Second Generation Lexus NX

The Lexus NX, Japan's answer to the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the BMW X3, is now on its second generation and this new model has signaled a fresh new chapter to the Lexus history. So, how did the new model manage to hit the reset button on the Lexus timeline and promise new beginnings? Let's find out.

The all-new, second-generation, Lexus NX, which starts at around 4,550,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, marks the new chapter of Lexus because judging by the looks of it, the new NX sets the template for future Lexus vehicles and this is something the world should look forward to it.

Why does the new NX set the new standard for Lexus? Look closely at its new design. For starters, the front face looks nearly identical to the previous model but the rear view is where everything changes because this is the first Lexus production model bearing the LEXUS lettering on the rear instead of the logo. This new adoption truly sparked a revolution, not evolution, in the future of Lexus designs and the new NX really is the prime example that the next generation of Lexus vehicles should follow, like it or not.

Although it's slightly bigger than the previous model, thanks to the GA-K platform its Toyota RAV4 equivalent dons, the new NX is almost compact and has no problems snugging through Tokyo traffic like a typical shot caller ready for another day at the meeting boardroom.

Like the new exterior design, the new interior also marks a major change for Lexus as well. The Remote Touch, first introduced in the third-generation RX in 2009, has been dumped for good and the new 9.8-inch screen on the dashboard is basically, surprise, a touch screen. Of course, to avoid scaring speedo boys behind the wheel, there are buttons and dials for the volume and climate control. Thoughtful thinking. That's surprisingly conservative compared to the German opposition donning speedo-boy-scaring gadgetries.

Despite its slightly longer wheelbase, the new model is slightly less roomy than the previous model, which is a bit of a whammy for the new model, judging by the fact that the boot space is 10L less than its predecessor with the rear seats present and with the rear seats folded, that's about 164L less. Ouch.

The GA-K platform the new NX dons gave the crossover a sedan-riding comfort and dynamics, which is pretty nice for a compact midsize SUV that tries to keep up against the Germans. Riding on FF layout alone, it's about as mild as a Dove soap, but with the 4WD layout on, the NX is all about being prepared for whatever life throws at it. Milder than the FF one but it's good on so many levels.

With the F SPORT variant, the NX's dynamics balance its mild character with a more dramatic feel, giving drivers plenty of reasons to enjoy it but in the end, it's all common sense.

The new NX is offered with a choice of new Dynamic Force engines such as the 2.5L petrol, 2.5L hybrid, and the first-ever 2.4L turbo engine. It's the first Lexus to have a PHEV variant, donning the same 2.5L PHEV powertrain as the RAV4 PHV. Petrol variants are mated to an 8-speed automatic while the hybrid and the PHV are equipped with the CVT.

The NX350 F Sport is the most fun of the range because the newly-developed T24A-FTS 2.4L turbo engine that powers it produces 279PS of power and 430Nm of torque. Those who wanted to experience the true expression of the new NX should go for the NX450h+ because the combination of the A25A-FXS 2.5L petrol engine, two electric motors, and a Li-ion battery delivers 309PS of power, three more than the RAV4 PHV, and 19.8km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC standards. Lastly, those who want to travel further should go for the less exciting NX350h because of the 2.5L hybrid powertrain that delivers up to 22.2kmpl based on WLTC standards.

The new NX comes with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring the most advanced driver aids such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection/Braking, the updated Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Road Sign Assist, Lane Assistance, Intelligent High Beam, and more.

So, what to like about the new NX? It's the new design that sets the new standard for future Lexus vehicles coming soon, the functional interior, a wide array of powertrains available, and the most advanced tech available. What's not to like is the space and nothing more. Like it or not, the new NX is truly a sign of things to come for Lexus, and being the first to don the next evolution of Lexus designs, looks like the trumpet has blown. Get ready.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus CT and NX (2018 minor change)

Lexus's compact offerings, the CT hybrid hatchback and the NX crossover, have been facelifted for the 2018 model year featuring new faces, new interiors, and added safety tech to keep these luxury compacts prepared for the road ahead.

But first, let's delve deeper on the CT hybrid hatchback...

2018 Lexus CT

2018 Lexus CT interior

The Lexus CT has been with us for six years now, that's over a half a decade for now for Lexus's hybrid hatchback made for city pleasure in mind and although today's hatchbacks are evolving, the Lexus CT feels like it's been left behind when it comes to following today's trends.

Sure, the exterior has been mildly revised while the interior now boasts a longer screen on the dashboard but when it comes to performance, it still feels pretty much the same as the previous facelift three years ago or perhaps is it?

The suspension now boasts some performance dampers on both front and left to make handling even more emotional than ever and while it sounds nice, it still feels like it was slightly improved at all and while it retains the Drive Mode Selector, it delivers some mixed driving feels. ECO, NORMAL, or SPORT, it 2018MY CT feels like pretty much the same as last time and that's it.

Performance still pretty much the same as ever as you still have the 2ZR-FXE 1.8L engine connected to a 3JM electric motor and the conventional nickel metal battery. Running on engine alone, it produces 99PS of power and 142Nm of torque while running on electric motor alone, it produces 82PS of power and 207Nm of torque. Fuel economy is still 30.4kmpl by JC08 Mode standards, although now irrelevant due to WLTC Mode standards.

The biggest change for the CT on this 2018 minor change is the implementation of Lexus Safety System + featuring a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Function, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, and Radar Cruise Control. With tech like these, the CT is starting to be as intelligent as a a college student taking an Associate's Degree.

2018 Lexus NX

2018 Lexus NX

2018 Lexus NX interior

Now, let's talk about the Lexus NX and onto its 2018MY minor change, the NX has gained a new face which is agressive in F SPORT variants whereas the interior gained a much longer screen on the dashboard but the style is not the concern because the 2018MY NX is the first to bear Lexus's revised nomenclature for turbocharged models as the old NX 200t is now renamed as NX 300.

Renaming aside, the NX 300 still bears the same 8AR-FTS 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, which is also the same engine that powers the facelifted Toyota Harrier a few months ago, producing 238PS, 350Nm of torque output, and it's mated with a new 6-speed AT with G AI-SHIFT. Fuel efficiency has gone up to 13.0km/L by JC08 Mode standards. Also, there's the NX 300h with the 2AR-FXE engine connected to an electric motor and an old-school nickel metal battery. With the E-Four variant, an additional 50kW electric motor is bolted to the back, which makes the NX not only feels capable on any road condition but also efficient as well. The CVT gearbox is standard for the hybrid model and as always, 21kmpl of fuel economy is plenty for the front wheel drive NX300h.

Like the CT, the new NX comes with Lexus Safety System + as mentioned above to give this crossover a much prepared stance for the drivers navigating through different traffic conditions.

The 2018MY CT starts at 3,770,000 Yen while the 2018MY NX starts at 4,400,000 Yen for the NX300 and 5,040,000 Yen for the NX300h. So, which Lexus compact will you pick? If you are onto something, you'd better be with the turbocharged NX300 but if you're on a long journey ahead, go for the hybrid variants. While not essentially enjoyable to drive by luxury car standards, these compacts are well-mannered enough to enjoy the urban landscape as much as any other luxury cars on the road right now.

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus NX (Z10/Z15)

The Lexus NX is Toyota Motor Corporation's attempt to take on the likes of its European compact crossover rivals such as the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and the BMW X3. While this is smaller than its big brother, the RX, the NX is known to be one of the most important models for the Japanese carmaker and I'd expect good hope for this one even though the crossover population is as skyrocketing as the increasing demand for these unknown car categories.

2015 Lexus NX

There's more to it than that because what lies beyond the imminent positive outlook for the new NX is the engine power plants under the hood and for the first time ever, the NX comes with this; their newly-developed 8AR-FTS engine. What is it? This is Toyota Motor Corporation's first-ever turbocharged engine since the Caldina was discontinued in 2007. I was relieved to have them saying that but this is a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that promises V6 power with 4-cylinder fuel economy and looks like downsizing can go a very long way. If you want, Lexus will offer you the top-of-the-line NX300h model equipped with the same 2.5L 2AR-FXE hybrid powerplant as seen from the Toyota Camry and the Toyota Harrier. I wouldn't mind having that because even though I had one, I would say that I wish for this car to be more exciting.

The new 8AR-FTS engine has a power output of a class-leading 238PS, 350Nm of torque output, and it's mated with a 6-speed ECT automatic gearbox. Depending on the model, 12.8kmpl is usually the fuel economy for this turbocharged NX200t although your actual fuel consumption can vary. As for the 2AR-FXE engine bolted on the NX300h model, this engine is connected to an electric motor and an old-school nickel-metal battery. Running on engine alone, it develops 152PS of power output and 206Nm of torque output while running on its 2JM electric motor alone, that's 105kW of power and 270Nm of torque. Opt-in for a 4WD model and you can get a 50kW electric motor bolted to the back. The CVT gearbox is standard for the hybrid model and as always, 21kmpl of fuel economy is plenty for the NX300h although fuel consumption can vary.

2015 Lexus NX

In terms of ride quality, the NX is not quite bad either although there are a few drawbacks to it because the suspension setup isn't as sophisticated as its European rivals because while most rivals focused solely on the more sophisticated ones, the NX has double wishbones on the back and MacPherson struts on the front. It has rack and pinion power steering so it looks nice to drive but lacks the character I was hoping for. It may not be exciting though but the NX isn't a dull car to drive on a day to day basis even for a company car for fleet use. You can refer to it as an average; it may not be quite a good car but the ride isn't half bad.

2015 Lexus NX

2015 Lexus NX interior

In terms of styling, the NX is not quite a harsh looker on the road. Thanks to its bizarro take on the L-Finesse design language like we seen on the biblically harsh-looking Lexus IS, the NX is a bit like when a 10-year-olders took control of the design room but this isn't child's play. Oh no. This is a serious crossover built for some barely serious driving on a daily routine. If I have to talk about the interior, there's a downside that the dashboard's a bit too small and while you're busy driving, you can't look at the buttons until you are at the red light and when you've stopped, you have a few seconds to find out what do these buttons do and as for the Remote Touch, the NX integrates a new generation of this interface. It's no longer a mouse thingy and it's now a touch thingy of some sort. Well, you get that idea but learning the interior can be a bit too complex until you all know about this.

What about the upsides? Well, it can seat up to five people, can be folded at the back for added luggage, is not quite cramped in terms of legroom (unless someone meddles with the front seats), and the seats are comfy as well.

So, should you buy one? The turbocharged NX200t starts at 4,280,000 Yen while its F-Sport model, complete with some sport-tuned suspension and an even more bizarro look than the normal one, starts at 4,920,000 Yen. The hybrid NX300h model starts at 4,920,000 Yen with its F-Sport model starting at 5,560,000 Yen. It may be more expensive than the Toyota Harrier it was based on but when compared to the pricing from its German rivals, this could be very one-sided but better still, this is made for those who can't afford an X3 or a GLK or a Q5. This is money well spent.

Available colors: Sonic Quartz, Platinum Silver Metallic, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Grey Mica, Black, Starlight Black Glass Flake, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Fire Agate Mica Metallic, Exceed Blue Metallic, and Meteor Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation