‘Nimble crossover’ performs

LEXUS NX 350 F SPORT: COMBINES COMFORT WITH GREAT STEERING, THROTTLE AND BRAKING Not for tree huggers but is a good package.

Toyota has used the Lexus moniker to showcase its hybrid technology over the years. Of the 28 Lexus models currently offered in South Africa, 19 are hybrids.

But in staying true to the Japanese carmaker’s philosophy of focussing on a variety of future powertrain solutions instead of being fixated on electrification, like many manufacturers, the internal combustion engine is still very much a key component in its stable.

We are not only talking about the dated 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which is used to make the ES and NX model ranges more accessible.

Last year, the new LX became the recipient of the superb 3.5-litre petrol and 3.3-litre diesel turbo engines which debuted on the Land Cruiser 300 in 2022.

At about the same time a newly developed 2.4-litre blown petrol mill was introduced to the new NX and RX ranges.

The Citizen Motoring got to sample this engine in the Lexus NX 350 F Sport over the festive period.

This derivative, only offered in F Sport guise, is the line-up’s flagship petrol offering at R1.2 million.

The NX, which is the abbreviation for “nimble crossover”, is the best-selling local Lexus model in South Africa.

It slots into the Lexus SUV line-up between the smaller UX and bigger RX.

Now in its second generation, it rides on the same TNGA-K platform as the Lexus RX and Toyota RAV4.

The four-pot 2.4-litre turbocharged engine produces an impressive 205kW of power and 430Nm of torque.

Eight-speed automatic transmission sends the twist to all four wheels via the all-wheel drive E Four system also found on the RAV4.

The F Sport is also equipped with adaptive suspension. Performance dampers are automatically adjusted when you choose between the four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ to deliver the optimal suspension for the chosen mode. We did not run it against the clock, but Lexus claims it will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in seven seconds flat, and it can reach a top speed of 200km/h. The fuel consumption of about 10l/100km we achieved over the course of 1 600km was reasonable for a car and engine of this size, although not great. The number got as high as 13 when there were no open road trips involved. Lexus says the new NX’s dynamic performance was focused on delivering the Lexus Driving Signature.

This is described as the ideal combination of ride comfort with steering, throttle and braking performance.

They achieved this with flying colours in the Lexus NX 350 F Sport.

The responsive engine adds to a rewarding overall driving experience.

The car feels planted, handles well and accelerates effortlessly.

The 2.4-litre mill is not the only impressive thing in the allnew Lexus NX.

The second generation NX also raises the bar in terms of styling, comfort, connectivity and safety.

With its subtly framed glossblack spindle grille which is flanked by adaptive LED headlights, the Lexus LX 350 F Sport certainly looks the part.

At the rear a new blade light connects the tail lights, while gloss-black mirror caps and 20inch black alloy wheels further enhance its chiselled side profile.

Inside is style and craftsmanship in typical Lexus style.

The combination of red and black leather in our test car was eye-catching.

It lends the cabin a sporty feeling, further complemented by F Sport seats, leather gear lever and steering wheel and alloy pedals.

Standard specification on the Lexus NX 350 F Sport includes a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, LFA-inspired digital instrument cluster and head-up display.

The infotainment system, which can be operated via a new voice command system or from a button on the steering wheel, features navigation and a superb 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Leg and headroom in the rear are enough to keep an adult comfortable on long trips, while 520 litres of boot space should easily swallow up their luggage.

The full list of standard spec is just too long to mention, so we’ll stick to the really good stuff, like the panoramic sunroof, handsfree electric tailgate and e-latch electric door release system.

The latter replaces the traditional interior door handles with push-button switches. A feature called safe exit assist links the e-latch to the NX’s blind spot monitor and will cancel the action if it detects an oncoming car or bicycle.

There is no shortage of safety systems in the Lexus NX 350 F Sport. These include the likes of intersection turn assist, emergency steering assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection and parking support brake.

Overall, the Lexus NX 350 F Sport is a seriously good package, spearheaded by an engine perfect for those not quite ready to become a tree hugger.

It is sold standard with a seven-year/150 000km warranty and maintenance plan.