THE new Lexus RX300 luxury SUV, due for launch this month, may have a higher top speed than its predecessor but it looks certain to be even slower to depreciate.

The car has been set an unusually high three-year residual value of 50 per cent by leading vehicle-financing and fleet-solutions provider ALD Automotive, based in Bristol.

ALD procurement manager, Peter Rossiter said: "This is a sector-leading car, offering improved levels of driveability and safety. It will be a very sought-after used vehicle at the end of contract as is the current model.

"Lexus dealers are actually snapping up any used examples now. There's a shortage in the marketplace because this is a niche rather than a volume product, and that will help the car retain its value."

The reshaped Lexus RX300 features advanced aerodynamic styling but with a more spacious interior than its predecessor and most rivals.

The new chassis supports a more powerful 3.0 litre V6 engine that offers improved fuel economy and complies with Euro IV emission regulations. This is coupled with a new five-speed automatic transmission and a drivetrain that uses traction control for more precise control and refinement.

Safety features include new-design side airbags and driver's knee airbag as standard, enlarged brake discs and the use of brake assist and fast-response LED tail lights. Vehicle stability control is fitted to correct oversteer or understeer before it occurs.

Other innovations include the adaptive front-lighting system, available for the first time in a SUV to control the optimum swivel of the lights automatically.

The RX300 also has a power-operated rear tailgate and height-adjustable four-wheel air suspension to provide greater ride control above 60mph.