Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, has lifted up the curtains from its 2018 NX facelift at the ongoing Shanghai Motor Show 2017. Tapping the SUV market, this new entry-level SUV from the marque has received few cosmetic changes internally and externally alongside improving the handling ability of the vehicle. India being one of the favorite markets for luxury car brands, the chances of Lexus NX 200t hitting the Indian car market are high. There is no word on the pricing of this new kid on the block.
source - lexusenthusiastThe company has changed the front by giving it a new refreshing look. Blending perfectly with the front doors and the hood, the front bumpers and grille upper part have been given a new look to make the luxury SUV look more aggressive. Taking inspiration from the LC luxury coupe, the 2018 NX will now come with triple projectors headlights. The exterior of the SUV has also received tweaks in the form of tailored taillights, bigger air inlets and modified fog lamps.
source - gaadicdnA step inside and you will be greeted with a 7.0-inch infotainment system supporting touchscreen panel that has mend way for the 10.3-inch larger unit where the company has redesigned and increased the size of the touchpad controller for smoother operation. Now you will find a metal coating on the controls and switches that further accentuates the appearance of the interior. What makes the interior all the more attractive is the increased size of wireless smartphone charger and the company has also provided an automatic tailgate under the rear bumper of the SUV to enable the owner to open the vehicle by simply waving the foot under the same.
source - gaadicdnAs far as the safety is concerned, the company has installed the vehicle with its Lexus Safety System as a standard option. This system comprises Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System (DRCC).
Coming to the heart of the SUV, the 2018 Lexus NX 300 will be powered by an inline-four turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol mill, whereas the hybrid version, christened as NX 300h, will draw energy from an Atkinson cycle 2.5-litre engine mated to electric motors to deliver a maximum power output of 194PS
The NX facelift will bear the same engine and transmission specs as the current outgoing variant but the company has improved the handling and ride of the refurbished model. In order to enhance the cornering response, Lexus has re-tuned the bushings, stabilizer bars and springs on the facelift NX. The SUV is also cherished with a feature of LC 500, which is Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) that enable the vehicle to make damping adjustments and instantaneous compression. This will make the ride more comfortable and improve the handling capability.
source - motortrendAs of now, the 2018 Lexus NX 200t will be named as NX300 for a time being. When launched, the 2018 Lexus NX will compete against the likes of Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA not only in the international markets but in India too as all these are quite popular among the car enthusiasts in India. For the unversed, Lexus made its official entry into the Indian luxury car market with its Lexus 450d, ES 300h and RX 450h on the 24th of March, 2017.
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