Among total Lexus hybrid sales in the calendar year-to-date, more than 70% have been SUVs with their fuel and emission saving technology taking precedence, compared to just 58% in 2015.

"The growth in the SUV segment in New Zealand's luxury market is even more pronounced than at the mainstream end of the market," said Steve Prangnell, the General Sales Manager for Lexus New Zealand.

"They retain all the traditional luxury values of fine craftsmanship, refinement, striking design and comprehensive specification while the hybrid variants deliver the added benefit of increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact."

Lexus offers plenty of choice of models, including six hybrids among the 15 SUVs available, from the NX, RX and LX model ranges.

Lexus stands apart from its rivals with higher levels of specification as standard equipment, making Lexus very good value for money, said Mr Prangnell.

At the eloquent yet rugged end of the range, the full-size LX SUV, sees a near even sales split current year-to-date between the petrol, LX 570, and diesel, LX 450d, variants selling 26 and 25 respectively.

Sales of the new fourth generation RX with its powerful visual styling are also well up with 211 so far this year, against 147 in 2015.

While the edgy, smaller NX is receiving some specification changes for 2017 with all models now equipped with the advanced safety package, previously only available on the F Sport and Limited grades, comprising of pre-crash brake, pre-crash brake assist and all-speed dynamic radar cruise control as standard equipment. Front and rear parking sensors are also now standard, and the F Sport has two new standout exterior colours to choose from - Cobalt and Lava.

The concept of Lexus Hybrid Drive has been a core technology for many years, beginning with the global launch of the RX 400h in 2004. As the world's first luxury hybrid SUV, the vehicle changed the way consumers thought about environmentally friendly cars. The GS 450h carried on the tradition by marrying a conventional gasoline engine with an electric motor for exceptional efficiency, while also delivering the power of a V8.

Coupled with New Zealander's increasing appetite for SUV capability, Lexus' interpretation of luxury seen in the meticulous craftsmanship, refinement and innovation offers a vastly unique proposition to its western hemisphere rivals.

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