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Driven: 2016 Lexus NX 200t

The 2016 Lexus NX 200t is proof positive that Lexus can build a fun-to-drive vehicle if they put their minds to it. Previous Lexus SUVs were most likely too far into their development cycle when company chairman Akio Toyoda declared that Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles were no longer fun to drive.
2016 Lexus NX 200t 41 photos
Photo: Mark Elias
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It just goes to show you what kind of an effect a company’s chairman can have when he lights a fire under the collective arse of his design and engineering staff.

Brass tacks

Coming in unchanged from its 2015 debut, the NX 200t is a five-passenger mid-size crossover that features Lexus’s first petrol-burning turbocharged engine for the brand. According to the company, it’s a design that was conceived, engineered and manufactured in-house. Sporting 2.0-liters, it is an inline direct- and port-injected four-cylinder engine with twin scroll turbocharger that has the ability to switch back and forth between Atkinson and Otto cycle functionality for variations on timing and valve openings.

The engine combines the cylinder head, exhaust manifold and intercooler assemblies for torque and fuel efficiency to the tune of 235-horsepower between 4,800-5600 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,650 and 4,000 rpm. The four-pot transverse-mounted engine is mated to a six-speed multi-mode automatic transmission, which Lexus calls an electronically controlled transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). It also features G-force artificial intelligence (G-AI), which automatically chooses gearing in response to elevated g-force levels the 200t’s sensors pick up at any one time.

Our sampler is a front-driver, with drive dynamics gleaned from the IS sedan. There is also an available All-Weather-Drive (AWD) model.

2016 Lexus NX 200t
Photo: Mark Elias
From a ride standpoint, the NX 200t’s unibody rides on a proven choice of MacPherson struts with coil springs in front and a trailing arm double wishbone kit with coils and dampers in the rear. A console-mounted drive mode selector is under hand to allow the driver to tailor the NX’s ride dynamics to his or her mood and temperament (driven in anger?). While default is normal, ECO and Sport modes also exist, but need to be re-confirmed after an engine restart.

The NX SUV can also be had in F Sport configuration, or as the NX 300h hybrid. All models include a complimentary one-year subscription to Lexus Enform Service Connect, which provides maintenance alerts, warning light notifications and a vehicle health report sent to the owner’s smartphone. It does not include the available Lexus Enform app, which can send turn-by-turn drive information to the vehicle. That feature (Lexus Enform Destination) is included with a free one-year subscription as part of the available Navigation package ($1,875).

Other value added (optional) features include an Oi-compatible wireless charger ($220), Electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror ($125), Electrochromic outside mirrors with blindspot assist, Rear cross traffic alert ($660), Intuitive Park Assist ($500), Premium package with 18-inch wheels, all-season tires, heated and ventilated front seats, LED DRLs, Power tilt and slide Moonroof, Memory, Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel column and 10-way power driving seat ($2890).

Conservative competition

Competitors to the NX 200t run the gamut from front-wheel-drive Asians to all-wheel-drive Continentals. They include such examples as Audi’s Q5, Acura’s RDX, the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the BMW X3. Of these four, none really display the angular shapes or Mondo-Bizarro design styles seen on the Lexus. That’s not to say that the Lexus design is an acquired taste, just a different one. From certain angles, we see the greenhouse shape of the NX’s IS sister vehicle. Also in that greenhouse area are a pair of porthole-style windows for added visibility.

Now that Lexus’s trademarked “spindle grille” has seemingly permeated the entire lineup, it appears that the lightning bolt shapes seen on the NX are now working their way through the lineup as well. Take this model that was introduced in 2014, and the new 2016 RX SUVs for example. The radical lines and slitty headlamp and running light assemblies appear as though they were lifted directly from a Japanese animé.

Without a ground-scraping front fascia, like that found on the NX F-Sport, the NX appears to be able to ascend and descend with an extreme angle of attack and departure. Credit goes to the chiseled front clip and the short rear overhang of the NX. While they do nothing to aid in roadworthiness, we think the boomerang head- and taillights are just plain cool.

What’s inside counts, too

We are suckers for tan and black color schemes, except when they are painted on the outside of a Florida Highway Patrol cruiser. So naturally, it was love at first sight with the aforementioned two-tone leather-swathed interior that was topped off by titanium-hued accent pieces.

Nice attention to detail is seen throughout, from the contrast stitching to the console-mounted kneepads that protect occupant’s legs from hitting hard plastic. Ditto the inclusion of Siri Eyes Free voice controller for iPhone users.

Our tester included the Lexus Premium 10-speaker audio system, which is part of the optional Navigational package. Ergonomic controls were well placed and always within reach. The available perforated leather seats were always there to send cold air to your nether regions, as needed.

2016 Lexus NX 200t
Photo: Mark Elias
As in most vehicles, the majority of driver-operated controls are confined to the steering wheel and pedal side of the equation. Still, many operations use the center console as their base of command. Newest on this platform is the Lexus Remote Touch interface with a touchpad-like input device where you trace your fingertip to the various points of operation on the HD display screen located just above the HVAC controls. In our experiences we found it works much better than that previous joystick-style thingy that was in the last generation of Lexus vehicles, but at the end of the day, it still manages to draw your eyes--and attention away from the road.

The rear seat offered plentiful amounts of legroom, to go with the reclining and folding rear seats with their 60:40 split. With the seats in the upright position, expect 17.7-cubic feet of storage space. Fold them forward and that area grows to 54.6-cubic feet. That’s good for four golf bags loaded side by side.

Does it go?

Turbocharging! What a concept! Apparently the adage about everything old is suddenly new again is true, especially when you consider Lexus parent company Toyota was turbocharging car engines all the way back to 1970. We found surprising power from the NX 200t’s 2.0T engine, which handles closely to a car’s capabilities without the side wallow found in many high-riding cars.

Sure, you can give your friends the impression you are doing your part (with the ECO switch and all), but the real fun comes from behind the wheel with Drive Control in Sport mode. Nought-to-60 mph comes at around seven-point-two tics, and even a little growl manages to penetrate the otherwise hushed interior, which is a moderately quiet, but not silent vehicle by any stretch.

The stock tires, while sticky, tend to be noisy, too. The better to grip with, we say. Speaking of grip, every last ounce of the stuff is transmitted up the electric power-assisted rack and pinion system for a very direct steering feel.

We’d call the NX “entry luxury,” but not luxurious. But that’s not as bad as it sounds. Instead, what we have with the NX 200t is a car, er, SUV that is made up of pretty stout kit, even though it’s not maxed out. The takeaway though, is that the fun and spirited drivetrain displays a distinct get up and go, that you wouldn’t expect to see from a compressed four-banger pushing nearly two tons (tonnes) of weight. Despite the two tons of fun, the NX achieves 22 city / 28 highway, 25 combined.
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