NX Automotive Reviews Thread
07-11-14, 11:49 AM
#167
The pursuit of F
WarsdAuto.com Test Drive
http://wardsauto.com/vehicle-test-dr...t-sport?page=1
New Lexus NX Short on Sport
WHISTLER, BC, Canada – Lexus never has been known for especially exciting vehicles. Its biggest successes in the U.S. have been the nice-but-dull ES sedan, aka Lexus’ Camry, and the RX CUV, aka the wealthy-soccer-mom-mobile.
But in the past few years, prodded by race-enthusiast Toyota President Akio Toyoda and the continuing performance press of the Germans, Lexus has brought out some relatively heart-pounding product.
The IS F sport sedan released in 2008 is a beloved model in industry circles, the new non-F IS has received above-average reviews, and industry-watchers are salivating over the upcoming RC and RC F coupes.
Even the most sedate Lexus models now look exciting, thanks to the brand’s signature in-your-face spindle grille.
Considering these recent victories, it is with the highest hopes we get behind the wheel of the new entry-luxury NX CUV here recently.
It has the fit-and-finish supremacy Lexus is known for – and the exterior and interior styling flair it isn’t.
But driving the new NX 200t, NX 200t F Sport and NX 300h hybrid leaves us flat, largely because the new CUV is too quiet and pokey off the line.
Achieving better levels of interior quietness and calmness is admirable, and something many automakers should prioritize.
But for this product, in this segment, the NX needs more NVH.
The sound of the twin-scroll turbocharger in the 200t model is nonexistent.
How an engine sounds is a big part of a sporty driving experience.
Lexus realizes this, so to make up for the lack of natural engine sounds it pipes artificial, computer-created noise into the NX’s cabin, via an instrument panel-mounted speaker.
But this artificial noise is high pitched, unnatural and annoying.
The NX 200t’s engine is an all-new design for Lexus, although it benefits from knowledge gained in an experimental turbocharged 4-cyl. done 10 years ago, NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato says.
The all-aluminum, 2.0L I-4 makes 235 hp and 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) of torque, on par with most competing models but slightly trailing the BMW X3, one of the two vehicles benchmarked for the NX, which has a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl. making 240 hp and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque.
The best-selling entry-luxury CUV in the U.S., the Mercedes-Benz GLK, tops the segment in output, thanks to its naturally aspirated 3.5L V-6 that churns out 302 hp and 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of torque.
The NX’s 2.0L turbo adds a new form of variable valve timing, VVT-iW, with the W standing for “wider,” as it allows the cam phasing to operate over a broader range. Under lighter loads, the engine can operate in Atkinson cycle, leading to better fuel economy, while in more aggressive driving the engine is in Otto cycle for improved torque.
But real-world torque is lacking, as the NX in our tests hesitates at step-off, further dinging the sporty claims.
While Lexus says peak torque can come as soon as 1,650 rpm, it feels closer to 3,000 behind the wheel.
This is a stark contrast to the BMW 2.0L, a 2-time Ward’s 10 Best Engines winner for its lack of turbo lag and feels-like-it 1,250-rpm torque peak.
The Lexus NX 300h hybrid, which the automaker expects to account for less than 10% of total NX U.S. sales, uses the ES 300h hybrid’s 2.5L Atkinson-cycle 4-cyl. and 244.8V nickel-metal-hydride battery.
However, as it is available in an all-wheel-drive configuration, the NX 300h adds a third motor to drive the rear wheels. As in the ES, the NX’s first and second motors start the engine and drive the front wheels, respectively.
Still, as with all Toyota and Lexus hybrids, driving solely on electric power is elusive above 20 mph (32 km/h).
The extreme tamping down of NVH is welcome in the NX 300h, as the sound of a motor whining isn’t particularly desirable.
The differences between the available driving modes, Eco, Normal and Sport, also is greatest in the NX 300h, with Sport resulting in a more eager tip-in and firmer steering feel.
The NX is “loosely based” on the Toyota RAV4 architecture, with just 10% carryover parts, Kato says. The same suspension geometry is shared, as is the front floor, dash panel and exterior rocker panels.
The improvements made to the platform, and body, largely are responsible for the tomb-like silence in the interior.
The NX boasts greater levels of rigidity and stability thanks to touches such as a front suspension tower that is joined to the cowl with thick-plate steel; ample amounts of body adhesive between the front pillar and dash panel and the front and rear door openings; laser-screw welding between existing spot welds; and more spot welds, at the back-door opening and No.3 cross-member, Lexus says.
Underbody areas getting more attention include the front bumper, which has been reinforced, and the rear-suspension member brace, now thicker and more-securely mounted.
But Lexus wanted a quieter CUV still so it adds urethane insulator panels in the hood and urethane liners in front fender while thinning out door frames.
The MacPherson-strut front and double-wishbone rear suspensions give a relatively athletic ride, as a slew of measures are taken to boost stability and ride comfort, such as the addition of rigid front and rear stabilizer bars to limit body roll in corners.
But the U.S.-spec NX lacks the adaptive suspension it will carry in some overseas markets. Without it here the CUV won’t have the same canyon-carving credentials of the X3 and Q5.
Not surprisingly, fuel economy is most impressive in the NX 300h, averaging 42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km), obliterating our AWD tester’s projected 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) combined rating but reflective of stop-and-go driving in this resort town.
Our next-best number is a not-shabby 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) in an AWD NX 200t F Sport, which is projected to average 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km). A mostly high speed, limited-stop route helps here.
The NX’s styling inside and out is progressive, an achievement for Lexus.
The exterior’s creases aren’t wholly original, but they lend a futuristic look to a Lexus lineup largely devoid of much angularity.
The NX’s interior is roomy, with a second row designed to fit taller folks comfortably.
Front seats are a tad wide for thinner passengers, but the F Sport seats are narrower and grip nicely.
The 60/40 rear seats fold flat and have a power-fold option, although we never come across it here.
The manual folding seats are maddening. There’s only one set of levers, on rear seat bottoms, and to get seatbacks fully upright is a two-arm endeavor, requiring moving the lever concurrently with pushing back on the seatback.
The step-like design of the center stack is a winner, as is the layered instrument panel.
Also pleasing is a new human-machine interface in the form of a touchpad in models equipped with navigation, replacing the mouse-like remote-touch controller in current Lexuses. It has two ways to select: pushing down on the touchpad or double-tapping it like a laptop touchpad.
The NX 200t F Sport’s red leather seats with black trim, accented by red stitching, are sharp, matched only by the unique sew pattern on cream-colored seats in the NX 300h.
NX pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date. But if it follows the competition, expect the CUV to start in the upper-$30,000 range, semi-ridiculous considering these vehicles’ small size though just a notch above the average new-vehicle price in the U.S.
Lexus is strong in CUVs thanks to the midsize RX, regularly the best-selling luxury model in the U.S., car or light truck, with 100,000-plus annual sales.
This position no doubt bolsters Lexus’ confidence to target 36,000 NX sales in the vehicle’s first full year on sale in the U.S.
That would make the NX the No.1 seller in the segment given last year’s pace, when the GLK tallied 32,553 sales, according to WardsAuto data.
The NX likely will attract some RX owners wanting to downsize. By lacking the sportiness it claims, the new CUV may appeal to those who find the X3 and Q5’s rides too firm and engines too noisy.
Still, we’d love to see the NX, in a midcycle change perhaps, go toe-to-toe with the German entrants quick acceleration and growly engines.
Pros
Sporty appearance
Roomy rear seat
Fantastic hybrid fuel economy
Cons
Performance doesn’t live up to looks
Cumbersome manual seat controls
Hybrid take-rate under 10%
WHISTLER, BC, Canada – Lexus never has been known for especially exciting vehicles. Its biggest successes in the U.S. have been the nice-but-dull ES sedan, aka Lexus’ Camry, and the RX CUV, aka the wealthy-soccer-mom-mobile.
But in the past few years, prodded by race-enthusiast Toyota President Akio Toyoda and the continuing performance press of the Germans, Lexus has brought out some relatively heart-pounding product.
The IS F sport sedan released in 2008 is a beloved model in industry circles, the new non-F IS has received above-average reviews, and industry-watchers are salivating over the upcoming RC and RC F coupes.
Even the most sedate Lexus models now look exciting, thanks to the brand’s signature in-your-face spindle grille.
Considering these recent victories, it is with the highest hopes we get behind the wheel of the new entry-luxury NX CUV here recently.
It has the fit-and-finish supremacy Lexus is known for – and the exterior and interior styling flair it isn’t.
But driving the new NX 200t, NX 200t F Sport and NX 300h hybrid leaves us flat, largely because the new CUV is too quiet and pokey off the line.
Achieving better levels of interior quietness and calmness is admirable, and something many automakers should prioritize.
But for this product, in this segment, the NX needs more NVH.
The sound of the twin-scroll turbocharger in the 200t model is nonexistent.
How an engine sounds is a big part of a sporty driving experience.
Lexus realizes this, so to make up for the lack of natural engine sounds it pipes artificial, computer-created noise into the NX’s cabin, via an instrument panel-mounted speaker.
But this artificial noise is high pitched, unnatural and annoying.
The NX 200t’s engine is an all-new design for Lexus, although it benefits from knowledge gained in an experimental turbocharged 4-cyl. done 10 years ago, NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato says.
The all-aluminum, 2.0L I-4 makes 235 hp and 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) of torque, on par with most competing models but slightly trailing the BMW X3, one of the two vehicles benchmarked for the NX, which has a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl. making 240 hp and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque.
The best-selling entry-luxury CUV in the U.S., the Mercedes-Benz GLK, tops the segment in output, thanks to its naturally aspirated 3.5L V-6 that churns out 302 hp and 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of torque.
The NX’s 2.0L turbo adds a new form of variable valve timing, VVT-iW, with the W standing for “wider,” as it allows the cam phasing to operate over a broader range. Under lighter loads, the engine can operate in Atkinson cycle, leading to better fuel economy, while in more aggressive driving the engine is in Otto cycle for improved torque.
But real-world torque is lacking, as the NX in our tests hesitates at step-off, further dinging the sporty claims.
While Lexus says peak torque can come as soon as 1,650 rpm, it feels closer to 3,000 behind the wheel.
This is a stark contrast to the BMW 2.0L, a 2-time Ward’s 10 Best Engines winner for its lack of turbo lag and feels-like-it 1,250-rpm torque peak.
The Lexus NX 300h hybrid, which the automaker expects to account for less than 10% of total NX U.S. sales, uses the ES 300h hybrid’s 2.5L Atkinson-cycle 4-cyl. and 244.8V nickel-metal-hydride battery.
However, as it is available in an all-wheel-drive configuration, the NX 300h adds a third motor to drive the rear wheels. As in the ES, the NX’s first and second motors start the engine and drive the front wheels, respectively.
Still, as with all Toyota and Lexus hybrids, driving solely on electric power is elusive above 20 mph (32 km/h).
The extreme tamping down of NVH is welcome in the NX 300h, as the sound of a motor whining isn’t particularly desirable.
The differences between the available driving modes, Eco, Normal and Sport, also is greatest in the NX 300h, with Sport resulting in a more eager tip-in and firmer steering feel.
The NX is “loosely based” on the Toyota RAV4 architecture, with just 10% carryover parts, Kato says. The same suspension geometry is shared, as is the front floor, dash panel and exterior rocker panels.
The improvements made to the platform, and body, largely are responsible for the tomb-like silence in the interior.
The NX boasts greater levels of rigidity and stability thanks to touches such as a front suspension tower that is joined to the cowl with thick-plate steel; ample amounts of body adhesive between the front pillar and dash panel and the front and rear door openings; laser-screw welding between existing spot welds; and more spot welds, at the back-door opening and No.3 cross-member, Lexus says.
Underbody areas getting more attention include the front bumper, which has been reinforced, and the rear-suspension member brace, now thicker and more-securely mounted.
But Lexus wanted a quieter CUV still so it adds urethane insulator panels in the hood and urethane liners in front fender while thinning out door frames.
The MacPherson-strut front and double-wishbone rear suspensions give a relatively athletic ride, as a slew of measures are taken to boost stability and ride comfort, such as the addition of rigid front and rear stabilizer bars to limit body roll in corners.
But the U.S.-spec NX lacks the adaptive suspension it will carry in some overseas markets. Without it here the CUV won’t have the same canyon-carving credentials of the X3 and Q5.
Not surprisingly, fuel economy is most impressive in the NX 300h, averaging 42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km), obliterating our AWD tester’s projected 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) combined rating but reflective of stop-and-go driving in this resort town.
Our next-best number is a not-shabby 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) in an AWD NX 200t F Sport, which is projected to average 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km). A mostly high speed, limited-stop route helps here.
The NX’s styling inside and out is progressive, an achievement for Lexus.
The exterior’s creases aren’t wholly original, but they lend a futuristic look to a Lexus lineup largely devoid of much angularity.
The NX’s interior is roomy, with a second row designed to fit taller folks comfortably.
Front seats are a tad wide for thinner passengers, but the F Sport seats are narrower and grip nicely.
The 60/40 rear seats fold flat and have a power-fold option, although we never come across it here.
The manual folding seats are maddening. There’s only one set of levers, on rear seat bottoms, and to get seatbacks fully upright is a two-arm endeavor, requiring moving the lever concurrently with pushing back on the seatback.
The step-like design of the center stack is a winner, as is the layered instrument panel.
Also pleasing is a new human-machine interface in the form of a touchpad in models equipped with navigation, replacing the mouse-like remote-touch controller in current Lexuses. It has two ways to select: pushing down on the touchpad or double-tapping it like a laptop touchpad.
The NX 200t F Sport’s red leather seats with black trim, accented by red stitching, are sharp, matched only by the unique sew pattern on cream-colored seats in the NX 300h.
NX pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date. But if it follows the competition, expect the CUV to start in the upper-$30,000 range, semi-ridiculous considering these vehicles’ small size though just a notch above the average new-vehicle price in the U.S.
Lexus is strong in CUVs thanks to the midsize RX, regularly the best-selling luxury model in the U.S., car or light truck, with 100,000-plus annual sales.
This position no doubt bolsters Lexus’ confidence to target 36,000 NX sales in the vehicle’s first full year on sale in the U.S.
That would make the NX the No.1 seller in the segment given last year’s pace, when the GLK tallied 32,553 sales, according to WardsAuto data.
The NX likely will attract some RX owners wanting to downsize. By lacking the sportiness it claims, the new CUV may appeal to those who find the X3 and Q5’s rides too firm and engines too noisy.
Still, we’d love to see the NX, in a midcycle change perhaps, go toe-to-toe with the German entrants quick acceleration and growly engines.
Pros
Sporty appearance
Roomy rear seat
Fantastic hybrid fuel economy
Cons
Performance doesn’t live up to looks
Cumbersome manual seat controls
Hybrid take-rate under 10%
07-11-14, 02:46 PM
#168
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Thank you for the clarification!
This may answer your question - note the section of the article where it shows the two different headlamps.
http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/07/0...ew/#more-17942
Fromt the article, my understanding is if you go for the base single eye LED headlamp (i.e., low beam LED and halogen high beam), the turn signal is likely non-LED if Lexus follows suit with what they did with the 2014 IS. The best bet is to actually see the car and study it. Or any reviewers who have seen the car may be able to answer this question as well.
For the tri- LED headlamp, definitely turn signal is LED as per the article and it makes sense as well.
But when talking about the turn signal in the side mirrors, it is highly likely a non-LED light bulb.
http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/07/0...ew/#more-17942
Fromt the article, my understanding is if you go for the base single eye LED headlamp (i.e., low beam LED and halogen high beam), the turn signal is likely non-LED if Lexus follows suit with what they did with the 2014 IS. The best bet is to actually see the car and study it. Or any reviewers who have seen the car may be able to answer this question as well.
For the tri- LED headlamp, definitely turn signal is LED as per the article and it makes sense as well.
But when talking about the turn signal in the side mirrors, it is highly likely a non-LED light bulb.
07-11-14, 04:14 PM
#169
Not surprisingly, fuel economy is most impressive in the NX 300h, averaging 42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km), obliterating our AWD tester’s projected 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) combined rating but reflective of stop-and-go driving in this resort town.
Our next-best number is a not-shabby 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) in an AWD NX 200t F Sport, which is projected to average 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km). A mostly high speed, limited-stop route helps here.
Our next-best number is a not-shabby 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) in an AWD NX 200t F Sport, which is projected to average 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km). A mostly high speed, limited-stop route helps here.
07-11-14, 04:30 PM
#171
This may answer your question - note the section of the article where it shows the two different headlamps.
http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/07/0...ew/#more-17942
Fromt the article, my understanding is if you go for the base single eye LED headlamp (i.e., low beam LED and halogen high beam), the turn signal is likely non-LED if Lexus follows suit with what they did with the 2014 IS. The best bet is to actually see the car and study it. Or any reviewers who have seen the car may be able to answer this question as well.
For the tri- LED headlamp, definitely turn signal is LED as per the article and it makes sense as well.
But when talking about the turn signal in the side mirrors, it is highly likely a non-LED light bulb.
http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/07/0...ew/#more-17942
Fromt the article, my understanding is if you go for the base single eye LED headlamp (i.e., low beam LED and halogen high beam), the turn signal is likely non-LED if Lexus follows suit with what they did with the 2014 IS. The best bet is to actually see the car and study it. Or any reviewers who have seen the car may be able to answer this question as well.
For the tri- LED headlamp, definitely turn signal is LED as per the article and it makes sense as well.
But when talking about the turn signal in the side mirrors, it is highly likely a non-LED light bulb.
hey andy... Lexus published their detailed (relatively) spec for NX... so we know the base spec:
Base
LED headlamps (low beam), fog lamps, brake lamps and DRLs
Door handle design with LED illumination (all four doors)- hidden key hole
Heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signal lamps
Premium pkg
Upgraded DRLs and turn signals
It seems "only" difference is DRL's, where premium package gets led tube DRL + LED blinkers. But rest of it is already in the base spec!
07-11-14, 04:39 PM
#172
Pole Position
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Well, so how to sum this up then ? We have like 10 different test here and almost everyone tells us something like this:
+
Comfort
Quiet
A really good cruiser
Styling and looks
-
Performance, especially 300h but 200t could be faster too.
Not fun to push hard, not a "drivers car"
Turbo engine has turbo lag, torque is lacking at lower rpm.
This sounds like a typical Lexus 10-15 years ago ( except for the styling part ) or maybe an RX in smaller version. Is this really what Lexus wanted to create ? I dont know, but it feels like something went a little bit wrong here. Was NX really supposed to have the characteristics of a highway cruiser ? As far as I remember it was supposed to be one of the sportiest and best handling cars in its class ? But maybe i´m wrong here .
+
Comfort
Quiet
A really good cruiser
Styling and looks
-
Performance, especially 300h but 200t could be faster too.
Not fun to push hard, not a "drivers car"
Turbo engine has turbo lag, torque is lacking at lower rpm.
This sounds like a typical Lexus 10-15 years ago ( except for the styling part ) or maybe an RX in smaller version. Is this really what Lexus wanted to create ? I dont know, but it feels like something went a little bit wrong here. Was NX really supposed to have the characteristics of a highway cruiser ? As far as I remember it was supposed to be one of the sportiest and best handling cars in its class ? But maybe i´m wrong here .
07-11-14, 04:58 PM
#173
Well, so how to sum this up then ? We have like 10 different test here and almost everyone tells us something like this:
+
Comfort
Quiet
A really good cruiser
Styling and looks
-
Performance, especially 300h but 200t could be faster too.
Not fun to push hard, not a "drivers car"
Turbo engine has turbo lag, torque is lacking at lower rpm.
This sounds like a typical Lexus 10-15 years ago ( except for the styling part ) or maybe an RX in smaller version. Is this really what Lexus wanted to create ? I dont know, but it feels like something went a little bit wrong here. Was NX really supposed to have the characteristics of a highway cruiser ? As far as I remember it was supposed to be one of the sportiest and best handling cars in its class ? But maybe i´m wrong here .
+
Comfort
Quiet
A really good cruiser
Styling and looks
-
Performance, especially 300h but 200t could be faster too.
Not fun to push hard, not a "drivers car"
Turbo engine has turbo lag, torque is lacking at lower rpm.
This sounds like a typical Lexus 10-15 years ago ( except for the styling part ) or maybe an RX in smaller version. Is this really what Lexus wanted to create ? I dont know, but it feels like something went a little bit wrong here. Was NX really supposed to have the characteristics of a highway cruiser ? As far as I remember it was supposed to be one of the sportiest and best handling cars in its class ? But maybe i´m wrong here .
I must admit I initially dismissed those claims until I got in the sharply creased Lexus and drove it. Color me a convert. The NX's ride is first-class, a strong engineering feat for a vehicle with such a small wheelbase. This is particularly true of the non-F Sport model. The steering is properly weighted and lively; the NX 200t holds the road well during fast sweeping turns; and the brake feel is about 10 times better than you'd expect on this class of vehicle.
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz37CvXS8Hf
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz37CvXS8Hf
07-11-14, 08:47 PM
#174
Lexus Test Driver
hey andy... Lexus published their detailed (relatively) spec for NX... so we know the base spec:
Base
LED headlamps (low beam), fog lamps, brake lamps and DRLs
Door handle design with LED illumination (all four doors)- hidden key hole
Heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signal lamps
Premium pkg
Upgraded DRLs and turn signals
It seems "only" difference is DRL's, where premium package gets led tube DRL + LED blinkers. But rest of it is already in the base spec!
Base
LED headlamps (low beam), fog lamps, brake lamps and DRLs
Door handle design with LED illumination (all four doors)- hidden key hole
Heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signal lamps
Premium pkg
Upgraded DRLs and turn signals
It seems "only" difference is DRL's, where premium package gets led tube DRL + LED blinkers. But rest of it is already in the base spec!
Indeed this is a more accurate answer on the integrated LED turn signals in the side mirrors.
This is the power of a good forum where members can correct each other and we are more informed and knowledgeable than before.
To add, don't forget the option of tri-eyed headlamp where both low and high beams consist of many LEDs.
Last edited by AndyL; 07-11-14 at 08:50 PM.
07-11-14, 10:55 PM
#175
Pole Position
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: NSW, Australia
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Most of the reviews state the handling is competent but not sportscar focused (it's a CUV). Maybe only the BMW in the class is more "sporty". Definitely quicker/more accurate steering and better body control/suspension than the RX.
With regards to the turbo, there hasn't really been mention of significant lag and the issue with lacking low down torque is due to Lexus wanting to avoid a light-switch like effect on the turbo engine which takes away from the luxury aspect of the engine. Hence the comments about it being more than fine in the passing acceleration stakes, but not so much off the line, whereas other turbos have that bigger "kick" off the line but therefore have greater lag to achieve it. I think the character of the engine is something that Lexus intentionally worked on, and the engineer's have already stated that it can easily deliver more power in different tunes (which they'll probably use down the line in cars like the RC, IS, GS etc).
07-12-14, 04:02 AM
#176
The pursuit of F
^^^+1
Regarding some of the medicore reviews on the handling and power (200t). A recap:
1. The "lag" was just prominent if you floored the car at a standing start.
Flipside: - Car is peppy especially at highway speeds.
- Smoothest and quietest engine. In fact one review said he wished for more NVH.
2. The handling was good for most of them, but not as sports-car-like (personally I expected this).
Flipside: - No one tested it with the AVS (Adapative Variable Suspension). Like the IS350 F-Sport RWD, this is what edges the car to best-in-class driving dynamics so we still need a full review on this system to "judge". The downside from what some of those articles mentioned (as well as from the US spec sheet), AVS will likely not be available in the US.
Regarding some of the medicore reviews on the handling and power (200t). A recap:
1. The "lag" was just prominent if you floored the car at a standing start.
Flipside: - Car is peppy especially at highway speeds.
- Smoothest and quietest engine. In fact one review said he wished for more NVH.
2. The handling was good for most of them, but not as sports-car-like (personally I expected this).
Flipside: - No one tested it with the AVS (Adapative Variable Suspension). Like the IS350 F-Sport RWD, this is what edges the car to best-in-class driving dynamics so we still need a full review on this system to "judge". The downside from what some of those articles mentioned (as well as from the US spec sheet), AVS will likely not be available in the US.
Last edited by corradoMR2; 07-12-14 at 04:06 AM.
07-12-14, 10:29 AM
#177
The pursuit of F
Autogo.ca Test Drive
http://www.autogo.ca/en/reviews/test...irth-continues
It’s time to put aside any preconceived notions you may have had about Lexus. The automaker is reinventing itself into a manufacturer capable of building fun cars that know their way around a twisty road.
WHISTLER, British Columbia – Lexus’ rebirth started with the new IS, continued with the introduction of the RC coupe, and was confirmed with the arrival of the 2015 Lexus NX, a new compact SUV that focuses first and foremost on being fun to drive.
We had an opportunity to drive the new NX range in British Columbia, more specifically along the well-known Sea-to-sky Highway that connects Whistler and Vancouver. Highway 99 as it is formally known offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean with a background of endless mountains as well as the Bowen and Gambier Islands.
In many ways, the Sea-to-sky Highway is a lot like the Lexus NX. Visually, it is stunning, and you can drive for hours without ever getting bored. However, if you are looking for a winding road that will put a huge smile on your face, there are other, more spirited options. The NX is a solid vehicle, but it will not push your chest back when you floor the right pedal. So if all out performance is the main criterion, the NX may leave some wanting more.
That being said, the 2015 Lexus NX’s driving behavior is inherently stable and reassuring. Accelerations are linear and progressive, and the vehicle is quick to react to steering inputs without being overly nervous. When you drive a vehicle for the first time, you tend to notice these things.
We like the predictability of the new NX, but not so much the poor visibility created by its very aggressive styling. It’s difficult to know what is directly behind you, so drivers will be thankful for the standard rearview camera. A massive C-pillar hinders rear three-quarter visibility, but a blind spot monitoring system is available to compensate. The Lexus NX is a sight to behold and most will agree its design is stunning, but style does come at the expense of function in the instances explained previously.
Some drivers may feel a little cramped inside the cabin, especially in the front. Available head and elbow room is on par with other vehicles in the segment, but the large, protruding center console combined with the seat’s noticeable lateral support and the vehicle’s high beltline do not make for an wide open environment.
On the other hand, the NX’s interior is beautiful in every way. High-quality leathers and trims combine with the kind of exemplary craftsmanship we have come to expect from Lexus. Your passengers will have nothing but good things to say about your new car when stepping in for the first time. Available space in the back is not impressive, but certainly not disappointing. Cargo space is what one would expect from a vehicle in this class.
Technology is everywhere inside the NX. High-end versions get a unique touchpad used to control the infotainment system, a welcomed change from the run-of-the-mill rotary **** seen in most luxury vehicles. It takes some time to get used to the touchpad, but being that it works just like a cellphone’s touchscreen, the learning curve is not very steep.
Speaking of cellphones, it is possible to recharge one inside the 2015 Lexus NX. We did not have the necessary sleeve to evaluate the idea, but on paper it is fantastic. Other small details inside, like the mirror located on the cover of a small storage area prove just how much effort Lexus put into its new compact SUV.
Because yes, the Lexus NX is a compact sport utility vehicle, not a subcompact offering. Lexus is aiming squarely at the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, among others, and not the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA. Some will say that Lexus already has a model in that category, the RX, and they would be right. But the NX is different, offering a sportier ride that is simply not found in the RX, which also happens to be bigger. With the NX, Lexus is targeting a different buyer that normally would not take a second look at the RX.
As mentioned previously, the Sea-to-sky Highway does not offer many sweeping curves, but when we did have the opportunity to evaluate the NX’s handling, we came away impressed. The steering wheel is correctly weighted and the agility the vehicle demonstrates at low speeds is also present as velocity increases. Moreover, all-wheel drive will be standard on all NX models offered in Canada, an added bonus when the road starts to twist, or the snow starts to fall.
However, I would have liked a little more oomph from the new turbocharged engine found underneath the hood of the NX 200t. The latter is the first vehicle from Lexus to be offered with a turbo. Developing 235 horsepower, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder also provides the driver with 258 lb-ft of torque. On paper, there appears to be plenty of power but on the road, some buyers, especially those wanting a more powerful compact SUV, might be left wanting more.
It’s not that the NX doesn’t accelerate with gusto or pass with confidence; it’s just that you never feel a surge of power when you floor the right pedal like you would in an X3 or a Q5. In other words, it may not be slower that its competition, but it does feel that way.
What about the hybrid model?
Lexus did not talk a lot about the NX 300h, the hybrid offering within the NX range, during the vehicle’s launch. Of course, given the hybrid variant’s predicted market share, that was to be expected. Still, we did get the opportunity to drive it and ultimately came away with the same feelings we had for the NX 200t.
Powered by a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, the Lexus NX 300h offers a total combined output of 194 horsepower. It also is immediately noticeable from the outside as it lacks Lexus’ new trademark spindle grille, replaced by a subdued front end that fits perfectly with the NX 300h’s laid-back, eco-friendly personality.
On the road, the 2015 Lexus NX 300h is still fun to drive, but it is even more lacking in the power department. Many will say that is to be expected given the vehicle’s focus on fuel efficiency, but the fact remains that it does not offer any compromise between improved fuel consumption and fun driving dynamics. Like its turbocharged sibling however, the NX 300h can handle a twisty road with confidence.
The Lexus NX 300h is basically fully-equipped out of the gate and will likely be noticeably more expensive than the NX 200t. We will have to wait for the price of both vehicles before elaborating on that. The same can be said in regards to fuel economy numbers which have not yet been revealed.
Conclusion
Despite a lack of power, I genuinely liked the 2015 Lexus NX – especially the NX 200t – for its predictability, its styling and its technology-packed interior. It is a unique compact SUV that may very well offer the best compromise between sportiness and comfort in its class. The only thing left is to know how much it costs, but given how the cluttered its segment is, we do not expect anything less than competitive pricing.
WHISTLER, British Columbia – Lexus’ rebirth started with the new IS, continued with the introduction of the RC coupe, and was confirmed with the arrival of the 2015 Lexus NX, a new compact SUV that focuses first and foremost on being fun to drive.
We had an opportunity to drive the new NX range in British Columbia, more specifically along the well-known Sea-to-sky Highway that connects Whistler and Vancouver. Highway 99 as it is formally known offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean with a background of endless mountains as well as the Bowen and Gambier Islands.
In many ways, the Sea-to-sky Highway is a lot like the Lexus NX. Visually, it is stunning, and you can drive for hours without ever getting bored. However, if you are looking for a winding road that will put a huge smile on your face, there are other, more spirited options. The NX is a solid vehicle, but it will not push your chest back when you floor the right pedal. So if all out performance is the main criterion, the NX may leave some wanting more.
That being said, the 2015 Lexus NX’s driving behavior is inherently stable and reassuring. Accelerations are linear and progressive, and the vehicle is quick to react to steering inputs without being overly nervous. When you drive a vehicle for the first time, you tend to notice these things.
We like the predictability of the new NX, but not so much the poor visibility created by its very aggressive styling. It’s difficult to know what is directly behind you, so drivers will be thankful for the standard rearview camera. A massive C-pillar hinders rear three-quarter visibility, but a blind spot monitoring system is available to compensate. The Lexus NX is a sight to behold and most will agree its design is stunning, but style does come at the expense of function in the instances explained previously.
Some drivers may feel a little cramped inside the cabin, especially in the front. Available head and elbow room is on par with other vehicles in the segment, but the large, protruding center console combined with the seat’s noticeable lateral support and the vehicle’s high beltline do not make for an wide open environment.
On the other hand, the NX’s interior is beautiful in every way. High-quality leathers and trims combine with the kind of exemplary craftsmanship we have come to expect from Lexus. Your passengers will have nothing but good things to say about your new car when stepping in for the first time. Available space in the back is not impressive, but certainly not disappointing. Cargo space is what one would expect from a vehicle in this class.
Technology is everywhere inside the NX. High-end versions get a unique touchpad used to control the infotainment system, a welcomed change from the run-of-the-mill rotary **** seen in most luxury vehicles. It takes some time to get used to the touchpad, but being that it works just like a cellphone’s touchscreen, the learning curve is not very steep.
Speaking of cellphones, it is possible to recharge one inside the 2015 Lexus NX. We did not have the necessary sleeve to evaluate the idea, but on paper it is fantastic. Other small details inside, like the mirror located on the cover of a small storage area prove just how much effort Lexus put into its new compact SUV.
Because yes, the Lexus NX is a compact sport utility vehicle, not a subcompact offering. Lexus is aiming squarely at the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, among others, and not the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA. Some will say that Lexus already has a model in that category, the RX, and they would be right. But the NX is different, offering a sportier ride that is simply not found in the RX, which also happens to be bigger. With the NX, Lexus is targeting a different buyer that normally would not take a second look at the RX.
As mentioned previously, the Sea-to-sky Highway does not offer many sweeping curves, but when we did have the opportunity to evaluate the NX’s handling, we came away impressed. The steering wheel is correctly weighted and the agility the vehicle demonstrates at low speeds is also present as velocity increases. Moreover, all-wheel drive will be standard on all NX models offered in Canada, an added bonus when the road starts to twist, or the snow starts to fall.
However, I would have liked a little more oomph from the new turbocharged engine found underneath the hood of the NX 200t. The latter is the first vehicle from Lexus to be offered with a turbo. Developing 235 horsepower, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder also provides the driver with 258 lb-ft of torque. On paper, there appears to be plenty of power but on the road, some buyers, especially those wanting a more powerful compact SUV, might be left wanting more.
It’s not that the NX doesn’t accelerate with gusto or pass with confidence; it’s just that you never feel a surge of power when you floor the right pedal like you would in an X3 or a Q5. In other words, it may not be slower that its competition, but it does feel that way.
What about the hybrid model?
Lexus did not talk a lot about the NX 300h, the hybrid offering within the NX range, during the vehicle’s launch. Of course, given the hybrid variant’s predicted market share, that was to be expected. Still, we did get the opportunity to drive it and ultimately came away with the same feelings we had for the NX 200t.
Powered by a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, the Lexus NX 300h offers a total combined output of 194 horsepower. It also is immediately noticeable from the outside as it lacks Lexus’ new trademark spindle grille, replaced by a subdued front end that fits perfectly with the NX 300h’s laid-back, eco-friendly personality.
On the road, the 2015 Lexus NX 300h is still fun to drive, but it is even more lacking in the power department. Many will say that is to be expected given the vehicle’s focus on fuel efficiency, but the fact remains that it does not offer any compromise between improved fuel consumption and fun driving dynamics. Like its turbocharged sibling however, the NX 300h can handle a twisty road with confidence.
The Lexus NX 300h is basically fully-equipped out of the gate and will likely be noticeably more expensive than the NX 200t. We will have to wait for the price of both vehicles before elaborating on that. The same can be said in regards to fuel economy numbers which have not yet been revealed.
Conclusion
Despite a lack of power, I genuinely liked the 2015 Lexus NX – especially the NX 200t – for its predictability, its styling and its technology-packed interior. It is a unique compact SUV that may very well offer the best compromise between sportiness and comfort in its class. The only thing left is to know how much it costs, but given how the cluttered its segment is, we do not expect anything less than competitive pricing.
07-12-14, 03:40 PM
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The brand new 2015 Lexus NX 200t is powered by the first ever turbocharged powerplant to come in a Lexus. This 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder makes 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque and runs from 0-60 MPH in 8.2 seconds with the Drive Mode set to "Sport" and the Traction Control turned "Off".
07-12-14, 03:56 PM
#179
Lexus Test Driver
Anyway for this review --- this is a pretty good one. Probably we have read other good reviews and already have a basic impression on NX, it seems as if we have already seen the car in person. Just a test drive should complete the whole impression.
07-12-14, 06:43 PM
#180
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http://youtu.be/Z9TN_pktBzc
The brand new 2015 Lexus NX 200t is powered by the first ever turbocharged powerplant to come in a Lexus. This 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder makes 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque and runs from 0-60 MPH in 8.2 seconds with the Drive Mode set to "Sport" and the Traction Control turned "Off".
The brand new 2015 Lexus NX 200t is powered by the first ever turbocharged powerplant to come in a Lexus. This 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder makes 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque and runs from 0-60 MPH in 8.2 seconds with the Drive Mode set to "Sport" and the Traction Control turned "Off".
