The mid-size SUV market in Australia is the equal of a warzone. Each producer has an iron within the hearth, because it had been, however we reckon the 2023 Lexus NX 250, examined right here with the optionally available enhancement pack, places up one hell of a combat.
Cliches apart, the 2023 NX 250 is an effective trying automobile, with some good styling updates, together with “Lexus” lettering under the rear LED lighting that spans many of the tailgate, and the combination of the signature tick-shaped daytime working lights into the headlights.
From the entrance and the again, it’s very aggressive, particularly wearing Graphite Black paint. If that’s not for you although, there’s seven different colors, together with Celestial Blue and Sonic Quartz.
When you’ve come to phrases with the truth that the door handles fake to be the traditional pull-out selection, however even have buttons on the interior facet to interact the latch, you’ll be able to step inside.
Accessible in a single trim stage, our take a look at automobile got here fitted with a Darkish Rose and Black Prism leather-based inside; a really wonderful mixture. There are three different decisions, however that is by far our favorite.
In an attention-grabbing contact, inside door handles have additionally been swapped out for an “E-Latch” – basically a button discovered on the arm relaxation, which will be pulled twice to open in case of an emergency.
There’s loads of area contained in the cabin too, and headroom and legroom is plentiful. You’ll discover loads of cupboard space, and a neat little centre console which opens each to the left and to the appropriate. Two cup holders and a little bit storage cubby characteristic.
The digital instrument cluster is obvious, but it surely’s the 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s the guts of the automobile. Right here you’ll discover DAB+ digital radio, and wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Different normal options embrace three-zone local weather management, and three drive modes; Eco, Regular and Sport. There’s auto excessive beam too, though we discovered the latter a bit temperamental. Steering adjustment is digital as properly.
Complete boot area is 520-litres, which will be expanded to 1,411-litres with the second row down. We sat a toddler comfortably within the second row with a ahead dealing with child-seat, however fitted a rear-facing toddler one for testing.
It solely barely compromised the entrance passenger seating. For these with children, there are three high tether mounts and two ISOFIX factors. Moreover, the enhancement pack provides a tilt-and-slide sunroof, a kick sensor for the electrical tailgate, and wi-fi telephone charging.
Beneath the hood, the NX 250 is powered by Toyota’s A25A-FKS motor, shared to its luxurious model. This 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline 4-cylinder petrol engine delivers 152kW of energy and 243Nm of torque by means of an 8-speed direct shift automated, to the entrance wheels.
You’ll discover it churns by means of the primary seven gears fairly rapidly between zero and 100km/h. The eighth gear solely engages when it begins sensing freeway cruising speeds, until after all you paddle shift it manually to get it there.
The powertrain mixture is definitely fairly a love story and we approve of it.
It’s no slug off the road both, and equipment modifications are so clean and responsive that until you could have the gear monitor open in your instrument cluster, and should not listening to the street, you’ll discover you received’t have a clue what gear you’re truly in.
The draw back nonetheless, is that the engine is kind of noisy. It’s raucous sufficient that merely overtaking on a multi-lane street and standing on the throttle makes the engine roar to life. You’ll really feel like your an adolescent thrashing your father or mother’s automobile.
Take the NX 250 down some lengthy winding roads although, away from the humdrum of the rat race, and the loud throttling of the engine can truly make for a good bit of enjoyable. The steering is reactive however stays gentle and corporations up comfortably in Sport mode.
Suspension is fairly agency too, however doesn’t display extreme physique rolling round corners at pace. Gasoline financial system is poor although, and we noticed a mean of 9.4-litres/100km throughout testing (in comparison with Lexus’ claimed 6.9-litres).
To be truthful, a few of our drives had been quick and in hilly suburban streets, with loads of beginning and stopping. It in all probability didn’t assist that we actually appreciated the roaring of the engine at any time when doable.
The 2023 Lexus NX 250 carries a 5-star ANCAP security score, and comes with blind spot monitoring, rain sensing wipers, lane departure and tracing help, and street signal amongst others. As you would possibly count on, the alerts for lane controls will be fairly overbearing.
Priced at $72,861 drive away (together with our enhancement pack and the color alternative), it’s a aggressive possibility within the medium SUV area. It include a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee and roadside help. Servicing is capped for 3-years or 45,000km.
Although it could be the most cost effective NX within the vary, it most positively seems to be and seems like a Lexus. Up towards the likes of the Genesis GV70 and Toyota RAV4, it ought to actually be in your want record.
You’ll be able to construct your individual on the Lexus Australia web site. Should you’re eager on one and wish finance, speak to CreditOne.
Our 2023 Lexus NX 250 was equipped by Lexus Australia. To seek out out extra, contact your native Lexus vendor. Photos courtesy of J_Hui Design / Images.
