The Lexus NX compact crossover has officially been revealed and will make its first public appearance at the Beijing Motor Show late next month.
The concept versions were defined by the biggest iteration of the now-signature grille, sharp headlamps undercut by slash-shaped LED daytime-running lights and myriad of character and cut lines along the flanks. At the back, there was an extreme take on the downward-pointing boomerang brakelamps currently featuring on the latest IS models. While the production version isn’t at chiselled as the concept, it’s good to see that it’s still every bit as striking with narrow headlamps that flank the large grille at the front, LED daytime-running lights, flared wheel arches and still a character line here and there for added boldness.
The cabin looks upmarket with soft-touch materials running along the doors and facia and aluminium accents, leather seats and a variety of Lexus’s latest technology such as an updated version of the company’s multimedia system, a wireless charging tray, head-up display, blind-spot monitor and an information that incorporates a G-force sensor.
One of the more important things about this vehicle is that it will be the first Lexus to features a turbocharged petrol engine. This 2,0-litre, four-cylinder unit will be available in the NX200t, while the NX200 will come equipped with a naturally aspirated unit. There will be a choice of front- and all-wheel drive available in international markets, as well as a NX300h hybrid and an F-Sport version.
South Africa will get the NX during the first half of 2015. The engine line-up is still to be confirmed, but it will include the new 2,0-litre turbo petrol.
