Lexus at the double
Lexus are to reveal updated versions of their NX SUV and CT premium hatch at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month.
The two models have undergone subtle restyles inside and out with smoother body lines and upgraded interior trim and equipment.
The NX, launched three years ago either with a hybrid or turbo petrol powertrain, has proved popular on the crossover scene, while the CT 200h hatchback has established itself as the‘baby’of the Lexus range with younger buyers.
The two newcomers will be having their European premieres at the Frankfurt show which opens next week. The Japanese luxury brand will also be displaying their two new flagship models – the latest LS limousine and the LC coupe.
Last August I got behind the wheel of the new Mustang convertible for the first time and wet weather denied me the opportunity to get the top down.
The manual gearbox version of the same car arrived last week and again our pathetic summer climate prevented me from getting the full experience and enjoying that superb V8 rumble to the max.
Instead I had to content myself with rolling the windows down when I fired it up to listen to the glorious soundtrack.
The Mustang is one of the most famous cars of all-time – a true American icon – and sales have been healthy since it finally became available in the UK last year with the steering wheel on the right.
One of the most recognised cars across the globe, the Mustang enjoys cult status and is the world’s best-selling sports car. On sale for over 50 years, it is now enjoying success in Europe as well as in its home market.
Available in coupe and convertible body styles and with a choice of two engines, the current Mustang was designed from the start as a global product.
Penned by a design team headed by Scot Moray Callum, brother of Jaguar’s design director Ian, UK cars are available with Ford’s impressive 5.0-litre V8 or a slightly more economical 2.3-litre fourcylinder turbo EcoBoost engine and you can match both to six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.
The Mustang certainly looks stunning and is surprisingly affordable. You can tell just by looking at it that this car means business and its bulging bonnet seems to go on for ever while its muscular wheelarches, huge alloys and shark-like front end add to the drama.
If you want the car that handles best on our roads you should stick with the coupe. Both have fully independent