Lexus has had limited success with some of its hybrids, the GS 450h, LS 600h and RX 450h, the latter of which has been the most popular of the group. The debate for consumers is price and that the company’s standard models are just so efficient that absorbing the added cost of a hybrid doesn’t make economic sense.

The HS will be different because it is a right-sized car, roomier in some aspects than the ES 350 sedan ($35,675) and it is like driving the future. It is greenery without the hype.

It feels perfectly normal to be able to drive on complete battery power or to hit the Power switch and kick up the acceleration. And when there is no rush, the Eco mode rewards with maximum fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

This is not the traditional driver’s car and it cannot be considered sporty to drive. But for adherents of hyper-miling, it is engaging to apply the various modes to slow the movement of the fuel gauge and ease the beat of emissions-pumping cylinders.

Cautious drivers will keep an eye on the efficiency meter to maximize economy; they will learn to use the braking mode to recapture engine-braking energy; and, of course, they will take it easy on takeoffs.

And a majority of other users could care less.

It is enough for them to know that they are getting good mileage, no matter how they drive. With a 14.5-gallon tank, the cruising range is considerable.

The HS is not a remake of the Toyota Prius. The HS 250h is sourced from a unique platform in Japan that uses a powertrain based on that in the Camry hybrid. Its fuel economy of 35 mpg city and 34 highway is a tick better than the Camry, but significantly off the 51 mpg city for the Prius.

The 3,770-pound HS Premium weighs 700 pounds more than Prius. And it outpowers Prius with 187 horses from the engine and electric motors.

But it still drives like the new Prius and feels much like it inside, which is more luxurious than a typical Toyota. The HS appears to be less posh than a typical Lexus and more functional in its materials.

The Lexus effect is in the standard equipment, which includes leather-trimmed seats, a 10-way power driver seat, eight-way power front passenger seat, moonroof, 10-speaker audio system and 10 air bags, including front knee bags.

Compared with Prius, the Lexus HS is 9 inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a half-inch taller. But by the numbers, the Prius has more interior room, back-seat legroom and trunk space. Still, the HS has a flat floor in the second row and adult seating in all three bench positions.

As easy as this car is to drive, a mouse-like controller to access various cabin functions was so touch sensitive it was tedious to master. I could only practice while the car was stopped, otherwise I’d fixate on the screen to make my hand move the cursor to the desired area. And it didn’t get easier after seven days of working with it. The owner will do much better with a tutorial at the dealership.

It seemed out of place to have a mechanical parking brake in such an icon of electronic efficiency. And for my eyes, the electrochromic side mirrors were too dark at night.

The HS is a new direction for Lexus. It isn’t a pampering product but an upscale statement of function and efficiency. It doesn’t scream look at me, I’m driving a green car. And a lot of people may be ready to be a little more subtle in their approach to saving the planet.

SPECS BOX

2010 Lexus HS 250h Premium

Body style: compact, five-passenger, hybrid sedan with front-wheel drive and front electric-drive motor

Engine: aluminum, 147-horsepower, DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder with variable valve technology

Hybrid powertrain: series parallel system with two motor generators and a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack

Combined horsepower: 187

Transmission: continuously variable automatic

Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 8.4 seconds; top track speed, 112 mph

EPA fuel economy estimates: 35 mpg city, 34 highway; 87 octane

Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons

Trunk space: 12.1 cubic feet

Front head/leg/shoulder room: 38/42.6/53.8 inches (Front head measurement includes moonroof)

Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 36.8/34.5/54.2 inches

Length/wheelbase: 184.8/106.3 inches

Curb weight: 3,682 to 3,770 pounds

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Smart Access key with pushbutton ignition, aluminum hood, LED brake and tail lights, moonroof, 17-inch (V-rated) all-season tires on alloy wheels, puddle lights and turn-signal indicators in outside mirrors, water-resistant front-door glass, anti-chipping paint on rocker panels and wheel-housing arches, sound insulation in doors, instrument panel and floor mats, soft-chip primer on hood to resist chipping, fabric-covered visors with lighted mirrors, leather-trimmed seats and door panels, 10-way power driver’s seat, eight-way power front passenger seat, automatic dual zone climate control, 10-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, satellite radio and USB to iPod connection

Safety features include: 10 air bags; active front headrests; four-wheel disc brakes with energy regeneration, ABS and brake assist, stability control

PRICING

Base: $37,845, including $875 freight charge; price as tested, $48,155

Options on test car: Technology package, Navigation, wide-view front monitor with rearview camera

Hybrid sedan features four modes for driving.

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at Mark.Maynard@uniontrib.com.