sparkle and, consequently, so did my enthusiasm for what was left: Brown.

Still, (tongue firmly ensconced in cheek) who buys a car just because they like the colour...?

The RX, then, is a new SUV which replaces the old RX. It's much more than a simple facelift, however. The new car sits on a stiffened and extended all-steel platform that's a not inconsiderable 120mm longer than the old model. Half of that additional length is between the wheels so there should be no shortage of space.

The styling is much sleeker than the old model. Lexus claims that it provides substantial gains in refinement and efficiency. It also brings with it looks that will be reassuringly familiar to fans of the marque.

The grille dominates the front end and so it should. It is huge. It echoes the angular, sharp-edged design of the rest of the exterior where, wheel arches aside, curves have been shunned. It's a striking look that suits the big car well although some might find it a little fussy.

Inside is a luxurious treat with semi-aniline leather - yes, I had to look that one up too - in most places and, in the places where leather just won't do, there's brushed metal or, in the case of the centre console, laser-etched wood.

The dash is dominated by the huge - 12.3in of colour LCD no less - widescreen multimedia display perched on top. It's operated via Lexus's proprietry mouse-style controller which can be a bit fiddly to operate, particularly while on the move, but it looks impressive.

There's a split-screen mode which assigns a third of the screen to a second function.

The part wood, part leather (heated) steering wheel feels particularly pleasant to wraps your hands round. It's electrically adjustable, as are the (heated and ventilated) supremely comfortable and supportive seats. It was easy to find the ideal driving position from which to enjoy the excellent, lofty, vantage point.

The sloping roofline does impact on headroom in the rear but there should be no complaints about legroom.

The RX is available with either a turbocharged petrol or V6 hybrid power plant and it was the latter fitted to my test car.

As is the norm in a hybrid, you're greeted with silence when you press the starter button and, as long as you show a restrained right foot, it will stay that way as you move off. Electric propulsion is good for a couple of miles, providing the RX with excellent efficiency in urban surroundings.

The suspension is comfort-orientated which makes for supremely relaxed long hauls - or short ones if you're just nipping to the supermarket - but that soft set-up means tight and twisty roads have to be approached with some caution.

The RX will turn in sharply enough, the steering is nice and precise, but the pronounced body roll means that there's a lot of mass shifting around on the springs, draining confidence and slowing progress.

The RX is equipped with a CVT box which, given the car's predilection for smooth, unruffled progress, proves to be an ideal companion. It's quiet inside too, with very little wind or road noise permeating the cabin, even at motorway speeds.

It's on the motorways, however, where you'll notice your fuel economy taking a bit of a hit and find out just how ambitious the official figures really are. However, owners will benefit from favourable BIK charge thanks to comparatively low emissions.

The RX is not a cheap car, by any measure, especially in Premium trim. It's loaded with kit, including a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, wireless charging plate and adaptive cruise control as well as a host of safety features and driving aids, but there are cheaper alternatives that are just as well specced.

It is, however, incredibly comfortable, beautifully engineered, and like nothing else on the road. It's also available in brown.

Lexus RX450h Premier

Price: £57,995

As tested: £59,995

Engine: 3.5-litre V6

Transmission: Electric CVT

Max power (engine): 259bhp

Max power (motor): 335bhp

Max speed: 124mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 7.7sec

Urban: 51.4mpg

Extra urban: 51.4mpg

Combined: 51.4mpg

Emissions (CO2): 127g/km

For more information visit www.lexus.co.uk