SG: The striking new Lexus NX makes local debut

The brand new Lexus NX was launched yesterday evening at the equally new KF1 Karting Circuit in Kranji. The car made its worldwide debut only recently in April at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Its name NX, means Nimble Crossover, and seems to bode well for this sharply styled mid-sized ‘lifestyle’ SUV.

At launch, only the NX Hybrid will be available, with a conventional petrol-driven variant joining the ranks in the first quarter of 2015. The NX Hybrid (aka NX300h) is powered by a 4 cylinder 2.5-litre engine which produces 194 bhp and 210 Nm, driving all four wheels through an E-CVT gearbox. Just like the striking exterior, the fuel consumption figures are something to shout about, with claimed figures standing at 17.5km/L.

For those who like the NX but still prefer conventional petrol-driven drivetrains, the NX Turbo (aka NX200t) is the answer. With a newly-developed 2.0-litre turbocharged engine under the hood, this is Lexus’ first ever turbo engine in more than 20 years. This new twin-scroll turbocharged engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

With such good looks and the promise of unprecedented driving feel, the NX is clearly targeted at younger consumers, perhaps those with small families. The car enters the fight in a fiercely-competed field, competing with the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Porsche Macan, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, and Volvo XC60.

The NX Hybrid is keenly priced at $247,000 and $259,000 for the Executive S1 and the Luxury L1 variants respectively.

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