The new Lexus NX – Experience Amazing

By Chad Lückhoff 

When one thinks of Lexus, you hardly imagine a compact SUV. Your mind rather wanders off to visions of large, well-equipped sedans with the reliability of a Swiss watch. The truth of the matter is that, in South Africa, Lexus' compact SUV NX offering, is their best-selling model, accounting for over 25% of the brand’s sales. The popular NX range has been refreshed, updated and invigorated for the 2018 year, allowing it to stay at the fore of the consumer’s considerations.

Lexus have identified their target market, an energetic, adventurous individual who places an emphasis on quality and experiences. As such, they have tried to mold the updated NX to best align with the demands of the public who show an interest in their product. The changes may seem minor, but the do well to refine the Lexus NX-experience.

Aesthetics

Up front, the new headlights feature the contemporary Lexus triangular signature, while the spindle-grille design remains, albeit refreshed with a chrome frame in the E and EX models, while the range-topping F-Sport is finished off in a black chrome, complementing the F-mesh design incorporated into the area spanning the borders.

Alongside the spindle, the side grilles have been redesigned along with the rest of the front bumper, creating a sporty, yet elegant appearance.

More alterations can be found around the back where the rump has been treated to new LED combination taillights that extend further into the center, and the bumper, along with the bumper and license plate garnish, have too seen an update.

Interior

Lexus owners place a large emphasis on the cabin of their selected vehicles, expecting a myriad of technological advancements and a build quality that can rival the best. While the NX has never struggled in this department, the new NX builds on this foundation.

The entry-level E models now receive rain-sensing wipers, auto-leveling headlights, and come with rear-view cameras.

EX models build on the additions in the E model but include roof rails for the active lifestylers, and the range-topping F-Sport sees the addition of chrome accents around the steering controls and aluminium accents on the instrument cluster.

The infotainment screen is now larger than before, with a full 10.3 inches available with navigation, bundled into EX and F-Sport models. The ease of use is aided by the redesign of the tactile interfaces, an area that one could comfortably say needed improvement in the previous NX versions. The more logical layout and grouping of the buttons and switches makes locating controls considerably easier than before, allowing for less time with your gaze diverted from the road.

The interior retains its well-insulated and touch-friendly demeanour, even if, at times, it can feel somewhat cosseting. The command-style driving position allows for better visibility and an increased sense of safety.

Engines

While the naming convention has changed, where NX200t denoted a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the new range will be labeled NX300, indicating that the power output is likened to a 3.0-litre engine's output.

All models, barring the hybrid NX300h, retain the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 175kW and 350Nm. Power delivery is relatively linear and constant even if it can sometimes be caught off-boost, and requires a shift to a lower gear to get it accelerating again.

The NX300h hybrid combines a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder with an electric motor to produce a combined 150kW.

One of the more apparent changes to the line-up comes from the drive in the entry-level E models, who now no longer have AWD but only 2WD. This allows Lexus to keep the costs down and they have managed to pass on a saving of R24 000 on the E models, making the package even more attractive should you not require the services of an AWD drivetrain.

E, EX and F-sport models have their engines coupled to the same 6-speed automatic gearboxes while the NX300h is mated to a CVT-offering.

Verdict

The NX is a very agreeable compact SUV, and an ideal companion for those looking for an alternative to the German and Korean offerings, while still desiring the build quality and finish that is found in the competition.

Boot space is somewhat limited by comparison, but the NX makes up for this by offering a comfortable, quiet drive with not much to complain about. It's even easier to live with now than it was before, and still retains the safety, and no doubt, the reliability.

Pricing remains competitive when considering the standard spec level and the included warranty / Distance Plan maintenance plans offered.

Lexus NX 300 E	R599 900
Lexus NX 300 EX	R677 300
Lexus NX 300 F-Sport	R789 700
Lexus NX 300h EX	R746 700

All models offered with a 3-year / 100 000km warranty with Distance Plan variations across the model range.