lexus NX: Arriving in South Africa

Over the past few years, the segment for compact SUVs has become one of the fastest growing in the international automotive industry. Nissan drew first blood in 2007 by unwittingly creating the segment with the ubiquitous Qashqai. Unwittingly, because Nissan executives openly admitted that, at the time, they had little if any idea how the Qashqai would be received by the buying public, let alone if it would sell with any degree of profitability. Well, we all know what happened next with 1,41 million Qashqais sold worldwide and the model now well into its second generation, we’ve written so many words about it that we’re just relieved to finally be able to spell it without looking up the name.

Easier to spell is the all-new NX. Lexus pioneered the premium, mid-sized SUV segment with the original RX back in 1998. Sixteen years on, the NX is rudely late to the party. It is, however, an altogether different proposition for buyers.

Lexus has confirmed that the model will be arriving in South Africa “early next year”, but was immoveable on a more definitive release date. What we do know is that it will use the all-new 2,0-litre turbo petrol engine in the guise of the NX200t and, to conform to the brand’s eco focus, the NX300h petrol electric hybrid will also be arriving. All wheel drive is likely to top out the SA range.

Fortunately, the version of NX signed off for production has been significantly toned down from the visually challenging one first pictured more than a year ago. The end result retains the futuristic aesthetic, but is much more appealing. The new Lexus spindle grille takes pride of place up front, but it makes the front look a tad “beaky” and is perhaps overly dramatic when applied to a compact SUV not unlike the Mazda CX-5 in that regard.

On the inside, the feedback is wholly positive thanks to plush furniture and fittings that have a premium feel, even on “povertyspec” S-grade models. Little is currently known of SA-bound NX trim levels, other than the popular F-Sport will feature in the line-up.

The NX raided the Toyota RAV4 parts cupboard where it made economic sense to do so. The two compact crossovers share a wheelbase and Lexus says the NX uses the RAV4’s front floor pan and cowl-and-dash structure, too. Various other drivetrain components are also shared, but Lexus claims that 91% of the NX’s content is specific to that model.

The biggest news for South Africa is under the bonnet. A new 2,0-litre turbopetrol engine the first in a Toyota Group product since the mid-1990s Celica/Supra makes its debut in the NX200t. It features direct injection and variable valve timing, with the ability to run on the efficient Atkinson cycle at light load. At full bore, water cooling of the integrated exhaust manifold also reduces consumption. Rated at 173 kW, the four-cylinder unit is built for good throttle response rather than ultimate performance, with due deference given to reduced emissions and low fuel consumption.

When coupled to the six-speed manual ‘box, the output of the NX200t’s engine is competitive with similar versions found in the Range Rover Evoque and BMW X4. However, a healthy stab on the throttle is unlikely to result in any tangible drama as it feels slightly underpowered. It’s a good engine in terms of refinement, though, and is adequate for everyday use. It starts generating its maximum 349 N.m of torque at a mere 1 650 r/min and tackles uphill grades at 2 000 r/min without working up a sweat. But there isn’t a deep well of power at the top end for overtaking and the engine’s torque trails off above 4 000 r/min.

There’s no news yet of transmission options bound for South Africa, but safe money will be on the six-speed manual and the six speed auto with manually selectable ratios, both borrowed from the current RAV4.

However, should the good chaps at Lexus SA tempt you with the e-CVT electronic transmission, I would advise caution . All NX300h hybrids driven at the Vienna launch had it fitted. It is not for the more engaging or enthusiastic driver and definitely requires an adapted driving style. You will need to be absolutely sure before buying that you will never need to be in a hurry. You will also have to tolerate the “all blow and no go” din emanating from the engine bay while road speed catches up with its audible promise.

On the road, the NX exhibits exemplary road manners, with much less body roll than expected of a compact SUV. The accurate steering is light but not overly so, and the suspension was well set up for EU roads. Whether it will prove a touch too firm for our broken tarmac will be seen when the NX undergoes performance testing.

A spirited drive round the scenic Austrian countryside, plus a 14 km excursion into Hungary to assess the suspension setup over that country’s abysmal roads, confirmed that the brand’s latest small crossover is an altogether different proposition than the ageing RX. Not many current RX owners will be drawn to the appearance of the spindle-faced compact, but will Lexus be able to pry BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi owners away from their staid comfort zones? Perhaps, but
Lexus is also banking on the NX’s aggressive appearance to attract buyers looking to move from mainstream-brand sedans and small crossovers.

It is a refreshing alternative in a busy compact SUV market. And besides, it’s easy to spell.