The Power of Design

Available from the 23rd February 2015, the NX symbolises a new direction for Lexus. As Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, points out: “The brand’s focus is on providing design-driven, driver-rewarding vehicles underpinned by Lexus’ advanced engineering and dynamic, efficient powertrains.”

Styling, of course, was key – the aim was to make a bold first impression and ensure the NX gets noticed. According to Hamman, this it certainly does: “Stylistically, the production package does not differ markedly from the extrovertly and aggressively crafted LF-NX concept that we showed back in 2013. What the NX designers have given us is an intelligent expression of the Lexus L-Finesse design language, retaining the sharp lines, wide, powerful stance and sporting feel of the original show car which gives it phenomenal on-road presence.”

But the newcomer is not just about the show – it’s got the go to match. The NX 200t is the first Lexus model to use the company’s new 175 kW, 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine. Nine years in development and debuting with technical innovations such as the Lexus-designed cylinder head with integrated four-into-two exhaust manifold (a world first) and twin-scroll turbocharger, the 1,998cc unit is matched to a newly developed six-speed automatic transmission with a Drive Mode Select system.

Another technological tour-de-force featuring on the NX 200t is the Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive system, which maximises traction and cornering stability, while securing the best possible fuel efficiency. According to driving conditions, up to 50 per cent of available torque can be directed to the rear wheels.

The NX 200t is available at launch in three model grades – E, EX and dramatic F-Sport apparel. It’s offered alongside the highly efficient NX 300h hybrid which sports EX livery.
“I am confident that with all these combined elements we have created a new generation vehicle that looks, drives, feels and is more efficient than anything else on the market,” says Hamman.

Specs at a glance

E Grade
Headlight cluster – LED for low beam and Halogen for high beam / LED DRLs
LED taillights
Front fogs and driving lights
17-inch multi-spoke alloys
Smart Entry
Cruise Control
Electric steering column adjustment
Leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shift
Power windows/mirrors
Auto headlamp levelling
Touch-sensitive cockpit lighting in overhead console
Overhead console
Dual-zone automatic climate control
8-speaker display audio with large 7.1-inch screen
4.2-inch Multi-Information display
Bluetooth
Stop & Start System

EX Grade
18-inch split-spoke alloys
Auto-retractable heated outside mirrors
Rain-sensing wipers
Electrochromatic rearview mirror
Heated front seats
Lexus Remote Touch System
EMVN (Electro Multi-Vision Navigation) display system with 3D SatNav and reverse camera
Park distance control
Active Sound Control (Hybrid only)

F-Sport Grade
18-inch “turbine” F-Sport alloys with high-gloss burnt metallic finish
Mesh Spindle Grille
Deeper front bumper treatment with contrasting metallic silver lower section
Full glossy black cladding for outside mirrors
Auto-retractable heated outside mirrors with reverse shift, memory and electrochromatic function
Headlight cluster – Full LED
Linear illumination style for the DRLs which also double up as turn signal lamps.
Sunroof (one-touch tilt and slide with jam protection)
F-Sport nomenclature
F-Sport smooth leather upholstery (with sport seats)
Wood trim garnish
Heated and ventilated front seats
Extra Sport+ Mode available in Drive Mode Select (DMS) thanks to Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
Boost Meter – measures turbocharger pressure levels and displays info in Multi-Information Display
G Sensor – measures the vehicle’s lateral and longitudinal forces and displays info in Multi-Information Display

Pricing, Warranty and Service

NX 200t E – R539 900
NX 200t EX – R579 900
NX 200t F-Sport – R659 900
NX 300h EX – R633 000

All Lexus NX models are covered by a four-year/100 000 km warranty and service plan (Lexus Distance Plan for the E grade model, Lexus Distance Plan Plus for the EX grade models and Lexus Distance Plan Complete for the F-Sport). For more information or to arrange a drive experience, visit www.lexus.co.za, call 08611 LEXUS or join Lexus on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LexusSouthAfrica.