Best Motorbuys: March 06, 2020

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NEW CAR REVIEW Price: Lexus RX450h, $126,900 Dimensions: Length, 4890mm; width, 1895mm; height, 1685mm Configuration: V6, four-wheeldrive, 3456cc, 230kW, 335Nm, CVT Performance: 0-100km/h, 7.7sec Fuel usage: 5.6l/100km By Ross Kiddie Lexus RX450h The hybrid technology that has been so successful for Lexus, and Toyota, has largely been based around the four-cylinder powertrain that first arrived in Prius 23 years ago. Of course, the system has been fundamentally improved and refined over the years but the fact remains most manufacturers still use four pots in the petrol part of the equation. One of the exceptions is Lexus and its V6 petrol-powered RX series hybrid. Well actually, all of the Lexus RX range has a V6 engine but the hybrid version is rather special. For one you get all the benefits of that fabulous smooth engine and all the power it generates, as well as the economy benefits of the petrol/electric hybrid system. The RX450h is the range-topping model in the eight-model series, there are four non-hybrids and four hybrids. All have recently undergone a fairly healthy facelift and upgrade. The changes consist mostly of a refresh around the frontal area and the inclusion of a bit of extra kit. One of the new features are the clever adaptive headlights that dim automatically when another car approaches at night and will aim towards the left hand side of the road for greater visibility. Elsewhere, the RX450h is the large five or seven-seat sport utility vehicle that tempts with its onboard space, style, elegance and luxury. It also has to be remembered that the RX450h is a hybrid, you tend to forget that, it rides and drives much like its non-hybrid stablemate. Sport utility vehicles have become the car of choice for many buyers globally, and the RX450h is there for those who like the idea of a luxurious medium- to-large wagon, with the added benefit of being environmentally-friendly. The hybrid system is traditional from the Toyota/Lexus manufacturing system. The petrol engine starts automatically when the electric system is under load, such as immediate acceleration or to maintain momentum. Petrol power also provides the generation to keep recharging the batteries, although there is some regeneration available on deceleration. The entire drive system operates seamlessly, and in the RX450h drive is sent to all four wheels through continuously variable transmission. The ratio spread encourages economy as well as the gearing variation needed for sealed and off-theseal travel. Paddle-shift selectors will also lock the gearing into one of the pre-set steps. The RX450h is a definite lure for those who like clean and green, and infrequent stops to fill up at the pumps. Lexus claims a 5.7-litre per 100km (50mpg) combined cycle figure for the Limited version, as evaluated. I couldn’t get anywhere near that, my driving style is way too vigorous; however the fuel usage readouts were constantly listing around a respectable 8.1l/100km (35mpg) with 6l/100km (47mpg) available at a constant 100km/h. Those familiar with V6 power won’t be disappointed with the hybrid RX’s performance. It is still capable of a 7.7sec standstill to 100km/h time and will lunge through an overtaking manoeuvre in 5.5sec. That is due to the high torque figure the hybrid system produces. Lexus claims 335Nm (230kW), and if you take into account that electric power has maximum torque from the moment it starts to produce, the result is instant acceleration with constant momentum from that point on. Recently, I’ve been making regular expeditions to the South Canterbury town of Fairlie, I used the RX450h for one of those journeys, simply because it was an ideal car for those fabulous roads and one which would replicate the type of driving many families would use a big SUV for, it is an adept highway cruiser and it handles the tight and twisty challenges with much dignity. The RX series, as a whole, epitomises the luxury Lexus buying experience, it is a versatile family wagon for the everyday role, yet it also pleases the buyer with its plush interior and high level of specification. Lexus has interesting sales figures for the RX, not only is it the largest selling model in the company’s range, the hybrid accounts for 30 per cent of RX sales. I can see why, the two variants I have evaluated in a short space of time have reinforced my desire for the Lexus product. So much so that I tell all of those who are interested in what I drive that I am a Lexus owner, albeit one that is nearing 20 years old. That car still feels tight and mechanically sound, given its age. That’s the reason why I’m reluctant to part with it, it’s one of the cars that still feels good to drive and has reliability and reputation on its side. The entire RX series carries the pampering elements that makes Lexus the sophisticated car maker it has carved out a huge reputation for. At $126,900 (add $900 for seven seats) the 450h tops out the RX series, although $116,400 will get you into the hybrid RX range. Page 30
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