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By
EWAN KENNEDY
23 February 2009
Lexus has introduced the third-generation of its best selling RX
model. Virtually all-new from the ground up, it's longer and wider
than before. Wheelbase and track have been increased to give more
interior space, but the overall height remains as before.
The
RX350 is an ultra-modern crossover aimed more at buyers wanting a
classy station wagon than at those looking for an off-road
vehicle. However, it is a quality all-roader and is happy enough
when on gravel tracks, dirt roads, perhaps even at the beach. The
latter could create hassles however as the RX350 has significantly
less ground clearance than the typical crossover vehicle.
That
low clearance is a deliberate feature of the car as Lexus sees
good road holding and comfort as being the most important features
of its chassis dynamics.
Exterior
styling appears similar to that of the second-generation as Lexus
is keen to build a heritage for the RX. (Note that the
first-generation wasn’t sold in Australia.) Existing owners, and
there are now over 15,000 of those in Australia, will immediately
notice the stronger shoulders, slimmer head and taillights and the
distinctive way the top corners of the radiator grille are
stretched out to almost touch the headlights.
The
hidden rear windscreen wiper is a clever touch and falls into the
‘why did no one think of this before?’ category. Even if
you're not in the market for a new Lexus RX350 why not pop down to
your Lexus dealer to have a look at this new-style wiper.
Inside,
there's an all-new design in the dash area, which is now very
driver-oriented, with an almost Saab-like curvature and clarity.
Existing owners may not like the loss of touch-screen operation of
the satellite navigation system. This has been replaced by a BMW
iDrive-style remote control in the centre console. Lexus says this
is to shroud the screen to reduce reflections, but we must say we
much preferred the beautifully simple system in the superseded
model.
The
curvaceous design of the door trim and shaping of the seats is
very elegant. It goes without saying that the choice of materials
and the quality of fit and finish of cabin is immaculate.
Though
the windscreen pillars are strong, they are styled to reduce
hindrance of the front-side view to a minimum. The tiny extra
windows in the pillars’ lower corners are all but invisible from
the driver’s seat, but are probably not necessary in the first
place so that's barely a criticism.
You
have the choice between a full-sized boot and a space-saver spare
tyre, or losing 100 mm, about four inches, from the depth of the
boot and having a full-sized spare tyre. The rear seat has a handy
40/20/40 split to give you plenty of loading options.
The
twin-cam 3.5-litre V6 engine is the only carryover component from
the previous RX350 but it has received so many changes that it can
almost be regarded as a new powerplant. It comes with 204 kW of
power and 346 Nm of torque, the latter an impressive figure that
almost reaches the magical 100 Nm per litre, the engine is ultra
smooth and very responsive. Despite an increase in power and
torque it has fuel consumption of 10.8 litres per hundred
kilometres, a figure similar to the fuel use of many large family
sedans.
The
engine is now mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, up from
the five speeds of the old model. Closer spacing of the gear
ratios is another factor in the reduction in the fuel usage, and
also gives increased punch off the line and very smooth cruising.
Zero to 100 km/h acceleration in eight seconds from a mid-sized
SUV is pretty impressive.
Smooth
is a word that keeps coming to our mind when driving any Lexus.
Since driving the original model LS400 almost 20 years ago we have
been extremely impressed with the marque’s ability to provide a
cosseted ride in near silence with a minimum of fuss.
The
RX350 continues the tradition. On smooth roads tyre and suspension
noise is all-but inaudible, the engine is but a distant hum and
air rush over the body is minimal. Rougher sealed roads did
increase the entry of tyre noise, though it's still more than
acceptable. Even on dirt tracks, and we covered quite a few
kilometres on these with a fair bit of gusto, the new Lexus
remained calm and composed.
The
complete Lexus RX 350 range, with prices (excluding on-road costs)
is:
RX350 Prestige: $81,900
RX350 Sports: $88,900
RX350 Sports Luxury: $97,900
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Marque Publishing Company
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