The all-new Lexus NX 300h is now available in Lexus showrooms around the country. Pricing for the small hybrid SUV was announced back in September, however, keen buyers have had to wait until now to get their hands on the all-new sharp-looking model.
The NX 300h will join the rest of the Lexus lineup in offering a Luxury, F Sport, and Sports Luxury trim level. It takes on rivals such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, MINI Countryman, and the recently launched Mercedes-Benz GLA. Despite not officially being available until now, Lexus clocked up 32 sales for the NX for the month of September giving it a 6.3 per cent market share in the small SUV above $40k segment (the Audi Q3 scored the most sales selling 166 units giving it a 32.9 per cent share).
All NX 300h models come standard with heated front seats, a power tailgate, power steering column adjustment, a rear-view camera, and a 10-speaker stereo with digital radio and Bluetooth. Located in the dash is an interactive entertainment unit that uses a Lexus Remote Touch controller to browse through options.
There’s two enhancement packs on offer as well; Enhancement Pack 1 ($2500 on both 2WD and AWD Luxury models, $4000 on F Sport model) includes a 14-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a moonroof, and Enhancement Pack 2 ($7500 on F Sport model) adds adaptive cruise control, head-up display, auto high-beam, a smart card key, and pre-collision safety. The Sports Luxury model comes standard with all of the equipment mentioned in both Enhancement Pack 1 and 2.
Under the NX 300h’s skin sits a 2.5-litre Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder hybrid system producing 147kW. The front-wheel drive model consumes 5.6L/100km and in all-wheel drive form it sips 5.7L/100km on the average cycle.
Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley commented,
“When designing the all-new NX, the engineers and designers wanted to offer consumers something unique – something that stood out from the crowd and offered innovative on-board technology while meeting the practical requirements of SUV customers.
“With its outstanding design, innovative on-board technology, unparalleled standard specification and legendary Lexus reliability, the NX is the perfect vehicle for today’s urban explorer.”
Prices for the NX 300h start from $55,000 for the 2WD model, with AWD adding $4500. The AWD F Sport starts from $66,000, and the AWD Sports Luxury from $75,000. The NX 200t 2.0-litre turbo is due to hit Australian shores early in 2015.
