The early success of Lexus’s NX crossover range is set to gain extra, turbo-powered momentum with the introduction of the new NX 200t, the first model to benefit from Lexus’s new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
Order books are open now for the NX 200t, which will be available exclusively in F Sport trim with all-wheel drive, emphasising its more performance-oriented character. It joins the full hybrid NX 300h, which has already amassed more than 1,000 sales since being introduced late last year.
The NX 200t costs £38,095 on the road; first customer deliveries will be from mid-March.
New 2.0-litre turbocharged engine
The NX 200t is the first Lexus model to use a new 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine. Developed in-house, the 1,998cc unit is matched to a newly developed six-speed automatic transmission with a Drive Mode Select system.
Maximum power of 235bhp/175kW is produced between 4,800 and 5,600rpm, with peak torque of 350Nm delivered at 1,650rpm. Official combined cycle figures for CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are 183g/km and 35.8mpg respectively.
The NX 200t uses a Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive system, which maximises traction and cornering stability, while securing the best possible fuel efficiency. According to driving conditions, up to 50 per cent of available torque can be directed to the rear wheels. Performance dampers are fitted as standard.
F Sport exterior
The F Sport’s exterior styling adds a sportier emphasis to the NX’s sharp, distinctive lines with details including a prominent, large spindle grille with a mesh pattern featuring the Lexus F-motif, and a deeper bumper with a metallic-coated lower section. The door mirrors have a black finish and the F Sport 18-inch, 10-spoke alloys 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 there are none of the blue hybrid accents and at the rear, the twin tailpipes are visible, with chrome-finished, trapezium-shaped outlets.
There are eight colour options, including new Sonic White, plus Sonic Titanium (currently the most popular finish for the NX 300h), Mercury Grey, Satin Silver, Celestial Black, Mesa Red, Ultra Blue and Velvet Black.
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 are electrically adjustable and also feature heaters and lumbar support.
The standard-fit leather upholstery is available in two colours: black or, exclusive to F Sport models, Dark Rose. Both are combined with carbon-effect trim inlays. The specification also includes perforated, non-slip aluminium sports pedals and driver’s foot brace, and the F-Sport steering wheel is wrapped in grippy perforated leather.
Equipment specification
The 200t F Sport mirrors its NX 300h counterpart in in its equipment specification.
In terms of safety, the features include Lexus’s millimetre-wave radar-controlled Pre-Crash Safety system and Adaptive Cruise Control, plus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (co-ordinating ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control and vehicle stability control operation) and eight airbags. In recent Euro NCAP crash testing, the NX proved the best-performing model in its class and secured the highest five-star rating.
Style elements include 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and illuminated door handles with puddle lights. In the cabin there are electrically adjustable, heated front seats with leather upholstery. LED technology is featured in the headlights (high and low beam), daytime running lights and fog lights (which have an automatic cornering function).
For convenience, the NX 200t F Sport provides a reversing camera, Smart Entry and push-button start, power windows, electrically adjustable steering column and power, auto-folding door mirrors. The rear seats divide and fold 60:40 and loading is made easier with a power-operated tailgate. 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.
Source: Lexus
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