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Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Bucket Seat: New Lexus RX hits SA


The latest revision of Lexus RX has been launched this week in South Africa and it brings with it a much needed update to the range. The RX was the first SUV that the luxury Japanese manufacturer launched in the country and while sales were not through the roof, they were consistent. The people who purchased the RX knew exactly what they were getting in terms of luxury and refinement. Also the Lexus RX was the first SUV offered in a Hybrid option in the form of the RX450h, so there's a lot to the RX that many don't know and hence it still remains a popular model in the Lexus line-up. 


The new RX receives striking new looks courtesy of the new design language from Lexus, highlights include the spindle grille, sharp edgy front headlamps. Lexus aren't afraid to flaunt lines with their cars and that is none the different with the RX , the side character lines sweeps down from the floating roof to the rear, to slim the overall rear expression, creating a coupe-like silhouette for the car. There's lots of bold enhancements to the body work which you can stand and appreciate all day but eventually you have to get inside to enjoy what the car is all about. 


Interior see's the RX get all the familiar gadgets we've become accustomed to with Lexus of recent, which means that tricky touch pad is back again. In all fairness it has gotten better to use in the later models than when it was first introduced, maybe that's just me getting more used to it. Lexus claim that the cabin in the RX is more "Human-Friendly", the dash features a huge 12.3" central display which is a touch screen, so the screen has been brought more forward and sits prominently on the dash unlike the older models. The infotainment has mobile phone connectivity with not just Bluetooth and USB but also Apple Car Play and Android Auto. With regards to the luxury refinement of the cabin, you just have to experience it yourself, Lexus doesn't cut corners when it comes to textures and trims and the same can be expected for the RX. 


The Lexus RX petrol engine see's it retain the monumental 3.5-litre V6 engine, linked to a quick-shifting eight speed automatic transmission. This delivers 221kW and 370Nm for the RX350, 216kW and 358Nm for the RX350 L, both of these models offer dynamic performance at every curve. For greater control and innovative dual VVTi system offers precise engine performance as it reduces emissions and enhances fuel efficiency.  In the RX450h, it still retains the 3.5-litre V6 paired with powerful electric motors and electronically control CVT for a combined output of 230kW, this equates to a 0-100km sprint time of just 7.7 seconds and ultra-low emissions. 


Overall, Lexus have another remarkable RX model that is hitting our roads, premium luxury SUV like you've never experienced. While performance figures won't flutter the petrol heads, how it works in a total system is brilliant. Pick for me has to be the Hybrid, Lexus have been playing in this segment the longest and for them to still have a system that doens't require you to plug in and charge, but still deliver such great results is remarkable. 


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