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By
EWAN KENNEDY
3 December 2007
Lexus is one of the leaders in the world of hybrid vehicles and in
Australia has just sold its 1000th vehicle. Not a huge number in
absolute terms, but an indication that people are becoming interested in
reducing greenhouse gases and saving money on fuel.
Lexus in Australia pre-sold the first three months supply of
the Lexus RX400h as word got out that it was going to be
introduced in October 2006. Buyer interest has remained high and
typically around 55 are sold each month.
Now an upgraded model has been introduced, with changes made to
visually separate the RX400h from the RX350h on which it is based.
The frontal appearance has been altered by adding chrome to the
radiator grille and fitting new headlights, the rear also has a
revised light design. The rear spoiler has also been redone and is
colour coded to the car’s body. The chromed grille is
complemented by a similar bright finish to the alloy wheels and
the door handles have a bolder look.
Door sills are larger than before, perhaps reducing off-road
ability by being so, but this vehicle is never going to be used on
anything other than forest trails so that’s hardly a concern.
There's a blue-tint theme in some of the exterior parts to give
the RX400h an interesting look.
Inside are timber accents on the steering wheel, dashboard,
doors and armrests. The timber is either to a dark design or
carries a distinctive red hue. The doors now lock automatically
when the car moves. Anti-intrusion detectors provide added safety.
The Lexus RX400h uses a petrol engine and electric motors and
its biggest feature is that it regenerates otherwise wasted power
during braking and coasting by absorbing the energy into a battery
so that it’s available when needed.
Lexus has produced a very refined vehicle that is a pleasure to
drive in city and suburban traffic. And this is where most of
these station wagons will spend their lives. Very few are likely
to be seen wandering across the desert of crossing creeks in the
top end of Queensland.
Starting from standstill at moderate pace, the RX400h glides
silently away, running on its electric motors. At higher speeds,
it uses both the petrol engine and the front electric motor in
varying ratios, depending on speed, load and other conditions.
The rear electric motor assists that at the front when starting
from standstill, and then it cuts out as the vehicle gathers
speed. Otherwise, it drives the rear wheels only when the front
wheels lose traction. In that sense, it isn’t really a full
all-wheel drive vehicle.
The 3.3-litre petrol engine produces 155kW, the front electric
motor has a maximum of 123 kW and the rear electric motor peaks at
50kW. At full throttle, full load, the vehicle can draw from both
the engine and the electric motors to a maximum of 200kW. (These
numbers don’t appear to add up, that’s because the three
motors never reach their maximum output simultaneously.)
If you tramp on the accelerator this wagon gets up and goes.
And when ambling along at leisurely pace, you ride in eerily
smooth and quiet comfort.
Lexus is selling the RX400h directly against the increasingly
popular diesel-powered vehicles of its rivals. Claiming it uses
less fuel and produces fewer emissions. This is a large,
sophisticated, luxurious vehicle that is listed as having average
petrol consumption on the official tests of just 8.1 litres per
100 km, the sort of figure you would expect from a mid-sized
four-cylinder hatchback.
At $94,074, the Lexus RX400h is loaded with standard features:
18-inch alloy wheels; anti-lock braking; electronic stability
control; traction control; seven airbags; power-operated front
seats; moon roof; a quality audio system with 11 speakers and MP3
compatibility; adaptive front lights; satellite navigation system;
and a rear view camera with rear-guide assist.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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