From super style to top warranty, Lexus is riding high with RX SUV
I love the way Japanese manufacturers manage toincorporatetraditional Japanese values into the style of their cars.
Take the new Lexus RX 450h SUV, for example. Designers have striven to create a “Tazuna” feeling around the driver. Tazuna means “reins of the horse” and the idea is to almost copy the small and precise hand movements that send signals from man to beast into the controls of the car.
Thus, the driver’s position at the wheel and the location and use of all the systems and features are brought together in what Lexus believes is the most intuitive and harmonious way possible. Hi ho Silver.
At fingertip distance is the small and sporty gearstick. There is a head-up display and the climate controls and 14in screen are all easily reached with minimum fuss.
This new fifth- generation Lexus – the premium brand from motoring giant Toyota – is 95 per cent different from its predecessor, with more legroom, a longer boot and a lower centre of gravity for even better handling and road holding. The most striking feature from the outside is the way the body colour of the car melts into that deep spindle Lexus signature grille. This is particularly delightful in the launch colour of Sonic Copper.
The doors are exceptionally quiet and open wide for easy access before closing with an almost imperceptible click.
Lexus luxury takes over from the moment you step up into the driver’s seat, with its leather and wood steering wheel. The doors have suede inlay and the piano- black gloss exudes opulence and desirability. All of this is lovely but, coupled with the performance, the Lexus really outdoes itself.
There are three packs for the RX – Performance, Performance Plus and Takumi (named after the finest Japanese artisans) – and three powertrains, the 350h and the 500h which are non plug-in hybrids.
Then there is this one which I have been driving, the 450h plug- in hybrid in Takumi trim, which Lexus says from experience will be its biggest seller as its green credentials and excellent economy will be attractive to both fleet and private customers.
And the beauty of this PHEV is that even when the electric charge – which will take you about 40- 43 miles – runs out, the self- charging faci l ity onboard means you can continue to build it up when you brake and decelerate. That means you never lose the boost the electric motor gives the 2.5-litre petrol engine when you need that extra bit of power.
All trim levels across the board come with the latest Lexus Safety System+ to protect the occupants and it is also exceptionally clever at detecting pedestrians and cyclists to keep them safe too.
Lexus has a terrific record for reliability and looking after customers, which has brought it an immensely loyal following.
Now, of course, it has its amazing 10 year/100,000-mile warranty. After three years, if you continue to have your annual service done by Lexus, it will add another year on to your warranty free of charge up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.
If you buy a Lexus from someone else, even if they have not had the car serviced by Lexus after three years, you can restart the warranty. It’s quite the deal and quite the car.