CNET car reviews usually focus more on tech features than anything else, but they still always leave room for the actual road test bit that we want to see.

In the case of the Lexus NX200t, there’s quite a bit to talk about in both areas, with an emphasis on the gadgets, the looks and, of course, the much talked about turbo engine.

The NX is so far proving to be a worthy entry into the sector, with reviews never really concentrating on its (few) negatives. However, even with the bold styling and many obvious qualities, it still sounds like there’s something missing from the package.

You really need to like the way it looks, the fact that it’s a Lexus and not mind the powertrain, in order to seriously consider buying one over its hugely talented rivals. It’s trying to break into a very difficult sector where its rivals have established themselves – its NX nameplate is currently devoid of heft next to Q5, X3 or Evoque…

With a touchpad and a turbo, the NX 200t is like no Lexus before

Lastly, the NX will be bringing new buyers to Lexus, they will not be the same buyer that is concerned with the smoothness of a V6.

CJ Hubbard at CAR Magazine has driven the 2015 Lexus NX 300h, and the resulting review speaks for itself:

Combining one of the boldest SUV design statements ever with a sophisticated twin-motor E-Four hybrid four-wheel drive system, the NX is the best real world Lexus yet.

The NX has a sense of style and purpose about it that suggests you’ll have to spend less time thinking up excuses for choosing one than other Lexus’s might require. It’s thoroughly pleasant to drive, spacious and – in the right environment – likely to prove efficient as well.

One thing we’ve been able to piece together after watching literally all the Lexus NX reviews we could find is that the sporty, aggressive styling is not matched by the driving experience. It’s apparently not the worst out on the road, but it’s far off the pace of the class leaders.

This view is strengthened by the latest review, courtesy of CarBuyer, in which Mat Watson does a good job of pointing out the car’s foibles, as well as its qualities. It has plenty of each, though, and the end conclusion is still a bit tricky to peg down.

Yes, it’s a worthy buy in the sector, but no it won’t ever manage to get anywhere near a Porsche Macan or BMW X3 in terms of the driving experience, nor will it be able to match their efficiency.

Lexus insists on not offering a diesel in the NX, which is a real shame because Europeans still prefer them to hybrids.

Goes on sale later this year

Lexus has quietly announced the 2015 NX 200t will be priced from $34,480 in the United States.

Set to go on sale later this fall, the entry-level crossover features a love or hate it design and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The cabin is less controversial and comes nicely equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, NuLuxe upholstery and an infotainment system with a seven-inch display. The model also boasts power front seats, power windows / locks and a variety of other equipment.

Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 235 bhp (175 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive costs an additional $1,400.

The eco-friendly NX 300h carries a hefty premium as it starts at $39,720 for front-wheel drive variants and $41,310 for all-wheel drive models. That's a nice chunk of change but the crossover has a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and an electric motor that produce a combined maximum output of 194 bhp (145 kW).

Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend has posted the first third-party performance figures for the Lexus NX, and has this to say:

Here’s the big takeaway: While not an athlete, the NX is still a pretty groovy little trucklette, never mind the hybrid version that will only account for 10 percent of total sales.

Going up against the Q5, the NX is a little less expensive and, of course, comes with that unbeatable Lexus reputation for longevity — something that Audi simply doesn’t have. The looks of the Lexus are absolutely polarizing, but that only means half the people will love it.

Combine the above with a luxurious, high-tech cockpit and I think Lexus will be doing even more numbers-fiddling than it already has. Do you disagree? Put another way, would you bet against the NX? Not me, man. Not me.