Lexus’ first compact crossover SUV, the “NX”, went on sale yesterday in Japan.
The NX combines sporty urban driving performance with the power of an SUV. Two variants－the NX 200t, the first Lexus fitted with a turbo engine (a first for Lexus), and the NX 300h, powered by a hybrid system－both offer responsive, engaging drives and excellent environmental performance.
The NX is priced from 4,280,000 yen (around RM133,000) to 5,820,000 yen (around RM181,000), including consumption tax. Lexus aims to sell 700 units per month in Japan.
From the front, the NX makes a strong impression with the signature Lexus spindle grille. Working further back, the wheels are emphasized by fusing the powerful front and rear wheel flares to the solid, muscular vehicle cabin, expressing the powerful performance of an SUV. With its dynamic frame, use of synthetic leather, and metallic tones on the central instrument cluster and other components, the interior highlights the structural beauty and texture of a sporty, urban SUV.
In line with the exhilarating performance of new Lexus models, the NX offers a sporty driving experience with an SUV’s power. Lexus’ first 2.0-liter turbo engine features a twin scroll turbocharger and Dual VVT-iW technology with expanded valve opening angles, and uses D-4ST technology to achieve optimum combustion efficiency, generating considerable torque from low RPMs－all providing smooth, exciting acceleration. The NX also comes with an all-new six-speed automatic transmission developed to match the new turbo engine, plus a Sequential Shiftmatic transmission with a paddle shift lever that recreates the feel of a manual transmission, as well as G AI-Shift control to optimize speed changes when cornering.
The F Sport grade takes the sporty driving performance to another level, thanks to standard inclusion of performance dampers and a NAVI/AI-AVS system to increase ride comfort and handling stability. It also comes with specially tuned suspension.
The hybrid system combines a high thermal efficiency 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an integrated high-torque motor to achieve class-leading fuel efficiency of 21.0 km/L under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism JC08 test cycle.
The Radar Cruise Control with All-speed Tracking is linked to an idling-stop system for the first time ever in a Lexus. Radar Cruise Control is both convenient and environment-friendly, supporting the driver with initial acceleration after stopping by automatically starting the engine after detecting when the vehicle ahead begins to move.
The NX offers a number of safe driving features, such as forward wide-beam LED cornering lamps for night driving and a Panoramic View Monitor with Cross Traffic Detection, employed for the first time in a Lexus.
Other convenience-enhancing features include a new Remote Touch Interface with touch pad functionality, a Lexus-first wireless charger for smartphones and other mobile devices, and a color head up display for projecting important driving information onto the windshield in the driver’s view.
