In recent years, compact luxury crossovers have become increasingly popular. Although the crossover game is not unfamiliar territory to Lexus, it never had a compact sport utility crossover vehicle in their catalogue until now.
Cue the Lexus NX200t F Sport. The RX's feisty little brother and the rising sun answers to the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. The NX is an all new model for Lexus, and is also the first of its brand to be gifted with a turbocharger.
Exterior
The car is easy on the eyes. Steering away from the usually spherical shapes of compact crossovers, the NX200t F Sport bears an aggressive angular semblance that would stir the soul of any motoring enthusiast.
A notable feature is the large signature Lexus spindle grill design that gives the car an aggressive road presence and compliments the triple 'L' LED headlamps, which create an L-shaped illumination.
The L-mesh black grille harmonises with a diamond-shaped metallic coated lower bumper moulding and sporty black side mirrors making the NX200t F Sport appear more as sports car than an SUV.
Setting itself apart from the competition is the car's stylish angular diamond-shaped design, which extends all around the car, including the door panels that blend flawlessly with its flared wheel arches.
Lexus' attention to detail is simply impressive and it's evident in the car's carved posterior, opting against a run-of-the-mill flat boring tailgate. Perfecting the rear, are a pair of integrated L-shaped taillights that serve as both a brake lamp and tail lamp, ensuring a uniform and seamless illumination.
Interior
The cabin is treated to a combination of Lexus luxury with a dash of F Sport boldness. Interior panels are clad in leather that is soft to the touch, a testament to Lexus's insistence on quality.
Unlike the other trims offered for the NX, the F Sport features modish front seats that provide the driver with a good balance of comfort and holding performance.
From the driver's seat, it is obvious that ergonomics play a paramount role in the design of the interior. The perforated leather steering wheel is comfortable to hold and controls are easily within reach.
An interesting feature is the Remote Touch Interface, which acts just like a mouse and vibrates to alert the driver that he is hovering over a clickable option. This controls the navigation and audio systems on the 7.0-inch EMV display.
Proving that the F Sport badge is more than just form over function appeal, the multi-information display even displays a G sensor with steering angle, accelerator opening and brake hydraulic pressure bars and, our personal favourite, a turbo boost gauge with oil temperature and pressure gauges.
The Drive
With such a sporty composition, the question then is - does it drive as well as it looks? The answer is yes.
The performance dampers integrated into the front and rear of the NX F Sport are stiffer than those offered in other trims, providing sharpened handling stability that injects confidence on twisty roads.
The sport-tuned suspension combined with the short wheelbase backs the car's adventurous looks with a pretty lively drive.
But the star of the show is the all new 2.0-litre, 235bhp turbo petrol engine. Developed entirely by Lexus, the mere mention of this fills us with excitement and these figures do not disappoint. Power kicks in above 3,000rpm and there is very minimal turbo lag.
With such a sporty composition, the question then is - does it drive as well as it looks? The answer is yes.
The performance dampers integrated into the front and rear of the NX F Sport are stiffer than those offered in other trims, providing sharpened handling stability that injects confidence on twisty roads.
The sport-tuned suspension combined with the short wheelbase backs the car's adventurous looks with a pretty lively drive.
But the star of the show is the all new 2.0-litre, 235bhp turbo petrol engine. Developed entirely by Lexus, the mere mention of this fills us with excitement and these figures do not disappoint. Power kicks in above 3,000rpm and there is very minimal turbo lag.
Overtaking requires but a tap of your right foot and off you go. There are four driving modes - Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+. The aggressive Sport S+ mode engages handling enhancements for stability, higher performance driving and increased throttle response.
Conclusion
Under its sporty facade, it still retains the characteristics of a Lexus. The ride is smooth, comfortable and quiet.
The NX is Lexus' maiden attempt at a compact crossover and it has proven it as a David amongst Goliaths. Created by a brand associated more with quality prestige, the NX200t F Sport is a car that packs quite a personality, is armed with seductively good looks and a daily driver we will be pleased to call our own.
Conclusion
Under its sporty facade, it still retains the characteristics of a Lexus. The ride is smooth, comfortable and quiet.
The NX is Lexus' maiden attempt at a compact crossover and it has proven it as a David amongst Goliaths. Created by a brand associated more with quality prestige, the NX200t F Sport is a car that packs quite a personality, is armed with seductively good looks and a daily driver we will be pleased to call our own.
