Lexus RX test drive since 2008 SUV
Review of the new Lexus RX350 Version L 4WD: Three points out of five possible
In Japan, a line of crossovers of the Lexus RX series appeared. In the United States, this car has become a kind of milestone of high -class parquet SUVs. We conducted a test drive of the luxury version of the Version L. car. 2.4-liter Lexus RX so far in dreams
Until now, in Japan, the Lexus brand has been represented only by sedans and coupe. Finally, this company was replenished by an RX SUV. Many must know that this model in Japan is the successor of the second generation Toyota Harrier. However, with the introduction of the Lexus RX market, a kind of division of responsibilities between competitors occurred: the new Lexus is equipped with a 3.5-liter engine, and the second generation Harrier is 2.4-liter (hybrid versions of the old and new model are simultaneously sold in dealers).
Using the latest technologies, updated design all these normal steps on the development path of Lexus RX, like any other car. But, with all the love of the Japanese for the new products, it is difficult to imagine that this car with a 3.5-liter engine will be actively buying when there is an old 2.4-liter model with a more acceptable consumption of gasoline and an adequate price. There is an unreasonable attitude towards potential consumers.
Review: Brief History of the Car
Review of the series
Lexus RX appeared in the Japanese market on January 19, 2009. It was previously sold in Japan under the Toyota Harrier brand, the Lexus RX brand was used in the USA. The current model RX (third generation) was presented in November 2008 at a Los Angeles car dealership. In Japan, she became the successor to the current Toyota Harrier model.
The dimensions of the body of the new model: length 4 770 mm, width 1,885 mm, height 1,690 mm, i.e. Compared to Harrier, the body has become larger. The car is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 hp, 35.5 kg-m), a 6-speed automatic gearbox, front or complete drive. The RX450H hybrid model is presented only in all -wheel drive version, it should go on sale in the spring of 2009. In the dealers salons, a 2.4-liter version of Harrier and hybrid Harrier are still sold.
Review of modification
The model is represented by four modifications: basic version 350, sports Version S, luxury Version L and Version L Air Suspension with pneumatic suspension.
We tested by us Version L distinguish a leather steering wheel with wooden inserts and a similar decoration of the gear handle, the seats and interior, the ability to adjust the steering wheel in two planes (with a memory function), the acoustic premium system (12 speakers). Side pillows and safety curtains do not need to be mentioned, however, in addition to them, the luxury version is also equipped with side pillows for rear passengers. Salon and luggage compartment
Dashboard and equipment
The lines outlining the dashboard are soft and exquisite. The panel is simple in appearance, pleasant to the touch quality performance at a height. The sophisticated design of the white shooters of analog appliances and the high quality of the image of all the information, for which you can thank the latest organic LEDs (OLED), deserves attention.
As an option, a very convenient indicator on the HEAD-UP Display windshield, displaying various data, in addition to speed, including information about the lane and route.
The novelty of Remote Touch allows you to control the navigator from the central console on which a small joystick is located. The concept is unique, its differences from the usual remote control of the navigator’s remote control are as follows: 1) manipulations with a map and other functions on the monitor are carried out by the same course; 2) to select the option on the monitor, you need to press the button on the joystick; 3) there is no button back, which gives rise to some difficulties in manipulations. In general, by ease of use, this function is slightly lagging behind similar devices on Audi (MMI) and BMW (IDRive). But progress on the spot is not sure that soon the function will be improved.
Front seats Soft chairs are sheathed very tender to the touch semaniline skin, which in places of contact with the body has many small holes due to such ventilation in chairs not even on the most sultry day. The location of the seats in horizontal and vertical planes, the inclination of the backs are adjusted using an electric drive with a memory function. There is also a new opportunity to increase the surface of the seat. The position of the steering wheel is also automatically regulated in two planes.
Like any large car, it is not easy to park Lexus RX, so the available chambers of the rear and lateral review will come in handy, as well as the sonar system (sonars are offered as an option).
The rear seats
The rear sofa is as convenient and flexing as the front seats. You can adjust both the back of the back and the location of the seats in the horizontal plane. The most front position of the seats turned out to be not very comfortable knees completely closely, but if you slightly push the seat back, you can already live. However, it is impossible to stick a foot under the front seat of the foot, and the height of the rear chair from the floor relatively small comes out that you have to suffer to conveniently place your legs, and this is in such a spacious salon!
Luggage compartment
The volume of the trunk absolutely corresponds to expectations from such a large body. In addition, folding the rear seats, you can increase the trunk to incredible sizes. In the Version L configuration, the trunk door can be opened and closed using an electric drive.
On the road
Engine and transmission
A 3.5-liter V-shaped six, which is equipped with RX350, is simple in operation and is at the same time is sports. A truly wonderful motor! An impressive volume provides a good torque at low speeds, the reaction to the gas pedal instant. Up to 3,000 revolutions of particularly impressive traction are not observed, but if you tap the pedal, then from 4,000 revolutions the cabin will be filled with a pleasant sound of the opening motor and the machine will rush forward. When connecting eco-mode with the priority of low fuel consumption, torque and the reaction are reduced, however, in this mode, the car shows itself from the best side.
Shodal qualities Modification of Version L, like the basic model, received a standard suspension, but there is also an even more comfortable version of the luxury version with the Version L Air Suspension air suspension. The standard suspension on the version with 19-inch wheels (against ordinary 18-inch) is harsh, the slightest unevenness on the road is felt in full, especially the rear passengers.
But the movement on a flat, straight road brings the greatest pleasure in the Lexus style.
Information about the test drive
Report: Ubukat Satoshi.
Date of test drive: February 9, 2009.
Test drive object: Demonstration model.
Year of release: 2009.
The mileage of the car at the time of the test drive: 1,314 km.
Wheels: front and rear 235/55 R19, Bridgestone Duler H/L33 tires.
Additional options: Cast wheeled wheels + rubber 235/55R19 (31,500 yen), Active security system Pre-Crash Safety System + Cruise Control (147,000 yen), HEAD-UP Display windshield (84,000 yen), System Sonarov (42,000 yen), the acoustic system Mark Levinson (219 450 yen).
Terms of test drive: city 40%, highway 60%.
The distance traveled: 226.8 km.
Fuel spent: 27.95 liters.
Fuel consumption: a liter of 8.11 km (12.3 liters per 100 km).
Technical characteristics Lexus RX350 Version L
Full length: 4 770 mm.
Full width: 1 885 mm.
Complete height: 1 690 mm.
Wheel base: 2 740 mm.
Weight: 2,000 kg.
Drive: complete.
Engine: 3.5-liter 6-cylinder DOHC with 24 valves, maximum power 280 hp. at 6,200 rpm, maximum torque 35.5 kg-M at 4,700 rpm.
Price: 5 400 000 yen ($ 56 250)
The price of a test copy: 5 923 950 yen ($ 61 700).
Source: webcg.net
