Order-taking commences for all-new Lexus NX compact SUV
Order taking has begun for Lexus’ new premium compact SUV, the Lexus NX, which will be offered to Malaysians in no less than five different variants. Launched globally in this year’s Beijing International Auto Show, the NX makes its first appearance in Malaysian soil at the ongoing 5th International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM 2014) which UMW Toyota Motor is a participant of.
On display alongside existing Lexus models, the variant of the NX on display is the range-topping NX 300h, which will be available at an estimated on-the-road price of RM400,454. It is powered by a highly-sophisticated hybrid setup that features a 153hp/210Nm 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine up front working in conjunction with two electric motors – a 141hp/270Nm unit up front and a 67hp/139Nm unit behind. In concert, these three power units deliver a net system output of 194hp – adequate to power the NX 300h to 100kph from rest in 9.2 seconds.
Bulk of the NX’s volume, however, is likely to come from the 2.0-litre turbo NX 200t variant, which is available in no less than four trim levels, starting with the basic NX 200t at an estimated RM308,082. Above it, buyers can choose between Premium, Luxury, and F Sport trims at RM338,862, RM359,382, and RM379,902 respectively.
Under the NX 200t’s hood is Toyota’s much-awaited 2.0-litre turbo engine. Equipped with twin-scroll turbocharging and dual injection (port and direct) technologies, the in-house developed engine delivers a potent 235hp and 350Nm of outputs, propelled to all-wheels by a 6-speed automatic transmission. According to Lexus specifications, this is a set up good enough to drive the 200t from zero to 100kph in 7.1 seconds. Lexus certainly took its time before dabbling into downsized forced induction powertrains, but rest assured this mill will be seeing a lot more action in the coming years.
