2015 Lexus NX 200t Review: A Sharper, Faster, Much Better NX
What's hot: Faultless Lexus interior, premium features, turbo engine and proper six-speed auto.
What's not: No sporting 'burble' at the pipes, thirsty when pushed hard.
X-FACTOR: Better buying than the sporting German SUVs at this price, and individual looks.
Vehicle style: Medium SUV Wagon
Price: from $52,500 - $72,500
Engine/trans: 175kW/350Nm 2.0 litre turbo petrol | 6spd auto
Fuel consumption
listed: 7.7 l/100km (2WD), 7.9 l/100km (4WD)
tested: 11.2 l/100km (2WD), 11.8 l/100km (4WD)
OVERVIEW
"What a difference the right engine makes." It's a comment we laid on the updated Ford Kuga just a few weeks ago.
It's catching on; now Lexus has put 'the right' engine and drivetrain into its edgy NX SUV.
That engine, nine years in development, is 2.0 litres of twin-scroll turbo putting out a respectable 175kW and 350Nm.
It spins like a top, and, unlike the NX 200t's hybrid stablemates, is not sapped by a 'porridgy' CVT droning away under the bonnet.
Instead, the 2.0 litre turbo is hooked-up to a proper six-speed automatic that can be rattled through the gears via a plus-minus plane sports shift, or will happily do so itself.
The front end is also better. The wallowy feel of the NX 300h hybrid is gone, and instead, revised spring and damper rates provide superior handling with a more controlled and flatter front-end.
So, yes, a transformation dynamically.
Of the other things that matter, this new NX is all-Lexus.
Inside these doors you will find one of the best-finished and best-trimmed interiors in the business, and it offers the same three-model range, of Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury.
But the 200t is cheaper, by $2500, than each in the equivalent NX 300h range.
We drove two variants at launch: both the 2WD F Sport and 4WD Sports Luxury. Beautiful cars, and very good buying at the $52,500 entry point to the range.
The new Lexus NX 200t is one we'd happily recommend you take a long look at.
THE INTERIOR | RATING: 4/5
NX 200t Luxury:
- LED headlights and daytime lights, fog lights
- Leather-accented interior trim
- Heated and power-adjusted driver and passenger seats
- Reversing camera and parking sensors
- Satellite navigation
- 10-speaker audio with digital radio, Bluetooth, audio streaming
- Automatic climate control
NX 200t F Sport:
- 360-degree panoramic camera display, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert,
- Wireless phone charger
- 10-way adjustable power front seats with driver memory,
- Heated and cooled front seats
Enhancement packs for F Sport (optional): moon roof and 14-speaker Mark Levinson Audio system, pre-collision safety system (PCS), all-speed active cruise control, lane departure warning, widescreen colour heads-up display (HUD), auto high beam, smart card key
NX 200t Sport Luxury:
- Power-folding 60:40 rear seats
- PCS, all-speed active cruise control, lane departure warning,
- Widescreen colour HUD
- All-LED headlamps with auto high beam,
- Smart card key, moon roof and 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio.