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.
TWO regular skiers at The Hill, Ski Rossendale, have made the cut into the Special Olympics World Winter Games Team GB squad.
Cameron de Vial, 27, and Matthew Evans, 40, have been skiing for several years.
They train regularly at The Hill Ski Rossendale with Rossendale Special Ski Club.
The coaches at the club work with skiers of varying ages and ranges of learning difficulties and saw the potential in these two skiers.
Coach John Vaughan said: “We have been successful with previous skiers getting into the Special Olympic World Winter Games and we have several more who will be chasing the tails of Cameron and Matthew.
“We run a yearly training week in Andorra which helped us see the potential in these two skiers.
“Last year 14 skiers attended the National Championships in Switzerland with skiers from all over Great Britain. From these Championships they were then both selected the squad. We couldn’t feel happier for them, they deserve it for both their efforts and their ability.”
Between them, Cameron and Matthew have attended many races and collected a good haul of medals from both Regional and National races.
The two skiers were chosen for a squad of 14 with seven reserves.
Cameron, who is delighted to have been selected, said: “I have been training hard for this I am very excited to be chosen.”
Matthew, known as Speedy for his speed on skis, said: “I’m chuffed. I’m looking forward to skiing for Team GB.”
They will represent Team GB in Kazan, Russia, in 2022 and will spend as much time as they can training because they are both determined to win.
Cameron’s mother, Alison de Vial, said: “I knew Cam was going to be good at skiing but I never in my wildest dreams thought he’d represent his country in the sport.
“He has worked really hard and I am so proud of him. We can’t wait to get back to training so that he stands a real chance of bringing home a gold medal.”
Matthew’s mother Sue agreed and stated: “I’m just so happy he’s found a sport that he loves doing, that he will ski for Team GB is just the best thing to happen in his life.”
Rossendale Special Ski Club train every Saturday afternoon at The Hill, Ski Rossendale.
The club has been in existence since 2011 has 5 coaches and several helpers and work with anyone with a learning difficulty.
There are over 30 club members currently with an age range from 7 to 40.
It’s success is based on their belief that to learn is within anyone’s gift and that’s it’s not a race to learn.
Using small groups and personalised coaching, the skiers develop their skills to a personal level from social skiing to racing. The club goes to Andorra every year to offer snow skiing experience and this too has proved highly successful.
The club welcome new members, to find out more contact Alison de Vial on 07931 854130 or email rosski@gmail.com.