Test Drive Lexus LX since 2008 SUV

Peasant children

Bill Gates does not like ties and other accessories of the traditional uniform of businessmen. Although to whom, as not to him, understand the importance of formalities and an intuitive interface. This role is played by the standardization of clothing styles. And this is exactly what the main product Microsoft is Windows. But the Japanese are known for their attachment to the rules of the game. And even when in fact they violate them, pretend that they follow. In the words of Nissan Patrol GR and Lexus LX470, it is very similar: a length of about five meters, V8 to four with an excess liter, automatic, climate control, leather - wood and other elements of everyday help of owners of expensive SUVs. However, the difference is not only in price. These are representatives of different concepts. The driver's connection, four wheels and motor provides absolutely different interface.
Not so much, we are naive and well we understand that in fact a direct competitor Patrol GR - Toyota Land Cruiser 100. And behind the opponent Lexus must be accessed to Infiniti. One problem: Nissan's luxury brand has not yet been represented. So who wants to acquire the top model of one of the two Grand Japanese car industry will have to be limited to Patrol Gr. Just recently, he was very freshened, which helped him get closer to Lexus in style. At the same time, the rupture in price remains huge - almost one and a half times. We must think, a person who has decided to save almost $ 30 thousand, must lose much. After all, even related Lexus LX470 Land Cruiser 100 costs $ 8 thousand more expensive than Patrol GR. What?
COMMAND LINE. During the time of total saving, what Nissan has done with Patrol, it is quite possible to call a change of generation: the car received a practically new body. With that angularity, which became a branded style on X-Trail and Primera. In a large car, he especially to face: these straight, which are somewhat surprised in horses and kings performed by the sculptor-Patriot of Klyovka, on a vehicle long in five meters look very organic. It is always pleasant to feel that you give a lot of money at least for a considerable amount of consumed materials. Loading to the salon is surprisingly not caused by special difficulties - despite the ground clearance in 220 mm, the planting process occurs without any problems. Partly thanks to the footboard. And in part due to what you understand inside: the chairs are located somehow deep. It is better to feel the road, probably.
Some concessions to generally accepted tastes cannot hide the main feature of Patrol GR - ease of design. Here on the left on the console sticks out the ruddler lever, which is honestly written that he has not only full, but also just a rear-wheel drive. And here is the famous key blocking keys of the rear suspension stabilizer. No one suggests such in Europe. In general, complete freedom in choosing a movement mode. These offroaders should appreciate how the real Cool Hacker appreciates the ability to work through the command line.
From the honest road off-road type UAZ Hunter Patrol distinguishes not only the decoration, but also automatic transmission. Here the modernity is already working towards the approach to the sources - it has a manual mode.
Windows and clicks. There is a footboard and LX470 - and then it is very even to the place. You need to enter this car. And it seems like not much higher than Nissan, but the impression is completely different. Especially behind the wheel.
Moreover, there are no problems in modern technologies - complete automation and electronization. The driver, however, is given the opportunity to choose. For example, which of the four pneumatic suspension modes include. The transmission regimens lever is also present, but here it is no longer necessary to include and turn off the front axle - here we are talking about the activation of reduced transmission and blocking differentials.
We were pressed only the button in the left corner of the instrument panels with some kind of unclear squares. But, as noted above, it seems not so naive ... Repeated pressing for visible consequences did not lead. Later it was found that these keys are opened and closed third side glasses. Well, yes, once a long time ago in the Japanese, this method of additional ventilation was already invented. Only then these vents were associated with roses with levers on the console. Now here - electricity.
In the calculation of the difference in price, we will not forget not only more complex in design and simpler when controlling the drive system and the ability to adjust the stiffness of shock absorbers, but also an independent front suspension.
LOADING. When driving around the city, everything was quite predictable. Motors were at the height in both cases. Both work smoothly, both are completely responsive, and the boxes, as usual, are stubbornly saved fuel, explaring at the lowest opportunity to the topmost transfers.
Lexus on the characteristics has the worst indicators over the dynamics of overclocking - however it is somehow less noticeable. Probably, its more passenger interior simply configures on a more sporty way.
The most of us was shocked by the fact that Nissan when driving along a snow-covered road turned out to be noticeably more sustainable and better managed. And even on the usual highway in general, he kept more confident. Despite the rear drive and the dependent front suspension. And where is it all, for what Lexus sellers take extra thirty tons of cu? It is good that the car has anti-test and anti-lock systems, but why do they work so often? The walk to the nearest wheel confirmed our assumptions: the rubber was quite urban, and the main thing is summer. In justification, Lexus can be said that even in these conditions, he behaved quite adequately. And even the field-bended in the snow-covered field quite successfully pierced his rut. Of course, it was easier to do it on a reduced transmission, but in the usual mode, the electronics eventually coped with its duties, despite the complete inconsistency of the tire of the task.
But still in the LX470 in the snow it is difficult to get rid of the feeling of unnaturalness. It seems the combination of tuxedo and rubber boots.
What to do with Nissan we, honestly, have not already known. As it was assumed, he also overcomed without much difficulty. Unless noticeably touches on the rear drive, but absolutely without any voltage - with the full full. True, it is better to do in manual mode of the box. For what, in fact, it is mainly intended. Differential lock, included with a button, changed little. Perhaps the next time such cars will need to take autumn. Or in spring. At least, you can be sure that the tires will be seasoned.
Steppe and steppe around. Inside the same theme of the length of everything and everything as outside. Yeah, designers have tried nobody forget about 1940 mm width. Here is the passenger zil, the widest car in the world, was like 2070, but there the salon - especially from the driver's seat - did not seem so spacious. Doors are very thick. In Patrol, they are also nothing, but more modest. Yes, and the decoration in some places somehow very honestly reminds that it is a little contracted and inconspicuous. Although the tree is pond, and not at all alone hints. There are metal - like a tree, not brilliant, but a slightly matte. This is also a modern fashion, such surfaces are hand in hand with faceted body shapes. Frequently high window sills occurs the effect of some high security. This is not a result of some special approach: about the same impression, it is remembered, creates X5. That is the car of a completely different category and representative of another school. And otherwise the leaving the feeling is much more passenger.
What else would be nice to detect, so this is the display in the center of the panel. A lid of some drawer at this point is a little offended, but you remember that the car is just $ 63 500. The display is with navigation for abroad. Or Lexus.
I just look far away. Now we do not take offense at the driver of the same Lexus, quite immibrarous with the test Lotus - that guy just did not notice. The visibility is quite good, but by virtue of the natural reasons for some road users, we will notice only if they will carry a large red flag in working condition. The flag will be more appropriate on the Lexus. Because on the trim, his salon is so close to some expensive sedan ... well, let's say, like LS 430, as far as possible. It is good for, strictly speaking, an SUV, you need to ask the owners. As you know, most of them appreciate in the machines of this type rather inherent in the sizes, and tram rails and borders of lawns are chosen from overcome obstacles - in the absence of space on guarded parking, of course.
We, in any case, liked the finish. In this Lexus superior to Nissan - maybe not at all $ 30 thousand, but noticeably. I am inferior only in one - the modality of the motives. And the tree here is some glossy, and the roundness of the console seems already excessive. But is it decent to hurry for the fashion of the highest class?

Text Valery Chusov Photo Andrei Danilov

Cars are provided by Nissan Motor Rus, (095) 961-2131, and Toyota Motor LLC, (095) 258-3465.

Nissan Patrol Gr.
 
Gasoline Inline Engine 6-Cylinder
Working volume (cube. Cm) 4759
Power (hp at rpm) 245 at 4800
Moment (nm at rpm) 400 at 3600
Rear drive, plug-in front
5-speed automatic gearbox
Length / Width / Height (mm) 5145/1940/1855
Wheel base (mm) 2970
Curb weight (kg) 2460
Maximum speed (km / h) 190
Acceleration to 100 km / h (c) 10.8
Fuel consumption (city / highway, l / 100 km) 25.0 / 14.3
Price in Moscow $ 63,500
Lexus LX.
 
Engine gasoline V8.
Working volume (cube. Cm) 4664
Power (hp at rpm) 231 at 4800
Moment (nm at rpm) 434 at 3400
The drive is permanent full
5-speed automatic gearbox
Length / Width / Height (mm) 4890/1940/1890
Wheel base (mm) 2850
Mass Curb (kg) 2540
Maximum speed (km / h) 180
Acceleration to 100 km / h (c) 11.2
Fuel consumption (city / highway, l / 100 km) 21.5 / 13.4
Price in Moscow $ 91 900

Classic Patrol GR shapes with a slightly overwhelmed surfaces hide a classic and fairly simple design

Modernization of Nissan Patrol GR advanced his design towards fashionable representatives and representatives of the top middle class X-TRAIL and PRIMERA. Now the plane of surfaces was added to the rectilinescence of the shape. What emphasizes and without that long.
The principal simplicity of the chassis was absolutely not affected by other Patrol systems: it is equipped with everything that is supposed to have a big SUV. Leather and tree are standardized. Just like the new automatic transmission - the five-speed and with manual control mode - cruise control and control of the audio system on the steering wheel. About climate control could not write. But here we are forced to mention that he is one-room. The ability to adjust the temperature separately is, please, to Lexus.

Despite the unsuitable tires, Lexus LX 470 successfully overcomed the snowy virgin. But he looked at it not quite naturally

Electronic systems and permanent four-wheel drive with self-locking differential make it possible not to think about how to go to Lexus: Even if you simply turn the gay, the car will eventually crawl. But there is an advanced driver than to do: there is an opportunity not only forced to choose the transfer, but also to experiment with the pneumatic suspension mode.
The strange part of Lexus is the presence of xenon in the headlight headlamps. What a gap from Russian reality! And the most uncomfortable - fastening of the third-party chairs. Even with the instructions deal with them becomes a problem. It is especially strange to see on the Japanese car. Although many elements are clearly made by Germanophiles. Or for Germanophiles: The sizes of the transmission selector and the cruise control handle are forced to remember one German brand.
 
 

 

 

A source: "Autopilot"