1. NX stands for "Nimble Crossover", and nimble it is!
The Lexus NX, a compact luxury crossover SUV, was introduced in SA in 2015, featuring a two-litre turbocharged petrol-engine and 6-speed automatic gearbox. The NX was designed to be more agile than the run-of-the-mill offerings from other brands, and driving the then-new NX 200t in 2015 sure was testament to this. From behind the steering wheel, the NX feels more like a hatch than a crossover and there's none of that heftiness one usually associates with high-clearance SUVs. Dynamically, it's one of the best SUVs on sale today, and when I drove it for the first time, I was astounded at how it managed to navigate the multiple quick bends of some truly twisty mountain passes without a whisper of body roll.
Related: Can the Lexus NX 200t give the Germans a run for their money?
2. What you see is what you get: Everything is included in the price!
When you buy a new Lexus NX, there is no such thing as an optional extras sheet with a plethora of expensive add-ons, like you would see with the German brands. Even back at its initial launch date, the entry-level Lexus NX 200t (it is now simply known as the NX300), had a list of standard equipment as long as my forearm. (Check out what each NX variant is equipped with, in this article here: Lexus NX trims, head-to-head: We pick a winner.)
The interior is beautifully appointed and there's a real sense of occasion when you make yourself at home in the driver-oriented cabin. Lexus's Takumi Master Craftsmen are responsible for ensuring that every surface and detail in and on every Lexus is immaculate.
"In the Lexus factory even a microscopic imperfection is considered unacceptable. Nothing less than perfect will leave the production line. Craftsmen are able to use their super-trained sense of touch to check for tiny defects in the body work. This is a highly trained skill that takes at least 10 years of experience to develop and is proven in the passing of a specific exam." (You can read the full story and watch the documentary of Takumi Craftsmen on the Lexus website here.)
Related: Lexus NX300 F Sport video review
3. As a used car, the Lexus NX leads the way in the reliability stakes
Not only is Lexus / Toyota synonymous with quality, they also beat most of the other manufacturers to the punch when it comes to long-term reliability and ownership satisfaction.
The Lexus NX enjoys a stellar reliability rating in South Africa as well as the rest of the world, making the top 10 list of most reliable SUVs on many a reputable automotive authority's website with each passing year, such as JDPower.com and Edmunds.com.
Related: Lexus NX vs. Jaguar E-Pace vs. Volvo XC60
Did you know that a used NX can be a had at an affordable price?
Despite being a dream to drive and own, the Lexus NX doesn't enjoy the same depreciation value as Toyota RAV4, with which it shares many parts. This counts in your favour if you're looking for a high-quality, spec-rich, premium used car that will stand the test of time, but isn't too expensive. You can find a sub-R300 000 Lexus NX (model year 2015) right here on AutoTrader. A bargain if you consider what they cost new (see below):
Lexus NX pricing (correct as per the Lexus South Africa website), May 2020
- Lexus NX 300 EX: R751 800
- Lexus NX 300 F-Sport: R883 500
- Lexus NX 300h SE: R971 200
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