The body may not be beautiful, looking a bit like an unsuccessful weightwatcher in a Lycra suit, but this car has some highly attractive compensations which amply prove that first impressions can sometimes be misleading.

The Lexus GS offers an almost silent ride in plushly comfortable seats. Whilst there is no diesel version on offer, the petrol models deliver creditable performances. The 3 litre, 245 bhp V6 hits 62 in a cool 7.2 seconds, which shrinks to 6.1 seconds if you opt for the 4.3 litre, 279 bhp V8. It has to be said, though, that it is unexceptional in the handling department. That’s not to say that it’s bad; but it’s not to say that it’s good either. It feels a little on the large side to be nimble at first but once you’re used to the bulk, it turns out to be rather more responsive than you might have predicted. The standard model only manages 28.8 mpg and the larger V8 less than 25! But if you think of the car as rotund diva with a surprisingly alluring singing voice, you’ll have a fair summary of the GS.

The passenger space is generous, although larger passengers may find sitting in the back a little oppressive after a while: the rounded rear end seems to limit at least the sense of space. Rather oddly, the boot is large but curiously long – reaching heavy luggage from the back of it may be a test of one’s spinal resilience.