Form meets function with the all-new Lexus

MEET the all-new Lexus NX, built as Lexus' idea of what a perfect compact luxury crossover SUV should be like. Essentially, this is Lexus' answer to the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X3, and the Audi Q3.
No doubt, matching and exceeding the continental luxury SUVs just mentioned is a daunting task, but after spending a full day behind the wheel of it, the NX has somewhat proved that it has what it takes to hold a wheel against the others.
For starters, the NX actually looks great. Much of the NX's original inspiration, the LF-NX concept shown in 2013, is carried over to production form. The NX looks sharp, edgy, and futuristic, as if it came straight off a scene from a sci-fi thriller.
Fuelling the NX's dramatic stance further, especially in FSport form, are the sharp lines running across its sides, the aggressive angular design of its head and tail lamps, the boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights, as well as the large signature Lexus 'spindle grille' up front.
In short, this is one crossover that scores perfect points with its distinct and dramatic predator-like looks. Things tone down a little once you climb aboard into the plush and luxurious cabin of the NX.
Being a Lexus, it was unsurprising to find plush premium quality leather, high-quality fabrics, as well as the customary shiny metallic accents around the spacious cabin – naturally expected of any Lexus.
Furthermore, cabin space is also fairly decent for a compact crossover, no argument there. Also, the noise, vibration, and harshness levels on board is impressively low, regardless of which variant of the NX you opt for.
This aspect goes all too well with the aforementioned plush and luxurious ambiance, and you won't miss out on this with any variant of the NX. Should you opt for the F-Sport however, the ambience changes a little, with the standard black-grey theme replaced by sportier-looking black leather with contrasting red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and doors instead.
The added 'zing' here signals that you are in something as special as the F-Sport. What was equally impressive here is seeing how things are put together, the precision and attention to detail is akin to a Swiss-made timepiece.
If the dramatic exterior does not impress you with the 'cool factor', then the NX's high-tech on-board amenities perhaps would.
Adding a dash of 'high-tech' here is the NX's digital multi-info screen in the instrument panel, followed by the seven-inch display for the Lexus' Remote Touch Controller, and, should you go higher up the range, wireless smartphone charging as well.
All in all, the Lexus NX's party tricks make it more than just a match to its rivals. But of course, this is limited by the amount of cash one is willing to spend for higher-spec variants of the NX, which offer more goodies such as the touch pad infotainment controller, or even the crisp-sounding 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system; standard in the F-Sport and NX300h Hybrid.
Nevertheless, the NX200t or even the NX200t Premium variant, which do not feature as many goodies, felt pretty good in their own right as well. By this point, we already know the Lexus NX is a nice car to see and to be seen in.
For the driver though, the deal gets even sweeter. Lurking underneath the hood is Lexus' first ever twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol fourcylinder engine that powers all variants, except for the NX300h Hybrid of course.
In the latter's case, it harnesses power from a larger 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder petrol engine that is combined to two electric motors, each powering the front and rear axles respectively.
For the non-hybrid NXs though, the turbocharged mill offers 235hp generated between 4,800rpm and 5,600rpm, as well as peak torque of 350Nm generated from as low as 1,650rpm.
Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox and an intelligent all wheel-drive system. The delivery is smooth and effortless, with the mill pulling this mid-sized crossover from stand still to 100km/h in a fairly good time of 7.1 seconds.
What is also noteworthy here is how slick the six-speed automatic box felt, and how the array of electronic aids kept the NX's composure off the line when the throttle is floored. But if its refined smoothness you seek, with perhaps that guilt-free feeling of not causing too much damage to the environment, then the NX300h Hybrid is the one to have.
Though it does not outgun its NX200t siblings, and it is more expensive, the NX hybrid asks for lesser time and money spent filling its tanks thanks to its full electric drive capability, while the CVT automatic it is paired with, as well as the aforementioned electric motors on each axle, ensures added refinement to complement the on board luxuries.
Should you seek a performance edge, then look no further than the NX200t F-Sport. In F-Sport form, the standard-equipped drive mode selector features an additional 'Sport +' mode on top of the 'Normal', 'Eco', and 'Sport' modes available as standard.
Not only does it alter the throttle responses, the F-Sport's Adaptive Variable Suspension comes into its prime here, offering a much stiffer and sportier ride, not to mention the gorgeous set of 18-inch alloy wheels exclusive to this variant.
All these added features proved its weight in gold when we took the NX200t F-Sport into a small autocross track specially set up for our test day, which is where the NX F-Sport proved to be one of the most agile compact crossovers in its field.
The final yet crucial piece to the Lexus NX's impressive package lies in the fact that it is one of the safest in class.
Not only do you get the usual combination of anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution system, plus traction and stability control units, the NX200t Premium and upwards also boasts Rear Cross-Traffic Alert integrated with the reverse camera, blind-spot monitor, as well as all-around view camera function that can literally let you drive the NX without having to look forward over the wheel.
If this is not reassuring enough, then the fact that the NX comes standard across the board with eight airbags lining its cabin would surely be a convincing factor.
And, in case you are wondering, the NX is quite practical too. With a simple press of strategically placed buttons in the cabin, the 60:40 split folding rear seats can fold flat, allowing the extension of the standard boot capacity of 580 litres even further to accommodate a variety of large items.
For a crossover priced between RM299,873.80 and RM385,063.50, the Lexus NX is not a bad deal. Stylish, laden with tech, and refined with luxuries, we believe the Lexus NX will find its place in the hearts and minds of many in no time.
Furthermore, it is the one to have should you have the burning desire to stand out among some of its rather mundane-looking, and somewhat more expensive, continental rivals.