Take a lap in luxury
MIKE TORPEY HITS THE ROAD IN THE IMPRESSIVE LEXUS NX SUV HYBRID
CAR manufacturers aren’t averse to making bold, often exaggerated, predictions for their products – it’s rare though for a new vehicle to outperform the prophecy.
That’s the case, however, with the Lexus NX 300h mid-size SUV, the performance of which has been stronger than even its maker anticipated, breaking sales forecasts in all the world markets where it is available, including Europe and the UK.
So much so that it has accounted for more than 30 per cent of the Japanese company’s European sales since its launch some eight years ago, many of its customers being new to the brand. And the NX’s success comes as little surprise given its sleek, almost low-slung, styling, upmarket refinement and extensive level of equipment. A luxury offering – most definitely.
Now, with improvements to safety, efficiency and driving dynamics at the forefront, Lexus has added a package of revisions to make the model even more appealing.
At its core is the asset that the NX is a self-charging hybrid and one of 20 hybrid models now available in the passenger car line-up offered by Lexus and parent brand Toyota.
The advantage is that the Lexus
LEXUS NX 300h F-SPORT
Price: £42,500
is engineered to run on power from both its petrol engine and electric motor, ultimately saving fuel and cutting exhaust emissions.
It also has an EV mode button which the driver can use to switch to completely electric power, ideal for driving in slow-moving traffic or for short suburban trips.
Just one engine is available across the three-model NX range, a 2.5-litre unit producing a full system output of 195bhp for a 0-62mph acceleration time of 9.2 seconds and 112mph top speed.
Those figures don’t exactly scream performance and underline why our F Sport variant is more about dynamics and design tweaks than outright wallop. Even the fuel economy of 35.7-37.6 miles per gallon is nothing to write home about.
That said, this is a beautifully smooth, engaging and wellappointed car to drive through its electric CVT automatic gearbox that can be overridden via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.
And the Lexus Drive Mode
Select gives drivers the choice of Normal, Eco and Sport driving modes, selected using a dial on the centre console.
All-wheel drive in the form of E-Four, with its second electric motor driving the rear wheels to deliver extra torque, is also included.
Cabin space ensures ample room for five, the car’s high roofline giving plenty of head clearance and greater rear knee-room than in some larger SUV models. Luggage space – 475 litres – is wide enough for golf bags to be stowed sideways, and you also get a power tailgate on all bar entry level cars, while a button next to the tailgate grab handle automatically closes the tailgate and locks the vehicle.
On-board technology sees the likes of a wireless smartphone charging tray, reversing camera plus parking sensors, smart analogue clock and 10-speaker Pioneer Premium sound system that includes that rare treat of a CD/DVD player.
The Lexus Safety System+ is fitted to all versions of the NX and includes features which monitor the car’s surroundings and the driver’s responses, recognising certain collision risks. F-Sport versions also now get a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
Overall the NX remains an extremely tempting choice among medium-size SUVs, and in the tested Blazing Carnelian colour – costing an extra £670 – it really looks the part.
LINCOLN CITY................. 2 STANLEY........................... 2
DESPITE a Dion Charles double, Accrington Stanley could only manage a point away at the league leaders on Sunday night as the Reds quest for a Sky Bet League One play-off place heated up amid frosty conditions around the country.
Stanley took an early lead after a mistake from Lincoln’s goalkeeper Alex Palmer handed Charles a golden opportunity in the first half, but it took the inform striker until the 90th minute to complete a brace and save Mark Hughes’ blushes after falling behind to a move started off with a loose ball from the defender.
The Imps were looking to go six points clear at the top of the table but had to put their plan on hold for an initial 27 hours – the game fell to the frost on Saturday and was rescheduled to be played on Sunday evening with the unfamiliar kick off time of 6pm.
There was no change in the starting line-up from the team that lost to Plymouth Argle last week, John Coleman opting once more to play with a back four instead of the three that we have been used to for most of the season so far.
As a spectacle, the game was a fantastic advert for the division, both sides had spells playing magnificent football, and Stanley will feel disappointed that they didn’t come away with all three points.
Charles led the line well all evening for the Reds, and after just six minutes gave the game it’s first goal. It came after a spell of sustained pressure from Stanley. Moments before a great move had forced a save from Palmer, but it was his mistake that handed Charles his opener. Stanley pressed the hosts back from a goal kick and Palmer got his clearance very wrong, with the ball being controlled by Charles on the edge of the Lincoln box. Charles wrongfooted a desperate defender and smashed the ball home from 10 yards out to the delight of the away technical area.
The Visitors looked to get another quickly as Paul Smyth caused problems with his pace and Matt Butcher saw an effort fly high over the crossbar.
Lincoln struggled to get going in the opening 45 and it was late in the half when Nathan Baxter pushed an effort away after a goalmouth scramble.
The referee drew an entertaining half of football to an end and Stanley had the lead.
Lincoln came out in the second half and tried to assert themselves on the match and after just eight minutes in the second half they equalised through Morgan Rogers.
Conor McGrandles switched the ball wide towards Brennan Johnson to the right of the Stanley box. With Stanley stretched, Johnson popped a lovely cross into the head of Rogers who nodded past a helpless Baxter and settled a few home team nerves.
Stanley looked to hit back and Smyth saw two long runs end in the arms of Palmer, whilst Cameron Burgess saw a header bounce over the crossbar as the game entered the final stages.
It seemed that all of Stanley’s hard work had been undone when Lincoln took the lead for themselves on 84 minutes. To the despair of the watching fans, they were the architects of their own downfall as Hughes gave the ball away with a freekick just inside the City half. Anthony Scully read his intention and intercepted the pass, galloping forward and releasing Brennan Johnson to run towards the Stanley by line towards the corner flag. A frustrated Hughes was with him and saw the ball out for an initial corner kick. The resulting