Lower emissions with higher performance,today

At the high end,car manufacturers are also making great technological strides to combine luxury with high efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.One such leading brand is Lexus,currently running a high cost advertising campaign for the world's first all wheel drive luxury performance hybrid saloon.

The flagship model is the new hybrid powered LS 600h.This went on sale at the start of the month with demand extending order leadtimes into next spring.Packed full of preventative,active and passive features,and equipped with an advanced powertrain, it is probably the most sophisticated car in its class.This is real luxury motoring.

So what performance can we expect for a little over £80k. The LS 600h 5.0 litre petrol engine with V8 powertrain and high-output motor gives a high performing 0 to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds,higher than its diesel market segment competitors, but with similar combined cycle consumption at 30.4 mph and CO2 emissions of 219g/km.

There are two model variations.One with longer wheel base, the other with the extra length and what is called the Rear Seat Relaxation Package. For a few grand over the standard model price,these extras must be good.Other Lexus luxury hybrid models currently being sold are the RX400h SUV,and the GS 450h.For more information you should visit the Lexus website.

So though not low emission in absolute unit terms, this generation of luxury cars, to be owned by a relatively low number of people, is to significantly reduce the carbon footprint for its class. We are returning to more of the lower emission and more affordable cars available to the UK motorist here at low emission cars in the next few days