The crossover will be positioned below the mid-sized RX that Lexus introduced more than 15 years ago and will compete with BMW’s X1, Audi’s Q3 and Mercedes-Benz’s GLA.

The NX is a toned down version of the LF-NX concept, that we saw last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but its styling is still quite different and you either like it or not.

The concept had plenty of sharp lines and the production model is clearly sleeker, but still easily recognised, especially with its huge spindle grille. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard and 18-inch wheels optional.

The NX will be the first Lexus model offered with a turbocharged gasoline engine, a 2.0-liter gasoline unit. Other powertrain options will be a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter petrol engine and a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. Each will offer the choice of front and all-wheel drive.. Finally there will be a highly efficient hybrid in NX 300h.

Depending on the market, three models will be available.

The cabin has a sports car like design, with a small wheel and high transmission tunnel and sculpted centre stack. The dashboard, doors tops and seats are trimmed in leather in the first pictures, but lower spec cars may have different materials.

Inside, the cockpit is equipped with a wireless charging tray for mobile devices. A new Lexus Remote Touch Interface System is also Lexus’ first use of a touch pad, instead of a joystick. Other features include a head-up display, radar cruise control and a blind spot monitor that alerts to rear cross traffic.

The NX 200t F SPORT will also be available with unique exterior and interior features, as well as enhanced driving performance.

Target customers for the NX are young, urban drivers with active lifestyles who want premium products, Takeaki Kato, the car’s chief engineer, said in a statement. Pricing should be competitive with other SUVs of similar size, starting at around £30,000.

Final specs will be released later this month, when the NX makes its public debut at the Beijing Motor Show. UK specifications are to be confirmed.