Lexus Malaysia has just launched the facelifted NX 200t which is now redesignated to NX 300 where the range will consist of four variants – the NX 300 Premium, NX 300 F Sport, NX 300h and the new entry-level variant, the NX 300 Urban.
Performance figures remains unchanged as all NX variants (except the NX 300h) will come with 2.0-litre four cylinder engine producing 235 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Power is delivered through a sequential 6-speed automatic transmission with Torque-Demand control logic to calculate required engine torque to deliver quick response and exhilarating acceleration feel.
There is also the G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system which enables spirited driving by selecting the optimum gear and downshift pattern in response to g force.
Changes are primarily on the aesthetics of the car where the 2018 model will now feature a new grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers and ultra compact 3-beam LED headlamps inspired by the LC500. Also new to the exterior are the 18-inch alloy wheels along with baffle-type design exhaust tips.
The NX 300’s interior has also been refreshed with the inclusion of a new analogue clock design and a redesigned air-conditioning control panel with toggle switches. The dashboard also houses a new 8-inch Lexus Display Audio unit for all variants except the NX 300 F SPORT and NX 300h Hybrid which gets a new 10.3-inch EMVN Display complemented by a Mark Levinson audio system.
A moonroof is now standard for the NX 300 Premium alongside a new new Drive Mode Select Switch Design, while the palm rest for the award-winning Remote Touch Interface has been improved for maximum wrist comfort. The touchpad has also been increased in surface area by 30% for better control to make menu selections easier.
The Drive Mode Select system allows the drivers to tweak different parameters of the car including throttle response and the power steering assist curve. Three modes are available –Â Normal, ECO and Sport for Urban and Premium grade while the F SPORT gets an additional CUSTOM mode that allows the driver to set their own suspension, power train and power steering settings.
In the NX 300h, it comes with an additional EV mode which induces the powertrain to use only the electric motor but is only available for a limited range and in certain operating conditions.
Significant improvements have been made to the suspension setup with new shock absorbers, retuned springs, stabiliser bars and bushings for improved turn-in response and better cornering stability.
On the F SPORT model, the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) now has 650 levels of continuous variably control – a massive step up from the 30 levels available in the 2017 model.
There are seven colours to choose from for all variants while the F SPORT gets eight colour options – two of which are exclusive to the variant. The two colours are applied using a four-layer paint process for a more vivid finish. Inside, the F SPORT will be offered with three exclusive interior colour themes/trims.
The NX 300 Premium is priced at RM329,800 (RM11,000 less than the equivalent NX 200t sold in 2017), NX 300 F Sport at RM387,900, NX 300h at RM397,800 while NX 300 Urban starts from RM311,900.
All new models sold by Lexus Malaysia come with a comprehensive factory warranty of 5 years with unlimited mileage. The NX 300h is supplemented with an 8-year battery assurance programme for the hybrid battery pack.
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