Lexus has updated its NX compact SUV with minor styling changes and specification upgrades. Take a look at what the NX has to offer…

Lexus’ NX compact SUV will hits the streets in January 2018 with an updated look and although the changes are subtle, they give the NX a bit more presence. Lexus has also tweaked the NX’s suspension in a bid to enhance overall ride comfort, stability and body roll. Standard specification has also been improved.

Lastly, the NX’s naming structure has changed as part of Lexus’ global strategy with the ‘200t’ moniker, referring to a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, now replaced by ‘300’, bearing reference to offering an equivalent power output of a 3.0-litre engine. The new naming strategy has been adopted to achieve uniformity between the petrol and hybrid engine models’ badging convention. The NX will therefore from now on be referred to as the NX300 in either E, EX and F Sport trim grades.

What’s changed?

Subtle changes have lifted the appearance of the NX and enhanced suspension should improve overall ride comfort.

The styling changes on the NX include new headlights, a revised front grille with a chrome frame, a redesigned side grille and newly sculpted bumpers and trim. Rear LED combination lights are now standard for all NX derivatives.

As for the NX300 F Sport, it now wears a black chrome frame surrounding the spindle grille, complementing its dark ‘F-mesh’ grille. This derivative also features a lower apron with a brushed-aluminium-effect and graphite-coloured trim for the vents, giving the car a sportier look.

The NX300 F-Sport offers driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport+ with new Custom modes added to allow the driver to configure the powertrain, steering, adaptive variable suspension (AVS) and air conditioning.

The entry-level NX300 E is now front-wheel drive (previously all-wheel drive) with the use of a 6-speed transmission. It’s still powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with 175 kW and 350 Nm of torque which also powers the EX and F Sport derivatives.

The hybrid NX 300h combines a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce outputs of 150 kW and 210 Nm of torque.

The suspension setup has been refined with a newly calibrated rear stabiliser bar and bushing as well as new front dampers. The F Sport derivative gains the latest AVS, as found on the LC500 coupe, and Lexus has stiffened the NX’s rear stabiliser bar by 22% and 19% for the NX Hybrid and all NX300 derivatives respectively to improve body roll.

Specification changes

A new 10.3-inch display takes centre stage inside the facelifted NX while revised switchgear has uncluttered the centre fascia somewhat.

All NX derivatives now have inner door handles with a satin finish. The Lexus NX300 E benefits from additional standard features such as rain-sensing wipers, auto-levelling headlights and a reverse camera.

The mid-spec NX300 EX is now fitted with roof rails while the F Sport derivative gains dynamic headlight levelling, chrome steering switch accents and aluminium details on the instrument cluster.

Both the NX EX and F Sport now feature a larger 10.3-inch display screen (previously 7-inch) with improved graphics, clarity and comes equipped with navigation. Lexus has also revised the climate control panel which now has more modernised buttons and a redesigned analogue clock which sets the time automatically via GPS. Toggle switches have also been adopted to improve ease of use of the air conditioning’s functions.

In terms of safety, the NX is equipped with ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Enhanced VSC, Hill-start Assist and Trailer Sway Control. The F Sport derivative adds features such as a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Lexus NX – Price in South Africa

NX300 E – R599 900

NX300 EX – R677 300

NX300 F Sport – R789 700

NX300h EX – R746 700

The Lexus NX is sold with a 3-year/100 000km warranty. E-grade versions receive a Lexus Distance Plan service plan, EX models – Distance Plan Plus (includes brake components) and F Sport – Distance Plan Complete (full maintenance plan). In addition, customers can upgrade or extend their service/maintenance plan packages via the Lexus dealer network.

Buy a Lexus NX on Cars.co.za

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