Lexus has been warned not to imply in future that its hybrid vehicles cause little or no harm to the environment.

The advertising watchdog has warned the premium carmaker that it needs to take greater care when marketing its petrol-electric hybrids as low emissions vehicles.

 The Advertising Standards Authority investigated complaints about press adverts stating the RX400h hybrid SUV was "perfect for today's climate (and tommorrow's)" and "made environmental and economic sense".

Although one of the lowest polluting SUVs, RX400h's CO2 emissions of 192g/km are still considered high for the entire new car market.