2010 Lexus HS 250h Road test

the HS 250h is something of a misfit. The four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine naturally doesn't have the refinement of the V6s and V8s that power the other Lexus hybrids (RX 450h, GS 450h and LS 600hL). It's suitably inconspicuous at cruising speeds, but it gets raucous when acceleration is called for. There's also some whine from the electric motor under deceleration. More vexing is the wind, road and tire noise at highway speeds -- each is not overly obtrusive, but, cumulatively, it's enough to intrude on the quietude that's expected. The ride, for the most part, is firm not harsh, although sharper tarmac imperfections will make their presence known. The electric power steering has a slightly numb feel to it, but the sedan turns where and when it's supposed to and body roll is minimal.

2010 Lexus HS 250h

Moving inside, the HS's interior is more upscale than luxurious. The car has a starting price of $39,900; the topline Ultra Premium edition (there's also Premium and Premium Sport) adds another $8,850 to the sticker, all of it in content. That includes heated and ventilated leather seats, voice-activated navigation system with integrated backup camera, outstanding 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, auto-levelling LED headlamps, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, power rear sunshade and auto-dimming side-view mirrors.

The front seats are almost bisected by the protruding centre stack, which contains the audio and climate controls as well as flip-up nav screen and "Remote Touch" joystick controller. While it's all busy and off-putting at first, the various control functions are within easy reach. The joystick and its computer mouselike interface work well, keeping the eyes at windshield level. However, programming the radio presets are overly complicated, requiring more steps than should be necessary.

One cool feature is the fact that 30% of the combined interior and trunk are covered in "Ecological Plastic," a bioplastic material that uses plant sources as raw material and is used for parts of the upholstery as well as a number of injection-moulded, foam and board components throughout the car, including trunk compartment trim, cowl side trim, door scuff plates, seat cushions and the package tray.