USED BUYER'S GUIDE Lexus RC

FROM £15,000 Think of it as a stylish cruiser rather than a hot performance

- By Richard Dredge

IT'LL soon be four decades since Lexus burst on to the scene, and while it has never made a massive impact in the UK, this Toyota subsidiary keeps plugging away, producing alternatives to the products of the big three German brands that long ago became the default option for many buyers in the premium sector.

In all of the years that Lexus has traded in the UK, it has offered cars which are easy enough to recommend, but hard to love.

Recently, its designs have been more daring and its products more desirable as a result, but the driving experience usually leaves a bit to be desired, which begs the question: does the great-looking RC coupé share these family traits?

HISTORY

WE got our first glimpse of the RC at the November 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, but it would be another year before UK buyers could place their order, with the first cars delivered in January 2015.

There was just one model available: the RC F, with a 471bhp 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine. However, by the end of that year orders had opened for two more affordable RC models: the 241bhp RC 200t with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, and the 220bhp RC 300h, which featured a hybrid powertrain at the heart of which was a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Prices started at £34,995.

Things ticked over until the end of 2018, when a facelifted RC went on sale. There were some minor enhancements, including recalibrated suspension along with some tiny exterior tweaks.

WHICH SHOULD I BUY?

IF you're buying for occasional fun, the RC F is the one to go for, because it's the most exciting to drive and it will probably become the most collectible variation in time. However, if you're buying for regular use it's the RC 300h that makes the most sense because it offers the best blend of performance and economy.