Test Drive Lexus RX since 2012 SUV

Open Europe

Brand Lexus Marketers Toyota invented for America. Yes, so well that everything almost ended with an economic scandal. And after almost ten years, the Japanese got to Europe. The tastes of the old light designed Lexus RX300.
Exactly two years ago, the autopilot introduced his readers with a new car. Then the RX300 was delivered only to the American market, and we were sold through gray dealers. Over the past two years, European automakers have entered the taste: the models of universal luxury cars began to appear, in which the quality of the limousine is complemented by road functionality. Toyota reacted adequately: here is the version of the RX300 for Europe, and in Russia, they are already officially traded lexus. However, a new car, in our opinion, will be welcoming almost in all countries of the old world.
IN GERMANY. The main changes are hidden within the car, which was suggested to journalists to evaluate on the highway in the spurs of Pyrenees. On the bonds and in bundles of steep turns, which are replete with mountain serpentines, showed itself reassembly suspension. On the smoothness of the stroke, its enlarged stiffness almost did not affect, but horizontal stability was noticeably added. On the provocation of gas with a strong rounding of Rx corresponds to a minimal roll, accompanied by a barely audible crunch on the other side where the wheels of the other machine would have walked. So the system of dynamic stabilization is triggered, which, when demolished inside the turn, slows down the front and rear wheel from the other side where the drift begins to occur or, on the contrary, when signs that the car begins to endure, slows down the two front and one rear wheel.
In parallel with the change in the characteristics of the suspension, the steering was subjected to steering, as a result of which the reactive effect on the steering wheel and the connection with the road was noticeably improved. The behavior of the machine is absolutely predictable, it has a pronounced sports character, and in terms of accuracy and sharpness of reactions will give, perhaps, the odds of many pseudo-alone sedans. On asphalt.
IN SPAIN. Immediately mention: it would be a mistake to use for the RX300 concept of an SUV. The track in the foothills convincingly proved that it was completely able to move through a deep ditch, to overcome the brother in the depth of almost along the hub, climb on a rash gravel on a steep slope. But this is when the wheels are relatively solid surface. In deep snow or dirt, the all-wheel drive RX300 is not a competitor to jeeps with a traditional transmission of 4x4 and a lowered range of transmissions. At the same time, its advantages over them on the asphalt and in urban conditions are obvious.
The Europeanized RX300, like its American fellow, is completed with a single engine - a 3-liter V-shaped six. Which also, in favor of European standards, slightly changed: instead of 223 horses in it now, 201, and the maximum torque decreased from 301 nm to 283. One reservation is appropriate - this engine is equipped with the VVT-I timing phase change system and configuration device inlet path. Due to what is already 80 percent of the torque, as the manufacturer declares, is achieved at a total of 1600 rpm.
The maximum speed is forcibly limited. In the passport, the number 180 was noted. It is clear that safety considerations were played here the main role, but even the maximum 180 km / h is not the threshold of the so-called comfortable speed: not that two fingers hold the steering wheel, but the stability and behavior of the voltage machine do not create, And it seems that it would be possible to go and faster ...
IN FRANCE. But as for the appearance, then the changes are insignificant. Looking more closely, you can see the absence of repeaters of overall lights on the side parts of the bumpers and slightly modified and become a slightly more toothy decorative grille of the radiator. The main distinctive features were the blocks of the rear lights. A spectacular three-dimensional architecture combines chrome edging with large diffusers of dimensions and stop signals. This causes analogies with the nozzles of the jet engine and has become a distinctive feature of the LEXUS of the last generation. The front optics appeared outwardly, however, the characteristics of lighting and the beam are aligned with the European standards, which are known to be accepted in Russia.
IN ENGLAND. Equally minimal and visible changes in the cabin. The European RX acquired an updated steering wheel, as well as more pronounced protrusions on the front console, where it is how it flows down the middle part. Luxury and Lexus - synonyms, because the standard set of Rx is very rich. In addition to the traditional cruise control, a complete electropaette, a double central lock with remote control and immobilizer, the skin in the cabin, an automatic air conditioner with a microfilter, heating seats and the Nakamichi audio system with six columns, it includes electrochromatic (anti-glare and self-impactable) rear-view mirrors, Electrically regulating driver and passenger seats in eight positions. Sensory control of the climate setting and audio system through the trip-computer display is a novelty. As an option is offered, alas, until the navigation system with DVD is not very relevant in Russia as a media and output of information and the card control is all on the same display.
To hidden, but providing increased comfort, the NEWs belongs to the AFM - the active engine installation system, which tracks each beat of its work and completely extinguishes all the vibrations. The RX300 in the standard is equipped with a system of active security, which includes four pillows, four-channel ABS with electronic distribution of brake forces, and the BRAKE Assist, VSC system (dynamic stabilization system), as well as the anti-slip system and self-locking inter-track differential type Torsen.
Yes, and passenger care is traditional for Lexus. The rear seats are very comfortable, three adults will be comfortable for them. And the high functionality of the baggage passenger compartment is due to the possibility of longitudinal movement of the rear seats by 12 cm. They are folded separately, in the ratio of 60:40, and in the folded position form a practically even surface.
And how are we? But Russia was again sentenced. The official presentation of the RX300 in the Russian market and, accordingly, the start of sales is scheduled for spring 2001. The price for the Russian market has not yet been determined, but it is expected that it can be about $ 55 thousand. Such a large timeout took place to take a spectacular start in Europe, which, according to Lexus, will acquire 6--7 thousand cars in First year. And in vain. Two years who have passed since the emergence of the American version of the US version of the American version of the American version of RX, have demonstrated its relevance among secured Russians. True, now the BMW X5 and Audi Allroad rolled out to our roads ...
Text Andrei Timofeev, photo of the author and Lexus

 

A source: "Autopilot"