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2022 Lexus NX open for booking

KUALA LUMPUR: Booking for the 2022 Lexus NX sports utility vehicle (SUV) is now open at all six Lexus Centres throughout the country.

Set to officially debut soon, the 2022 NX (also known as Nimble Cross-over) available in two variants (F-Sport and Luxury) has over 95 per cent of its components completely refreshed from the previous model. All the while retaining its Takumi craftsmen design approach.

The front spindle grille features new grille mesh with criss-cross patterns while the front bumper splitter is finished in satin silver for a sporty contrast to the gloss black of the grille. The 3-eye LED projector headlights feature a black extension that creates a more subdued impression and enhances the look of the L-shaped DRL.

At the rear, the signature L-shaped combination lamps now flank a centrally-positioned light bar that acts as a tail lamp. The Lexus logo has also been given a makeover.

For performance the F-Sport variant comes with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission with AI shift control - that uses a camera to scan the road ahead and match its shift pattern accordingly.

The pair up produces 275hp @ 6,000rpm, with stump-pulling 430Nm of torque available from 1,700rpm all the way to 3,600rpm.

The Luxury variant comes with a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine that produces 204hp @ 6,600rpm with 243Nm of torque available from between 4,000 to 5,000rpm.

Power delivery is primarily to the front wheels with a selectable electronically controlled full-time AWD (mode) system to reduce the incidence of under- or over-steer.

Central to its performance is the Lexus Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform that offers 30 per cent improvement in rigidity over the previous generation allowing for improved cornering control and dynamic handling.

The improved platform's strengths are achieved through various Lexus firsts including laser peening welding, the use of high-rigidity foam material and a twin bonnet lock construction aimed at ensuring precise handling performance.

It comes with a host of safety features with the Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+). These includes the likes of Pre-Collision System (PCS) that even detects pedestrians and bicyclists, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with stop and go function and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).

Pushing for greater security, it also gets Road Sign Assist (RSA) that reads posted speed limits, Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Parking Brake Support (PKSB) that suppresses engine power and apply autonomous braking when necessary during parking manoeuvres.

Based on the development concept of Vital x Tech where driving dynamics and innovative technologies fuse to create significant improvements, the NX F-Sport is said to set a new standard in terms of design, powertrain, safety and convenience technologies.

Key among these is the new Lexus Driving Signature that has been defined by the Tazuna Concept - said to draw on the relationship between a jockey and his horse where subtle movements from the rider is translated to instructions the horse intuitively understands.

The result is the repositioning of numerous functions within the cockpit through digital modeling and advanced computer design. A prime example of the Tazuna influence is the reduction of the number of switchgear from 78 items to 45.

Physical buttons are said to be retained only for frequently-used actions while the multi-function buttons on the steering wheel now control other actions that allow for adjustments on the move.

One example are its touch-sensitive buttons that offer tactile response with the corresponding action being shown on the heads-up display so the driver's focus is never removed from the road.

Many of the lesser-used functions have been embedded into the angled 14-inch touch screen that sits in the middle of the dashboard - connects to Android Auto or wirelessly to Apple Carplay.

Continuing the traditional Omotenashi hospitality of the brand both variants of the NX's interior comes with a nature inspired, 64-colour choices ambient mood lighting system (14 pre-defined) embedded in its door panels, centre console and foot well.

Making its debut in the new Lexus NX is the use of an e-latch door opener - a single button said to activate the door mechanism allowing a single action to open the door from inside mimicking the action of opening a Shoji screen.

Traditional door openers require two actions to open the door – pulling on a handle and pushing the door open.

"The Lexus NX has endeared itself by combining an intuitive design and nimble performance in an attractively-sized package. It was unlike any other SUV in its segment and proved to be a very popular model here, making up one in three Lexus sold by Lexus Malaysia.

"This new model raises aspirations even further as it brings greater innovation and superior engineering, promising a rewarding and truly satisfying ownership experience," said Lexus Malaysia president Ravindran K.

Eight exterior colours are available including Sonic Chrome that joins the line-up while the F-Sport variant gets two exclusive colours.

Choices for the interior colours are Black and Dark Rose. Exclusive to the Luxury variant is a new Hazel interior while F-Sport owners get a more luxurious Black or Flare Red interior.

The all-new Lexus NX F-Sport is priced at RM389,888 on the road without insurance, while the Luxury variant will be priced at RM 370,888 on the road without insurance.

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