news

Lexus NX confirmed for Australia :: turbo and hybrid models coming, but affordable base model ruled out

The new Lexus NX compact SUV has been confirmed for Australia - but the brand won't be offering a budget-focused base model.


The Lexus NX range will consist of the high-tech 2.5-litre petrol-electric NX300h hybrid model, which will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2014, while the NX200t with its all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is due here in the first half of 2015.

But the NX200 model, which is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and was set to offer the brand a wallet-friendly base model price, has been ruled out for the Australian market.

A Lexus spokesman told CarAdvice that model - which is expected to produce significantly less power than the total peak output of 145kW for the hybrid and the 175kW/350Nm of the four-cylinder turbo - was designed for markets that have stricter CO2 emissions regulations, where buyers are drawn to more economy-focused engines.

Both the NX200t and NX300h will be available with a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive. The NX200t is available with a newly developed six-speed automatic and features the brand's first stop-start system for a non-hybrid model, while the NX300h is equipped with a CVT automatic and, if optioned, an electronic four-wheel-drive system.

Full specifications have not yet been confirmed for either model, but Lexus has stated that both 17- and 18-inch wheels will be available (the latter likely on F-Sport variants), as well as LED headlights and adaptive suspension linked to the drive mode selector for some models.

A range of safety systems will be available, such as 'panoramic view monitor' which uses the brand's highest resolution camera yet, and 'all-speed dynamic radar cruise control', which enables the SUV to follow the car ahead and slow the car to a halt without driver intervention. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a head-up display will also be offered.

Pricing for the new Lexus NX range is expected to start between $50,000 and $60,000, close to rivals such as the Audi Q5, Range Rover Evoque and recently updated BMW X3.

Click the Photos tab above for more images of the new Lexus NX range.

 
MORE:Lexus Showroom
MORE:Lexus News
MORE:Lexus Reviews
MORE:Lexus NX Showroom
MORE:Lexus NX News
MORE:Lexus NX Reviews
MORE:Search Used Lexus NX Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Lexus Cars for Sale
MORE:Lexus Showroom
MORE:Lexus News
MORE:Lexus Reviews
MORE:Lexus NX Showroom
MORE:Lexus NX News
MORE:Lexus NX Reviews
MORE:Search Used Lexus NX Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Lexus Cars for Sale
Chat with us!







Chat with Agent