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drive

LEXUS RX450H SE ETA: NOW WHERE WE
Charm offensive DROVE IT

The updated Lexus RX offers improved comfort and
convenience while remaining true to its luxury mandate
George
By: Ian McLaren IanM_CARmag

*Claimed figures

Price: R1 342 100 Engine: 3,5-litre, V6, petrol + electric motor Transmission: e-CVT Petrol power: 193 kW @ 6 000 r/min Petrol torque: 335 N.m @
4 600 r/min 0-100 km/h: 7,7 seconds* Top speed: 200 km/h* Fuel consumption: 5,7 L/100 km* CO : 131 g/km Rivals: BMW X5 xDrive45e; Volvo XC90 T8
2

+ classy looks; build quality CVT doesn’t like to be rushed; small boot

ntroduced in 1997, the emphasis on luxury and comfort Available in South Africa since Toyota’s luxury division.
first-generation Lexus RX was than adventure-seeking off-road the second-generation RX300 With modern competition from
I developed primarily for the ability. While others have eagerly arrived in 2003 and, perhaps as the likes of Volvo, BMW and Range
US market. Having established followed suit, 22 years and four a result of its by-design curtailed Rover now also offering hybrid
itself as a leading protagonist in generations later, the RX remains sense of adventure, the local derivatives – Lexus maintains a
this market’s luxury automotive the bestselling luxury SUV in the reception to Lexus’ premium SUV 40% local market share in this
stakes (led by the supremely United States by some margin. has never quite measured up to its relatively niche segment – the
accomplished LS400), Lexus’ A pioneer in design and execu- appeal across the Atlantic. As with fourth-generation RX range has
introduction of the first RX300 tion, the 2005 (US) introduction of most of this brand’s offerings, received a subtle refresh in the
was significant. It paved the way the RX400h would also signal the though, it’s impossible to ignore form of updated exterior styling
for a segment of raised ride- first time hybrid technology would the level of sophistication and and some small yet significant
height offerings placing greater be offered in a luxury vehicle. class inherently associated with tweaks to the interior packaging.

46 CAR FEBRUARY 2020 CARmag.co.za