Lexus Malaysia has introduced the new NX 200t Special Edition as well as the facelifted IS range for the local market.
In case of the NX, the crossover lineup continues with the original choice of five variants (NX 200t; NX 200t Premium; NX 200t Luxury; NX 200t F Sport; and NX 300h) plus the new Special Edition for the model year 2017.
The 200t Special Edition has all the features and equipment of the 200t plus exclusive black theme used for the front grille, surrounding frame as well as the interior. The variant also adds black door mirrors and black 18-inch wheels with a 5-spoke design.
Other variants such as the base 200t gets more dynamic triple L-shaped LED headlamps which replace the previous LED/halogen lighting unit and new 18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/60 rubbers. LED foglamps have also been installed on the lower corners to automatically illuminate in the direction of the vehicle’s turn.
Other new upgrades include rain sensor, power back door and panoramic roof, which is now standard on the 200t, 200t Special Edition and 200t F Sport. Owners of the 200t now have extra convenience with the Lexus Smart Card key that locks and unlocks the door by touching the front door handle.
All variants use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 235 hp and 350 Nm of torque, save for the 300h which uses the Lexus Hybrid System.
All NX variants (including the Special Edition) are available with five exterior colour choices – Sonic Quartz, Platinum Silver, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, and Red Mica Crystal Shine. An additional two colours – Lava Orange Crystal Shine and Heat Blue – are available only for the NX 200t F Sport.
For prices, check out the latest price list below.
As with all new models sold by Lexus Malaysia, the NX has a comprehensive factory warranty of five years with unlimited mileage. The NX 300h also has an eight year battery assurance programme for the hybrid battery pack.
On the other hand, the IS also brings a host of upgrades to further enhance ownership experience. For 2017, the sports sedan gets reshaped headlamps that are now Bi-LED units (triple lenses on IS 300h) with LED turn indicators.
The spindle grille angles back at a higher point than before, while the bumper, with its smoothly integrated larger air intakes, flows from the front wings to generate a more powerful road presence. Apart from a new bumper design, changes to the rear include new triple-layered LED light guides and new rectangular, chrome-finished exhaust tips.
The cabin features a centrally mounted EMVN screen which has been increased from seven to 10.3 inches. The IS 200t F Sport and IS 300h have a standard Mark Levinson Premium Surround system with 15 speakers and Auto Volume System while the the IS 200t Premium and Luxury variants settle with Lexus Premium 10-speaker audio system with DVD player.
Other changes in the cabin include a revised design for the two cupholders between the front seats and enlarged knee pads for additional comfort. The analogue clock has also been restyled with new dial markings for a more elegant appearance. The electrochromic rearview mirror now has a frameless design and dims automatically to reduce glare from the headlights of vehicles behind. The steering wheel switches have also been redesigned for easier operation.
The Remote Touch Interface (RTI) control on the centre console also welcomes the addition of an Enter and Back buttons on its side to make operation easier. Instead of a rotary dial, the controller (also used in other Lexus models) adopts a sliding haptic touch joystick that acts like a computer mouse and allows intuitive control from the driver’s fingertips.
The IS 200t Premium, Luxury and F Sport variants are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill that churns out 241 hp and 350 Nm, while the IS 300h gets a total output of 220 hp from the Lexus Hybrid System. While the powertrain specifications are unchanged, fuel economy can be enhanced by the use of the auto start/stop system that is now standard across the range. Additionally, the IS 200t F Sport is now fitted with a G-Force Display as part of the instrument panel package.
Safety-wise, the IS features 10 airbags along with active safety components such as ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). These are coordinated in the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system to assist the driver, especially during cornering.
Other safety features include Tyre Pressure Warning System, Park Assist and a Rear View Monitor System. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are also provided in the IS 200t Luxury, 200t F Sport and IS 300h.
The IS comes with a choice of seven exterior colours and as much interior colour themes (depending on the variant). The Heat Blue exterior finish, Wedge Metal interior finish and a choice of Black or Dark Rose interior colour are exclusive for the IS 200t F Sport.
The IS has a comprehensive factory warranty of five years with unlimited mileage and an eight year battery assurance programme for the IS 300h’s hybrid battery pack. The updated price list is as shown below.
