And it'sn't because the regimen of the brand hasn't ineffective. To the contrary, since industry was hit by the aptly called RX in 1998, Lexus has ruled the roost in the midsize high-end crossover section. Competing formulas have come and gone, but the power to dull the more ill-mannered aspects of the day-to-day drive and encapsulate its occupants of the RX -lined finery has proven to be a powerful elixir. The Lexus RX is the top-selling high-end crossover perhaps because of, or despite, a demure, soapstone-shaped outside that dissolves into the suburban landscape.

With the NX, Lexus is trying to find somewhat ovarian, and a younger, demographic. So it is outside with the outside forms that were pillowy long connected to the RX and in with a comparatively riotous interaction and folds in the NX theory and the large, X-shaped grille. In the end, who does not enjoy to get spindle- ?

You will find three variants of the NX which will reach U.S. dealers later this year: the NX200t, NX200t F Sport, and the NX300h hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle will be the sixth to join the hybrid- Lexus line that is intensive.

As the RX dipped for various bits into the Camry parts bin, the new NX raids the RAV4 pantry where it's wise to do this. Lexus maintains that 90 percent is unique to that version, although various other drivetrain components are additionally shared.

The biggest news is under the hood where a fresh turbo engine--the first in a Toyota merchandise -1990s Supra--makes its introduction. Rated at 235 hp, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder is constructed for great throttle response and not supreme operation, with an eye toward low emissions and fuel consumption. Equipped with double variable valve timing, it can change to the Atkinson cycle from your routine Otto cycle. The exhaust manifold is essential with the cylinder head, which features a built in water jacket that lowers combustion temps and cools the exhaust, allowing without needing excessive air/fuel mixture enrichment (that's not bad for fuel economy). The single turbocharger is a double-scroll design two of the four manifold runners of the engine are paired with each impeller for decreased interim. The turbo is Toyota's own layout and uses an air-to-liquid intercooler with an unique cooling system to pull more heat out. A six-speed automatic transmission is borrowed in the RAV4.

2015 Lexus NX300h

Where the turbo four actually shines is in part-throttle tip in at low to moderate engine speed; it begins creating its maximum 258 lb-ft of torque at a just 1650 rpm and handles stiff levels without working up a sweat. There is no awareness of the engine building boost, and it's Lexus-smooth, also, with no of the booming seen in another four-cylinder factories. On the other hand, a tremendous well is n't of electricity for passing at the top end, and the torque of the engine trails off above 4000 rpm.

Expect to see this engine down the road (under the hood of more Lexus products and perhaps even a few Toyotas) as fuel economy standards continue to tighten.

Although it is only a trim level on the foundation NX200t, it is the one edition that demonstrates the most promise of breaking from the RX's style that is anesthetic. In spite of the fact that wheel and tire sizes are shared with the RAV4, Lexus says the dynamic goals of the F Sport were BMW X3 and the Audi Q5, as well as its own Lexus IS sedan.

The summer of the F Sport tires crispen turn-in result, bringing the NX driving experience nearer to that of its German rivals. Lexus added tons of structural adhesive and additional welds to stiffen the construction of the NX, and the crossover feels as strong as the X3. Astonishingly, some road feel is conveyed through the steering wheel of the NX, as the tires load up in the corners although there is no actual attempt build-up. The four wheel disc brakes can scrub away speed with confidence, but don't especially unresponsive on first use.

2015 Lexus NX300h

Our least favourite NX is the 300h hybrid vehicle. We have reported that Toyota is assured in NiMH batteries for lastingness.

Maybe the best section of the recent NX is its cabin, which shrink wraps around its occupants. The seats are enveloping, like individual-sized catcher's mitts. Its occupants're considerably more reinforced than another seat Lexus offers, with lower and generous thigh -torso support-- the seats of the F Sport even more so. There aren't any hot spots, bumps, lumps, or places that are uncomfortable --you just take a seat and stay put no matter the twists and turns of the road. Normal is a seven-inch multimedia screen with a games console-mounted touch pad offering haptic feedback that is remote at the driver's fingertips. A wireless charger in the games console for Qi-enabled telephones is a choice. Despite the tailor-appropriate interior ambiance, the NX is roomy; our six-foot editor sat with the front seat fixed for his generously proportioned framework in the back seat.

Thus, is the NX the? Our first drive shows that the new little crossover of the brand is another creature compared to RX, at least. It is dubious many present RX owners will be brought to the look of the spindle-faced compact, but will Lexus have the ability to pry BMW, Mercedes, and Audi owners from their X1s, X3s, GLAs, GLKs, Q3s, and Q5s to look? Perhaps. More likely, the competitive appearance of the NX will bring buyers looking to move up - brand sedans and crossovers that are little. We'll be strapping on our evaluation equipment shortly to see if the new crossover formula of the brand is not as weak as it seems.