Is the Lexus NX good for new drivers? Here’s our verdict.

By Farzana Chaumoo

Created for those with an unstoppable ambition, it's luxury and power. But is it right for a new driver?

 

Cost

Firstly, as a new driver, do you really want to take on finance and insurance for such an expensive vehicle? Unless you can afford this SUV cash, which has a starting price of R665,200 for the entry-level NX 300 E, there are many different smaller and cheaper alternatives that you as a new driver can look at.

 

NX 300 EX – R719,600

NX 300H EX  – R792,200

NX 300 F Sport – R823,500

 

Engine & Fuel Economy

With its newly developed 2.0-litre 4-cylinder direct injection turbo-charged engine, the NX 300 is said to exhilarate as much as it accelerates. Operating on the Atkinson Cycle, excellent fuel efficiency and driving performance are achieved simultaneously, while exhaust gas interference has been eliminated to improve response over a wider torque band.

 

The NX 300 has a new sequential-shift six-speed automatic transmission paired with a sophisticated electronically controlled proactive all-wheel-drive system. Sequential shifting can be initiated via the gear lever or paddle shifter on the steering wheel.

 

In the NX 300 E, fuel consumption is rated at 7.7l/100km on a combined cycle. Maximum power produced is 175 kW @ 4800-5600 r/min and torque of 350 Nm @ 1650-4000 r/min. Which, for a new and inexperienced driver, is way too much power and torque. However, the fuel consumption is a pretty decent rated figure for an SUV that weighs almost 2,000kg but keep in mind real-world figures will be a little higher than this.

 

Interior

Inside the NX, a 10.3-inch display audio screen with a pleasingly crisp display can be found. The EX and F Sport models feature Satellite Navigation as standard. The dashboard is not only stylish but also functional and everything is easy to use.

 

Ladies, this may be helpful: there’s a removable vanity mirror that can be found in the center console. Overall, the cabin in the NX is said to be a very comfortable place.

 

Safety 

If you are still considering this as your first vehicle, you can be assured of the safety by the abundant features. The NX comes with eight airbags, and standard fog and cornering lights that help keep your eyes on the parts of the road that you may not normally see.

 

Depending on the variant, safety and driver support systems fitted to the NX include:

• Hill-start Assist Control
• Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) - F SPORT model only
• Artificial Intelligence Shift Control
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Traction Control
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• ABS – Anti-lock Braking System
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
• Tyre Pressure Monitor
• Park Distance Control
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC)

 

Warranty and Distance Plans 

All Lexus NX models come with a 3-year/100 000 kilometre warranty. 

The Lexus Distance Plans give you and all Lexus owners peace of mind and fixed-costs motoring. The Lexus Distance Plans are fully supported and approved by Toyota SA Motors. The Lexus Distance Plans are designed to give you, the motorist, a value-added product that supports your needs by containing motoring costs. Lexus Distance Plans offer all customers access to service at any Lexus dealership in South Africa and Lexus dealerships in our neighbouring countries, i.e. Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Botswana.

 

The Lexus Distance Plans cover all your normal operating condition services up to 4 years/100 000km. All servicing must be carried out according to the specified service intervals stipulated in the vehicle’s Book of Life, to ensure that the Distance Plan and the vehicle’s warranty remain valid.

 

All Lexus owners have an option to upgrade the Lexus Distance Plans. Lexus offers our customers various options in terms of choice of cover, depending on individual requirements.

 

Verdict

“Fuel efficient” models and cars are plenty, the list of options is almost endless if that’s what you are basing your decision on, but sedans and SUVs are the popular favourites on the road. An SUV won’t perform as well as a sedan in the city fuel wise, but it does make up for it with a strong engine and drive capabilities. Also, if you are looking for something with extra room and strong build quality than an SUV is your best bet. They also make towing easier, however, SUVs can be a little trickier to manoeuvre and park so as a new driver keep that in mind. If you can afford it and are in search of an all-round premium crossover SUV as a first buy, then the NX is worth considering.

 

 

Recommended: Safest small cars for new drivers