Seeing the SC430 in the metal did little to allay those nagging doubts. The decision to retain the corporate nose and grille, combined with the bulging bonnet needed to contain the 4.3-litre V8 inside has resulted in something that looks uncomfortably similar to the bug-eyed Ford Scorpio.

Up close, the traditional Lexus values to which we have become accustomed remain in abundance. The finish and fittings are a match for any manufacturer and build quality is exceptional. But there's another problem here; the detailing lacks flair and imagination, the sort of touches that would make the SC430 a really special place to be. Gone are the chronograph dials of the IS200; instead we have copious dollops of veneer and soft hide. Don't get me wrong, it's far from unpleasant, but it feels more like a range topping Toyota than a serious Jaguar rival. Beauty, though, is in the eye of the 250 beholders who have already snaffled the 2001 UK allocation (there will be a further 500 available next year).

The SC430 comes fully loaded and, at ΂£50,850, it is cheaper than the main competition. DVD satellite navigation, a superb Mark Levinson hi-hi system and run-flat tyres are all standard gear, along with electrically powered everything, including, of course, the aluminium roof. It operates smoothly, almost silently, and even though we have seen these before, they are still fascinating to watch. Unfortunately it takes more than 25 seconds to complete its whirrings (the new SL takes 17), so if you do get caught in a sudden shower, as we did, you'll be wet by the time it has closed. Oh, and when it's open the panels almost completely fill the boot.

The aesthetically challenged snout does at least carry a peach of an engine, a 4.3-litre V8 with variable valve timing, 282bhp and a deep, pleasing woofle every time it's extended. With the roof up it's barely audible at most speeds; in fact everything is eerily quiet in there. With little rumble from the 18in wheels and barely any wind noise, even at three-figure speeds you'll be travelling faster than your senses tell you, and left wondering whether the speedo is indicating kph rather than mph.

Disappointingly, this only applies to smooth, straight roads. Add a few corners and bumps into the equation and the SC430 loses all composure. The wheel begins to writhe in your hands and undulations unsettle its balance. Making swift progress is hard work; you are often left trying to hang onto it rather than drive it, as it lurches uncomfortably from one bend to another.
Turn off the stability control and its natural attitude is to understeer, but discovering this takes some commitment and prior knowledge of the bend, so easily is it upset it if hits a bump.

With the roof down, some scuttle-shake and chassis flexing also becomes evident and the only answer is to slow down and wait for next flat straight. Come up against a well-sorted hot hatch and the Lexus would be left trailing in its wake, so settle back, take the primary routes only, activate the cruise control and enjoy the stereo.

The further you drive this car, the more you become aware that Lexus's marketing priorities for the SC430 lie with our friends in the US of A. Sure, European cars get stiffer suspension than the Stateside variants but experience says it's not as simple as that. Ford Probe , anyone?