I have been introduced to some great cars this month.
The factory representatives are clever in how the vehicles are distributed, many of the cars given test rides match up with national TV advertising campaigns. The Lexus pictured in a current TV commercial is parked in my driveway.
The latest Lexus NX 450h+F Sport is a gas engine/hybrid, a combination that is starting to capture the market as sole EV vehicles suffer slowing consumer demand, cold weather-related challenges, and a shortage of promised charging stations still in short supply at many locations. The EV vehicles work very well in special circumstances like daily commutes of less than 50 miles, and easy garage plug-in. The electric powered vehicles are smooth as silk to drive, with instant acceleration, and attractive exteriors and interiors. There are also some attractive tax rebate purchase incentives. If work, and pleasure driving demands match up with the capabilities of the EV cars, go for it. Otherwise, take the cross-over gasoline engine, with the boost hybrid battery assist. The combination will take you on long trips, and you can make an easy trip to Ft. Collins, Pueblo, or Grand Junction without the worry of finding a charging station and the hours it may take for a charge, if the station operates, and accepts you credit card, no cash payments. The overall mileage for the week exceeded 34 mpg., using gas in the sport high-performance mode.
This week’s test car is outstanding, so good it would be easy to purchase. However, one drawback, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $$60,005. Usually, I drive the car a short distance before looking at the specification sheet in the glove box. In this NX 450h sport’s model, the drive is sensational, so after a day’s drive it was time to check the price on this gem. Initially I was frankly surprised at the lofty price, but at the end of the week the car is worth every penny of the retail price.
This is a sports model that has a 304 total system horsepower, connected to an 8-speed variable transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. The transmission works well, and the drive was very powerful, I never had to use anything but the D. The engine and transmission were perfectly synchronized and would shift automatically with driving demands.
If I was designing this F-Sport model I would give the front end a more sloping design to make it look more like a sport’s car. The car looks like a conventional sedan with an SUV appearance. The “Ultrasonic Blue Mica” paint is elegant but somewhat mundane for a hot-rod disguised as a cross-over sedan.
The interior is compact, with a leather trimmed steering wheel, and a center console computer that controlled almost all the car functions. It is a little hard during the drive, to look at symbols while cruising down E-470 at high speeds. Fortunately, the F-Sport is equipped with the Lexus Safety System that includes every safety precaution, alert, and road sign assist. Some of the safety features are not standard equipment but on a list of desirable options such as cross-traffic alert, a must in parking lot challenges. The options on the loaded factory model hoisted the price on the test model to $66,535 including paddle lamps at the buyer’s choice.
The car has great brakes, feeling very firm when depressed.
The suspension is that of a race car with front and rear performance dampers riding on 20” alloy wheels.
The final assembly is in Miyakawa, Fukuoka, Japan with superb craftsmanship. This is a superstar all-around hybrid crossover. If you are anywhere near the nation’s best KOA campground in Central City, CO. they have just installed four-public charging stations, a great place to park the camper, stay and charge the vehicle.