The previous NX was a bit on the compact side for a medium SUV, reflecting its ageing Toyota New MC architecture, that was developed essentially to underpin smaller cars like the Toyota Corolla and Prius as well as the RAV4 SUV.

Worse than that, though, the original NX was loud, with fidgety suspension and too much road and engine noise coming inside. It was very not-on-brand.

Still, nearly a million buyers globally snapped them up, attracted by the handsome styling and Lexus' reputation for quality.

Thankfully, the new-from-the-ground-up TNGA architecture cribbed from the latest, impressive RAV4 has rectified all issues in the latest NX.

Now the NX is properly medium-sized, and so easier to get in and out of, as well as palpably roomier front and rear.

Being the entry-level 250, you might not expect much in terms of interior presentation or style, but the product planners have been smart in specifying this grade to make it seem luxurious. It looks, feels and smells expensive in here.

Then there’s the driving position, with an electrically-operated reach/height adjustable steering column and a multi-configurable seat to help find the right spot. All-round vision is also better than you might expect, no doubt helped out by huge exterior mirrors and a large reversing camera screen.

Typical Lexus-style classy digital instrumentation, is clear and easy to take in. The same applies to the now touch-only centre screen, which has a slick rich finish and tactility, and also encompasses the climate-control display.

These and the simplified sub-screen menus for navigation, wireless telephony/audio streaming, vehicle diagnoses and vehicle settings amongst other features, is quickly second-nature in their accessibility and operation. And the sound system quality is great too.

There's more, from the superb ventilation system and lovely lush materials of satisfying quality to the seemingly endless storage options, the NX is ridiculously practical.

Accessing the back seat is easy due to the latest model’s larger proportions. Much of the same applies out back as the front seat area in terms of comfort, quality of finish and attention to detail. There's more-than-sufficient space for two burly adults or three smaller people.

For a base luxury SUV, the NX 250 comes well specified, with eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), front and rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor, lane-keep and steering assist, adaptive cruise control, LED lights with auto high beams and Safe Exit Assist.

You'll also find keyless entry/start, a 9.8-inch touchscreen featuring ‘Hey, Lexus’ voice control, sat-nav, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital radio, powered steering column adjustability, electric front seats with heating, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloys running on 235/50 runflat tyres.

The NX 250 might be the cheapest version of Lexus' midsized luxury SUV, but a quick glance at the interior reveals a thoughtful and on-brand mindset.

The body-hugging and bolstered front seats are the first point of contact to this philosophy, being soft and sumptuous and yet offering enough support to be comfortable even after hours sitting in them. Both are electrically adjustable and with welcome heating elements, further underlining their cosiness.

The comfy rear bench carries these themes through, with the 60:40 split-fold backrest reclinable in two positions for added comfort over longer distances. There's a decent amount of padding in the cushion as well.

However, the back seat does not slide or remove, as in some SUVs.

Finally, being divided, the backrests can be dropped as required to increase boot capacity.

The Lexus NX 250 will go from standstill to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in around 8.8 seconds, on the way to a 200km/h top speed.