You can't ignore the Lexus NX200

While the rest of its bulky body and large rubber-wrapped alloys are fairly pleasing on the eye, even attractive in a BMW X5 sort of way (in spite of some weird blade-like creases and sharp edges), the front is a bizarre potpourri of slit-eyed LED daytime headlights, shark-mouth air intakes and a massive, all dominating back mesh grille. Striking yes, but pretty it's not.

But once inside the classy, comfortable cabin the meter swings overwhelmingly to the positive. Futuristic without being too flamboyant the instrument layout is user-friendly and easy to navigate, including the prominent remote touch infotainment screen.

To me the most impressive living quarters feature is the concert-quality sound system which really produces the best in-car music I have heard in a long time. With a twitch of the volume control to the right you can probably blow the nearest boom-boom taxi right off the road.

The seats are big and extremely comfortable and there is lots of leg- and headroom. The living quarters are also well insulated and quiet which adds to the luxurious feel.

Our test car, the EX specced model, was fitted with the brand's first 2-litre turbo petrol engine that kicks out a healthy 175kW and 350Nm which is transferred to the tar via a quick and slick six-speed automatic transmission. Although no tar-scorcher it does jump out of the starting stalls quite energetically to clock up nil to 100 in about 9 seconds.

On the trot the high-riding Lexus feels remarkably stable even when you get a tad playful through the twisties but when pushed really hard it does feel its weight of close to two tons.

Overall the NX is a well-finished, classy SUV with rather dramatic off-the-wall looks but it certainly is an interesting option for those who want to stand out from the rest, particularly from the Beemers and Audis of this world. The fact that it is a member of the respected Toyota family also adds a touch of respectability to the Lexus. It may not be everybody's cup of tea, but then neither is Rooibos.

The three NX 200s range in price from R539 900 to R659 900 for the F-Sport version and they all come with a four-year/100 000 km service plan.