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It’s just been introduced in the UK, available exclusively in F Sport trim with all-wheel drive to emphasise its more performance-orientated character. It joins the full hybrid NX 300h and is due in South African showrooms on February 23 2015.
The NX 200t costs £38 095 on the road in the UK - about R650 000, as guidance only - and first right-hand driver deliveries to UK buyers will be in mid-March. The specs mentioned might not, of course, appear on South African models.
MAX POWER 175kW
The NX 200t, the automaker says, is the first Lexus to use the new two-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol that was developed in-house. It drives a new six-speed auto transmission that includes several ‘drive modes’.
Maximum power of 175kW is produced from 4800-5600rpm, peak torque of 350Nm is delivered at 1650rpm and the tested cycle figures for CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are 183g/km and 7.98 litres/100km respectively.
The NX 200t is basically front-wheel drive but its AWD system can send up to half of available torque to the rear wheels. Performance shock-absorbers are standard.
Full technical details will be announced later.
F Sport exterior
The F Sport’s exterior styling adds a sportier emphasis to what Lexus describes as the NX’s “sharp, distinctive lines” but still there is the large spindle grille with a mesh pattern featuring the Lexus F-motif, and a deeper bumper with a metallic-coated lower section.
The external mirrors have a black finish and F Sport 18”, 10-spoked alloy rims have a two-tone black and machined silver finish. The wheels are shod with 225/60R18 tyres.
The presence of the petrol turbo engine means none of the blue hybrid accents and the twin tailpipes are visible, with chromed trapezium outlets.
There are eight colour options.
F Sport interior
The F Sport theme is further amplified in the cabin. The sports front seats are made using an injection-moulding process that delivers extra lateral support and body-hugging comfort. The seats have power adjustment, heaters and lumbar support.
The standard-fit leather upholstery is available in two colours: black or, exclusive to F Sport models, Dark Rose - each combined with carbon-effect trim inlays. The specification includes perforated, non-slip aluminium pedals and driver’s foot-brace, and the F-Sport steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather.
Equipment specification
The 200t F Sport matches its NX 300h counterpart in its equipment specification.
In terms of safety, the features include Lexus’s millimetre-wave radar-controlled pre-crash protection system and adaptive cruise control, plus co-ordinated ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control and vehicle stability control, and eight air bags. In recent Euro NCAP crash testing, the NX was, Lexus says, the best-performing model in its class and earned the highest five-star rating.
Style elements include 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels. LED technology is featured in the headlights (high and low beam), daytime running lights and fog lights (which have a cornering function).
For convenience, the NX 200t F Sport provides a reversing camera, smart unlocking and push-button start, power windows, power steering-column adjustment and auto-folding external mirrors. The rear seats divide and fold 60:40 and loading is made easier with a power-operated tail door. A space-saver temporary spare wheel is provided.
The eight-speaker audio system comes with a DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, CD/DVD player and a Remote Dial control, with information presented on the centrally positioned, full colour Lexus Media Display.
Equipment options
Lexus NX 200t F Sport customers can build on their car’s specification with a select range of options. These include satnav with touchpad control.
Metallic paint and a sun or a fixed-glass roof can be specified. Handling and ride performance can be upgraded with the addition of adaptive suspension.
TURBO POWER: The NX200t will be the first model to benefit from Lexus’s new two-litre turbocharged engine. Image: Newspress / Lexus
