WHAT’S NEW

PRICE

The starting price is up, to $54,800, which Lexus says is offset by extra equipment including more safety gear. The biggest benefit for buyers is an F Sport model with front-wheel drive, bringing sportier looks from $60,800. The flagship Sports Luxury AWD hybrid hits $76,300.

TECHNOLOGY

Auto safety braking that detects pedestrians heads an update including rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist and a wider-view reversing camera. The adaptive variable suspension now has 630 switching levels and there are LED headlights.

PERFORMANCE

Zero changes to engine or transmission in either the 2.0-litre turbo 300 or the 2.5-litre Prius-style hybrid. Lexus claims major changes to the suspension on all models and reduced cabin noise.

DRIVING

The NX is comfortable and a bit quieter but the suspension changes make the new model worse. The variable setting struggles to cope with our roads.

DESIGN

Very minor changes at the front and rear, centred on the signature “spindle grille”, as the F Sport cars get more blackout panels for a slightly more aggressive look. The infotainment screen is bigger, some switches are improved and the bigger clock keeps accurate time via GPS.