The NX debuts in Malaysia today.
KUALA LUMPUR: Lexus Malaysia, a division of UMW Toyota Motor, has launched the new NX premium compact SUV (sport utility vehicle).
Five variants are offered, and the NX is priced on-the-road with insurance at RM299,873.80 (NX 200t); RM331,679.80 (NX 200t Premium); RM352,199.80 (NX 200t Luxury); RM378,875.80 (NX 200t F SPORT) and RM385,063.50 (NX 300h Hybrid).
It comes with a three-year or 100,000km (whichever occurs first) warranty.
The NX, launched at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, is offered with two engine choices, the Lexus first developed in-house 2.0L Turbo engine and 2.5L Hybrid engine.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 235hp at between 4,800 and 5,600rpm with 350Nm of torque from 1,650rpm up to 4,000rpm.
A new sequential 6-speed transmission features Torque-Demand Control Logic which calculates required engine torque and maximises it.
A G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system is also adopted for automatically selects the optimum gear and downshift pattern in response to cornering forces.
Meanwhile, the NX 300h Hybrid has a new P314 E-CVT (electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission) with a kick-down function, for greater acceleration performance.
The NX 300h Hybrid has a 2.5-litre petrol unit which works together with an electric motor to provide a combined system output of 197hp (with 210Nm from the engine between 4,200 and 4,400 rpm).
The flagship NX 200t F Sport has one of the boldest interpretations of the signature Lexus spindle grille.
For this variant, there is an exclusive mesh design for the grille which has come to identify the F Sport variants.
The F Sport variant also comes with exclusive 10-spoke alloy wheels with a dark premium metallic finish and sporty design, fitted with 235/55R18 tyres as well as a black-tinted panoramic glass roof.
In the cabin, for the first time on a Lexus, the NX introduces touch switches in the headliner for the front dome lights and map light switches.
Gentle contact with the light switches causes them to illuminate.
Meanwhile, the cargo area can accommodate three golf bags stowed sideways, rather than having to lean them against the side.
Storage in four compartments beneath the cargo floor provides extra space for keeping valuables out of sight.
The NX 200t F Sport and 300h comes with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Sound System while the other variants come with 10-speaker or 8-speaker Lexus Premium Audio systems.
The NX comes with a number of Lexus firsts such as Wireless Charging Tray and a new version of the Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI).
Just placing a compatible smartphone on the Qi wireless charging tray will recharge its battery, so that’s one less cable to carry (and lose).
The Lexus-first RTI with a Touch pad incorporates smartphone-like operation feel with vibration feedback, providing more intuitive operation than the previous joystick-type remote touch interface.
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It is also the first vehicle in the world to have a power reclining/power folding 60:40 rear seat which adjusts at the touch of a button.
Its use of a Smart Card Key is also the first in the segment, offering greater convenience as the key card can fit easily into a wallet or pocket.
Assistance systems on the NX includes a Panoramic View Monitor (a Lexus first) which displays an image like a bird's eye view, combining seamless images from 4 cameras.
This complements the rear view camera.
The Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert Monitor detects vehicles in the driver's blind spots in adjacent lanes and alerts the driver with a flashing signal on the side mirror.
A Lexus-first is the cornering lamps in the front fog lamps for better night time visibility.
Up to 8 SRS airbags are installed.
Safety features include ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), Whiplash-Injury Lessening front seats, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control.
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