Hearts have already established themselves as the third force in Scottish football this season, with this 3-0 win against Kilmarnock merely emphasising the point.
With just three games gone they are already in their customary position as main challengers to the Old Firm and there were some encouraging signs for boss Craig Levein, as his shot-shy strikers finally came good.
Without last season's top scorer Mark de Vries Hearts have struggled in front of goal, but a first-half header from Graham Weir sent them on their way and strike partner Ramon Pereira doubled their advantage with another header after the break.
And it was left to skipper Steven Pressley to add some gloss to the score line with a coolly converted late penalty.
There was an early scare for Killie when Alan Maybury's cross was spilled by Alan Combe, but Paul Hartley couldn't take advantage of the slip.
A fine save from Jambos keeper Craig Gordon denied former team-mate Gary Wales before the home side hit the front after 18 minutes.
Pereira got the better of Gordon Greer and floated a perfect cross from the right edge of the box for Weir to head home from six yards.
Kris Boyd had an excellent chance to head Kilmarnock level from Garry Hay's free-kick but couldn't find the target from ten yards.
And Killie continued to threaten after the break with Boyd inches wide on the volley and Allan Johnston only just missing the target from 20 yards.
Hearts wrapped the points up after 57 minutes when Joe Hamill whipped in a terrific left-wing cross for Pereira to head home.
Combe produced an excellent double save to deny Phil Stamp and then Webster on the rebound, but there was nothing the keeper could do to deny Hearts in the 79th minute.
Substitute Stephen Murray made a typical forward's tackle in the box to chop down Robbie Neilson and Pressley did the necessary from the penalty spot.