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LEXUS RX500h F Sport Motoring Journalist Sue Cooke test drives the all-new, exhilarating Lexus hybrid... Along with the joys of the Summer sunshine, I have spent a week of driving fun, road testing Lexus’ first performance focused turbocharged hybrid. The RX500h F Sport SUV is powerful and exhilarating. Acceleration is silky smooth and on further pressure, provokes a roar as the 2.4 litre turbo petrol engine, with integrated front motor and hybrid battery powers to 62mph in 6.2 seconds. During my week of road testing, I found this Lexus has a commanding presence and engenders respect on the road. The F Sport White paintwork of my road test car, the coupe styling and 21 inch alloy wheels and F Sport badging creates a sporty style. The bonnet of the RX is elongated, the A pillars moved further back and the wheelbase is extended. What this means is that the slightly protruding nose does sneak over the traditional length of a car parking space. But there is plenty of sensor and camera technology which make parking easy. With the ignition key in my pocket, the door handle unlocked on touch. The open and spacious F Sport cabin has aluminium sports pedals, branded scuff plates and sports front seats upholstered in Black or Dark Rose leather with Ultrasuede bolsters. The technology enhances ride comfort and I could have sat in the luxurious seating for hours. Well actually I did! I expect luxury in a premium car, but this Lexus also has some surprisingly thoughtful touches. The centre console covered storage space opens from both sides so that the passenger or driver has easy access. The Nanoe-E system maintains optimal air quality in the cabin. The cabin is also laid out thoughtfully. Information sources such as the extra large 14” multimedia screen, multiinformation display and Head-Up Display are grouped so their content can be read with minimal eye and head movement. And the head up display proved useful at a glance to ensure I kept to the speed of the road. There is a lot of beeping that goes on from the over helpful technology, but I was able to turn them off when they became a little irritating. It costs a little extra, but the optional Takumi Pack gives owners a full-bodied sound stage. The Mark Levinson’s Pure Play concept produces sound reproduction which Lexus says is as close to the original as possible. The design brings the speakers close to the listeners’ ears, with less obstruction to the flow of sound. Between you and me, I preferred to listen to the roar of the engine. A new battery unit helps to deliver the faster and stronger power output and supports fuel economy. The battery is installed beneath the car’s rear seat so there is no loss of cabin or load space. The boot is huge at 612 litres and in such a large space I found the extra compartment under the floor useful for holding smaller items. The F Sport has Direct4 technology which means all four wheels are in direct contact with the steering wheel which improves handling stability and driving dynamics at high speed. Lexus says it expects that the less powerful RX 450h+ will be its core bestselling RX model. I can only feel sorry for those owners who will miss out on the everyday thrilling performance of the Lexus RX500h F Sport. Facts at a Glance Model: Lexus RX500h F Sport hybrid SUV Price: from £74,950 Engine: Turbocharged 4 cylinder 2.4 litre, electric motor and hybrid battery Performance: 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds and max speed of 130mph CO2 emissions: (WLTP): 182-189g/km Combined Fuel Consumption (WLTP): 34.0-35.3mpg 16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
ALL-NEW LEXUS RX SELF-CHARGING OR PLUG-IN HYBRID BOOK A TEST DRIVE Embrace efficient performance and revel in a dynamic exterior with a suite of advanced connectivity features inside. Stay ahead with the All-New Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid and Self-Charging Hybrid. HEDGE END Lexus Hedge End, Snows House, Botley Road, SO30 2RA Tel: 01489 795500 www.lexus.co.uk/centres/hedge-end Model shown is All-New RX 500h F SPORT (£77,100), including Metallic Paint free of charge. (£77,100). ' Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (1/100km): TBC. Combined CO2 (g/km) TBC**Hybrid electric vehicle. Figures obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and/or equivalent all-electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption, CO2 produced and equivalent all-electric range can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). All mpg and CO2 figures quoted are full WLTP figures. More information can be found by visiting: www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/fcb/wltp.asp. 21010292_Q2 2023_RX_171x246_AWARENESS_SCPIH_HedgeEnd_aw_v2.indd 1 12/05/2023 16:23
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