{"id":10013,"date":"2014-12-17T04:56:49","date_gmt":"2014-12-17T04:56:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/?p=10013"},"modified":"2015-04-14T22:23:53","modified_gmt":"2015-04-14T21:23:53","slug":"lexus-nx","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/index.php\/lexus-nx\/","title":{"rendered":"Lexus NX 300h"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"lexus_nx2\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Lexus NX combines luxury with high-tech, but is it enough to fend off\u00a0established\u00a0rivals\u00a0asks Geraldine Herbert<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

What is it?<\/strong>The luxury compact crossover segment is the new battleground for premium carmakers and not surprisingly this lucrative sector is the fastest-growing segment of the car market and Lexus is eager to tap into this lucrative niche with their new NX<\/p>\n

Who is it aimed at? <\/strong>The Compact SUVsegment is dominated by the likes of Volvo\u2019s XC60, \u00a0BMW\u2019s X3 and Range Rover\u2019s Evoque so the NX needs to very special to stand out from this crowd.<\/p>\n

Styling?<\/strong>While instantly recognisable as a Lexus the front is dominated by the vast spindle grille which dwarfs the LED headlights and L-shaped daytime running lights. Look beyond the flared arches and sculpted body and there are some very elegant touches such as the door handle with a hidden key slot and integrated lighting<\/p>\n

Under the Bonnet?<\/strong>\u00a0The NX is powered by the familiar combination of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor, AWD versions have a second motor sending torque to the rear axle.<\/p>\n

What about inside?<\/strong> Inside this aggressive-looking NX is a beautifully minimalist cabin with a range of new features that make it standout from the rest of the Lexus range. \u00a0Soft-touch materials are offset by the metallic silver-lined centre stack and the quality throughout is excellent. There are plenty of practical features, including a split-folding rear seat and more novel additions including a wireless charging pad for smartphones and an optional Mark Levinson hi fi. Despite the sloping roofline it is also practical and Lexus tell us it has the best luggage load length in its segment<\/p>\n

On the Road?<\/strong>It is at cruising speeds that the NX comes into its own and there is a soothing level of refinement.\u00a0 While it is never going to rival the Range Rover Evoque for driving dynamics the NX is responsive and confident in the bends and very easy to drive. The steering is solid but the CVT gear box is noisy, accelerating in any way harshly has the engine revs screaming,<\/p>\n

And Safety<\/strong>?.\u00a0There is plenty of high-tech wizardry to keep you and anyone you might hit safe \u00a0including the advanced Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), All-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM),\u00a0 Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).<\/p>\n

Options? <\/strong>There are six trims available on the NX and a choice of front wheel drive and awd drive options.\u00a0 The\u00a0 Executive is the only trim offered with a choice of front or all-wheel-drive while the\u00a0 F-Sport and Premium versions have AWD as standard<\/p>\n

Will it break the bank?<\/strong>Prices for the entry level NX are \u20ac43,000. Our FWD Executive trim test car is priced at \u20ac50,950<\/p>\n

Economy?<\/strong>As you\u2019d expect from a hybrid\u00a0 the front wheel models emit a mere 116g\/km and return a \u00a0claimed 5 litre per 100km or 56.5mpg fuel efficient. \u00a0While the official fuel economy figures for the AWD version start at CO2 emissions of only 121g\/km and 5.3 or 53.3mpg<\/p>\n

Verdict?<\/strong>\u00a0In this competitive market Lexus is offering a vehicle with a blend of comfort and\u00a0luxury\u00a0that will appeal to a very wide market.\u00a0 With the NX Lexus \u00a0may not put the sport back into sport utility vehicle but the NX is more efficient and better equipped than rivals and is a compelling choice for buyers that want to step into a\u00a0premium\u00a0brand.<\/p>\n

Why you\u2019ll buy one?<\/strong> Distinctive Styling; exquisite cabin; economical<\/p>\n

Why you won\u2019t?<\/strong> Disappointing driving dynamics; CVT Gearbox<\/p>\n

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Rivals<\/strong><\/p>\n

Range Rover Evoque<\/a> prices from\u00a0 \u20ac41,395<\/p>\n

Volvo XC60<\/a> prices from \u20ac39,995<\/p>\n

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Watch our video review below<\/strong>\u00a0(Video Filming by Kyran O\u2019Brien<\/em>)<\/p>\n

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