If you are looking for a safer and smoother drive in a luxury SUV, you can’t go wrong choosing the new 2019 Lexus NX300.
Available at all Lexus Centres in Malaysia, the newly updated SUV is offered in three variants: the NX300 Premium, NX300 Urban as well as the NX300 F-Sport. Prices start from RM313,888 for the NX300 Urban and runs up to RM349,888 for the NX300 F-Sport (both prices reflected are On The Road (OTR) without insurance).
According to Lexus, all variants have been conceived around the core concept of Premium Urban Sport Gear to present a quality feel and yet bold and powerful expression. The F-Sport variant offers a sportier image as well as performance enhancements that have been developed from the motorsport participation of Lexus.
CLASSIC DESIGN
In terms of design, the 2019 NX carries over Lexus’ iconic design with the NX300 F Sport adopting a Jet-black plating Spindle Grille while both the NX 300 Urban and NX 300 Premium have similar 18-inch alloy wheels in a premium two tone colour.
Customers have a choice of up to 7 exterior colours (depending on variant) – Blazing Carnelian, Amber CS, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, Graphite Black GF, Red MC CS and Sparkling Meteor ME.
Additionally and exclusive for the NX300 F-Sport, customers also have a choice of Heat Blue CL or Lava Orange CS.
Customers choosing the NX300 Premium also get the convenience of a Hands-Free Power Trunk Lid which can be opened by just placing one foot under the rear bumper where a sensor is located. Looking for more boot space? The folding down the rear backrests is easily engaged by using switches on the right side of the cargo bay.
Depending on the exterior colour and variant chosen, customers have a choice of up to 4 interior colours for the upholstery and trim. For the NX300 Urban, the theme for the interior is Silver Film while for the NX300 Premium, it is Wood. Those who pick the NX300 F-Sport also gets the F Sport Metal Film interior theme and with three exclusive F Sport trim colour choices: Mustard Yellow, Flare Red or Black.
The ‘command centre’ for the NX is the centre area of the dashboard where there is an 8-inch display panel, with switchgear below it and an enlarged analogue clock. The interior designers have spent much time in usability studies to optimise the number of switches to eliminate a busy feel while ensuring that every switch is within easy reach.
ENSURING A SAFER DRIVE
Safety is the number one concern on every driver’s mind and the 2019 NX model certainly one of the safety vehicles money can buy. Featuring the latest Lexus Safety System + (LSS+), the SUV offers the most comprehensive safety system ever offered in Lexus models.
This advanced safety system is installed in all NX variants and will help drivers maintain safe distances from other vehicles on the road while simultaneously monitoring the spaces around the vehicle for potential collisions.
Using a millimetre-wave radar mounted in the grille and a monocular camera at the top of the windscreen, the NX’s Pre-Collision System (PCS) constantly monitors the road and prompts the driver to take evasive action should they get too close to a vehicle in front of it.
Even if the driver does not respond in time, the on-board computer is able to automatically apply the brakes to help reduce the impact and — in certain cases — avoid the collision.
For the NX300 F-Sport, the presence of the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system allows the computer to make adjustments to the suspension so as to enhance stability while the vehicle is coming to a stop.
Apart from that, you also get Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) that help to keep the vehicle within its lane. Should it detect the vehicle is moving out of its lane, there will be an alert and steering assistance will also be initiated to bring the vehicle back to the centre of the lane.
The advance Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system is able to operate down to 0km/h crawling through jams without requiring the driver to stop, go and break constantly, reducing driver fatigue during traffic jams.
Other safety features for the new NX300 Premium, a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) to detect vehicles in the blind spots, alerting the driver using an indicator in the respective door mirror and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system that scans the area on either side of the vehicle as it reverses out of a parking bay.
For additional safety, up to 8 SRS airbags are installed on the front and sides of the cabin, providing maximum protection of all occupants. The front airbags are the dual-stage type for optimal effectiveness depending on the force of the collision while the cushion airbag (front passenger’s seat) supports seatbelt restraint by lifting the front edge of the seat cushion during a frontal collision. A small airbag is also installed below the steering column to protect the knees of the driver.
PURE DRIVING PLEASURE
Though many vehicles offer cruise control the new NX takes it a step further by pairing the above mentioned LSS with a Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system can vary the cruising speed when necessary to maintain a safe gap with vehicles ahead. When the vehicle ahead accelerates or moves aside, the DRCC will bring the cruising speed of the NX up to the original set speed.
Don’t worry about traffic jams ever again as the DRCC in the NX lets you navigate traffic traffic with greater comfort as the system will slow down and accelerate when the vehicle ahead moves forward. This will greatly reduce driving fatigue in stop/start traffic conditions.
Another feature to assist drivers is Active Cornering Assist (ACA) an advanced and intelligent electronic stability control system for the NX that suppresses undesirable motions on winding roads to maintain clean cornering lines.
In addition, the Adaptive High-beam System (AHS), a camera located on top of the vehicle detect lights from approaching vehicles in front and automatically reduces glare to the drivers. The 11 independent LED chips in each headlamp are turned on/off automatically as required.
POWER AND PERFORMANCE
All NX variants have a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 235 hp at between 4,800 and 5,600 rpm with 350 Nm of torque from 1,650 rpm up to 4,000 rpm.
The sequential 6-speed automatic transmission (6 Super ECT) uses Torque-Demand control logic to calculate required engine torque to deliver quick response and exhilarating acceleration feel. The Gforce Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system enables more spirited driving by selecting the optimum gear and downshift pattern in response to g force.
The driver can choose preferred driving responses using the Drive Mode Select dial on the centre console. The system adjusts parameters for multiple systems, including throttle response and the power steering assist curve. Three modes are available – Normal, ECO and Sport – with SPORT mode give lively driving characteristics.
On the NX300 F-Sport variant, additional drive Sports S+ are available, it gives even more sportier driving performance with the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).
All new models sold by Lexus Malaysia come with a comprehensive factory warranty of 5 years with unlimited mileage. Complete after sales support is available at 7 locations in Malaysia (including East Malaysia) where there are professional technicians who have been extensively trained by Lexus International. Owners enjoy the Lexus Experience which is beyond ownership of a Lexus vehicle, encompassing lifestyle personalized moments and excellent customer satisfaction.
