Lexus PH touts 5 qualities of the NX crossover

MANILA: Lexus Philippines knows how important personal mobility is during this time of the coronavirus pandemic and how having one is empowering, confidence building, and above all, addresses a major safety issue.

Satisfying the demand for crossovers, the Lexus NX is a great option for buyers who want a vehicle with a high ground clearance and yet is still compact enough for the city.

As one of the entry points to Lexus crossovers and SUVs, here are five reasons that can easily talk you into getting any of the three NX trims:

Exhilarating performance

Two of the three variants, the NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport are powered by a turbocharged direct-injection 2.0L inline-four that puts out 235 HP and 350 Nm of torque. It uses a twin-scroll turbocharger with two separate exhaust paths for a direct feed to the turbo and an air-to-liquid intercooler which maintains a low intake temperature and helps combat power-robbing heat.

The NX 300h hybrid pairs a 2.5L inline-four to two electric motors for a total output of 194 HP.

Its suspension is tuned to enhance ride and handling while the springs, stabilizer bars and bushings have been adjusted for improved turn-in response and steady-state cornering. New shock absorbers also improve the quality of the NX's already buttery-smooth ride.

On the NX F Sport variant is the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) found on the LC 500 that gives it enhanced control and overall handling stability.

Bold design

All Lexus units are renowned for its body and it’s no different with the NX. It shares similar design cues with the LC, namely its triple-projector headlamps and the iconic L-shaped DRLs. The NX’s revised taillights have been elongated, and the black garnish has been revised to better emphasize the “L”-shaped lenses.

Distinguishing the F-Sport variant is the F-mesh grille pattern that has the same jet-black finish seen in the Lexus RCF. The F-Sport package also comes with exclusive front and rear bumpers.

The NX sits on 18-in aluminum alloy wheels in a dark premium metallic finish mounted with 225/60 R18 tires.

Premium features

Being a crossover, the cabin has a sportier nature. The F-Sport and Hybrid variants feature a larger display on the center dashboard, which has grown from 7 inches to 10.3 inches.

The remote touch interface pad on the center console has been enlarged and redesigned for easier operation, and the palm rest has been reshaped for maximum wrist comfort. The wireless charger tray has also grown in size to accommodate larger smartphones while USB ports have been more optimally positioned in the center console, and their amperage has been increased for faster charging.

Technology

Lexus is always on the cutting-edge of technology and all that trickles down to models like the NX. Collision impact is greatly reduced with eight sensor-controlled SRS airbags lining the cabin, providing enhanced protection for all occupants.

The Drive Mode Select offers up to 5 different modes – Normal, Eco, Sport, Sport +, and Custom Mode – which lets the driver decide on the powertrain, Adaptive Variable Suspension, power steering, and air conditioning settings of the NX.

The foot-operated rear hatch makes it convenient especially if the user's hands or arms are full. Placing or kicking up one of your feet toward a sensor beneath the rear-bumper cover opens or closes the electrically-actuated rear hatch.

Craftsmanship

Attention to detail is one of Lexus’ best qualities. The needlework of the NX 300’s leather surfaces show how its stitched perfectly straight. This is made possible by hand-operated machinery equipped with special needles that are resistant to overheating and thread breakage. That is Takumi craftsmanship.

The three variants and pricing of the Lexus NX is as follows:

NX 300h hybrid    P3,678,000

NX 300 F Sport    P3,708,000

NX 300                P3,208,000

Photos from of Lexus Philippines

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