https://soundcloud.com/db_drivenmedia/the-first-lexus-petrol-turbo-but-it-is-not-a-sports-car-nx200t-suv
It’s been a long time coming but Lexus has finally got a petrol engine with a turbocharger.
It’s not a sporty coupe but rather it’s a small SUV, the NX 200t.
The other NX model that has been around for a while is the Hybrid NX 300h
They say they haven’t got into turbos because they have been focusing on Hybrids. 31% of Lexuses now sold are hybrids and their CEO Sean Hanley says that there is no reason why they shouldn’t go to 50%.
Still let’s talk about the turbo with Ken Gratton from carsales.com.au.
- This is only the second engine specifically developed for Lexus. The only other one is the V10 for the LFA.
- Could they use it for other vehicles?
- Two litre is a reasonable size motor for a small SUV at the best of times – Turbo makes it 175kw 350 Nm
- Needs 95 RON
- 6 speed automatic Fuel-saving features include flexible torque-converter lock-up control from second to sixth gear.
- Front looks are big
- I don’t like the dash – protruding into the cabin
- Pricing
| 2WD | Luxury | $52,500 |
| 4WD | Luxury | $57,000 |
| 4WD | F Sport | $63,500 |
| 4WD | Sports Luxury | $72,500 |
- All models feature a four-year, 100,000km warranty
- Equipment
- Luxury
- Power rear door
- Rear view camera
- Sat NAV
- tyre pressure warning sensors
- cruise control
- rain-sensing wipers
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- F-Sport
- adaptive variable suspension (with sports calibration)
- 360-degree panoramic view monitor
- four mode drive mode select (ECO, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORTS+)
- wireless induction charger for phone and mobile devices~
- blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert
- 10-way adjustable, heated and cooled front seats with driver memory
- Sports Luxury
- full-colour heads-up display
- Automatic high beam*
- Lane Departure Warning
- all-speed active cruise control
