2015 Lexus NX 200t video review
It’s the first turbo from Lexus, and serves slick style in a practical package, plus a few other surprises
By Shahzad Sheikh
Lexus is intent on catching your attention now. It’s not content to just put out high quality, reliable, comfortable and worthy contenders anymore. Now it wants to evoke a reaction, stir up some emotions, turn heads.
And cars like the all-new Lexus NX 200t are amongst the lead protagonist in this shift of attitude at previously conservative-minded Lexus. It’s bold, thrusting face and razor sharp lines immediately leave and impression that makes you forget for a moment what you’re looking at – a small family crossover.
Video review
What is the NX 200t?
It would be fair to say that this is based on a Toyota RAV4, but it would also be unfair to say that as only really the chassis is similar. Everything else is Lexus – and I mean ‘New’ Lexus. Under the bonnet for example, is a Lexus first – a turbocharged engine.
It’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit putting out a respectable 235bhp and giving this all-wheel drive compact SUV a 0-100kph time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 200kph, through a six-speed auto.
Any other unusual features?
What, you mean apart from that stand-out styling? Yes actually! A host of things, most notable of which are the split-folding rear seat backs that can actually be tilted back into a reclining position for more comfort. There’s also a portable vanity mirror in the front and – another first – a charging plate under the cubby box lid. Essentially you don’t know cables, just put your compatible phone on this plate and it magically charges – very handy.
How is it to live with?
It’s a great size for city life, school runs and mall parking. Inside there’s plenty of space for four adults or five kids and luggage room is decent. The typical Lexus traits of quietness, refinement and a cosseting ride are all present and correct.
It also has a slightly wild side to it, certainly the F-Sport guise we tested it in (which is the one you’ll want as the grille looks so much cooler), because there’s Sport & Sport Plus modes. Honestly though I couldn’t tell much difference between the two, though the transmission certainly perks up in Sports compared to ‘Normal’ (there’s also an Eco mode, but we don’t talk about those).
The mad bit is that there is a g-meter built into the instrument panel and a turbo boost graphic! More usefully there’s a heads-up display.
Cabin styling echoes the angular themes of the exterior and whilst there’s still a lot of buttons in your Lexus, they are presented to you in a logical and appealing manner on the upward facing centre console.
It’s quick enough, cruises fine at speed and handles well enough with default understeer being the obvious setup.
Verdict
A great alternative to the small luxury SUV segment and definitely one to put on the shortlist, especially if you want to have a something that beats the rest for striking looks. It also undercuts its obvious European rivals on pricing, though I’d also take a close look at the Cadillac SRX for this money.
2015 Lexus NX 200t – The Specs
Price:
NX Premier: AED160k ($43.5k)
NX Platinum: AED195k ($53k)
NX F-Sport Premier: AED180k ($49k)
NX F-Sport NX Platinum: AED205k ($56k)
Engine: 2.0-litre Turbo four-cyl, 235bhp @ 4800-5600rpm, 258lb ft @ 1650-4000rpm
Performance: 0-100kph 7.1secs, 200kph, 7.9L/100km
Transmission: 6-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Weight: 1735kg
Let us know what you think of the new 2015 Lexus NX 200t below
