Lexus RX350

The new Lexus RX350 is taller and wider, with improved aerodynamics that eliminate lift almost entirely...

It is also more car-like than the first two generations of RX models. It is easily the most responsive (and yet most relaxed), most dynamic and quietest car of its kind. The new car is somewhat bigger. Bumper to bumper, it is 30mm longer. The wheelbase is extended by 20mm and its width by 40mm. The vehicle is also 10mm taller.

Most crucial to its surefootedness are its width tracks. And with improved aerodynamics that is said to eliminate lift almost entirely, the car feels very confident at higher speeds.

With active torque distribution and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (for stability control), it takes a lot to throw the RX off balance.

The Toyota Camry-based RX is powered by its front wheels most of the time. Torque is redistributed only when the car needs more traction. The all-wheel drive lock button can be pressed on the occasions when you need to negotiate unpaved roads. The system reverts to Auto mode once you exceed 40kmh.

The car is artistically shaped with the front of the car tilted ever so slightly towards the driver. It has been said that Toyota Motor executives had a huge debate over it. Many were worried that RX lovers would be too conservative to accept the new look. But it was a good thing that the progressive camp won out.

The RX is the easiest SUV to live with. The driver gets a huge footwell, lots of head and elbow room, as well as a comfy and supportive seat. The driver's seat will even automatically slide back to make disembarking easier.

The car's 3.5 litre V6 heart is essentially the same as the one in the last car but programmed for a bit more oomph.

It is mated to a six-speed transmission that is silky, silent and has an utterly relaxed top ratio.

Although it is 0.2 seconds slower than its predecessor to the 100 mark, it feels more light-footed, especially in the city.

A digital gauge in the instrument panel tells you when the car is within economy range. The RX350 is able to accomplish most day-to-day tasks well within the range.

And being largely two-wheel-driven and possessing that long-legged six-slot gearbox, it is slightly more fuel efficient than its predecessor, despite being 115kg heavier (it is bigger, after all).

On the whole, it comes across as an extremely refined machine, even when compared with some luxury sedans.

Lexus RX350 Facts

Engine: 3,456cc 24-valve V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with quick-shift
Power: 274bhp at 6,200rpm
Torque: 346Nm at 4,700 rpm
0-100kmh: 8 seconds
Top Speed: 200kmh
Fuel Consumption: 10.6 litres/100km (city-highway)

Luxury SUV: Lexus RX450h

Lexus's new SUV offers comfort and refinement. Gone is its symmetrical old dashboard, it has been replaced by a wave-like centre console.

The new Lexus RX 450h arrives at an interesting time - Lexus turns 20 this year, and the American car market, which has been critical to the commercial success of the RX, is running on empty.

Amidst all of the uncertainty and unpredicatability of the car market, the Lexus RX450h has been redesigned in a predictable mannner. The shape is sleeker and the sheet-metal details are sharper, but it is still familiar to RX drivers. The only difference is that the tailgate wiper is concealed under the rear spoiler.

Also, the old dashboard's straightforward, symmetrical layout is no more, replaced by striking assymterical design with a wave-like centre console.

Another highlight is the Remote Touch, a first for Lexus. It consolidates and controls various onboard functions, including navigation, entertainment and vehicle set-up and it employs an unusual mix of mouse and joystick operations.

The actual user interface, however, could be slicker. Apart from Remote Touch, the new interior offers plenty of amenities, including keyless entry with push-button start, acres of factory-sewn leather, powerful dual-zone air-conditioning and electric everything, from the front seats to the rear hatch.

The boot is even bigger than before and comes with well-placed quick-release levers for the versatile split-fold back seat. There are also more storage points for odds and ends.

An array of airbags is, of course, standard fare in this car.

Behind the wheel, immediately noticeable are the improved ergonomics, such as the superior support and adjustability of the driver's seat, the even more commanding outward visibility and the rationalised placement of the control cluster for the power mirrors.

At the same time, all the switchgear feels tighter than before and all the cabin materials are better made.

The handling of this sports-utility vehicle continues to be more utility than sports. But there is now at least a semblance of feel and feedback through the steering, which helms a chassis that responds more positively to major directional changes than the previous model.

The RX450h's performance is more significantly improved. Its initial pick-up and mid-range acceleration are even punchier than the outgoing RX400h, making the RX450h a bit of a green monster on the road.

Yet it manages to deliver over 10 percent better mileage than its predecessor. This translates to nearly 14kn per litre, which is very good going for a well-equipped SUV with the works.

Lexus engineers have eliminated the squashy brake feel of the regenerative system that afflicted the RX400h. They have also made the fuel-saving stop-start fucntion less noticeable now.

Whether a clever hybrid or a conventional petrol model, the new Lexus RX is certainly a capable and comfortable ride for upmarket suburbanites.

Lexus RX450h Facts:
Engine: 3456cc 24-valve V6, plus 123kW front motor and 50kW rear motor.
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission.
Power: 295bhp at 6200rpm.
Torque: 334Nm at 4700rpm.
0-100kmh: 7.4 seconds.
Fuel consumption: 7.2 litres/100km (city-highway).

Lexus GS450h - A High-Class Hybrid Car

Lexus Hybrid Car - touted as the first high-performance luxury hybrid, the Lexus GS450h claims to have the power of a 4.5-litre V8 and the thirst of a 2-litre motor.

Mention hybrid car and most people instantly think of the Toyota Prius. As the forerunner of the hybrid revolution, that car created history by proving to sceptics a hybrid could achieve record-breaking fuel economy yet remain completely reliable.

While the Prius is an ultra-economical car, the Lexus GS450h is touted as the world's first high-performance luxury hybrid. Lexus claims it has the power of a 4.5-litre V8 and the fuel consumption of a 2-litre motor.

A century-sprint time of only 5.9 seconds gives it the acceleration to out-drag noisy rally specials with their huge rear spoilers and garish body kits.

But to regard the 450h as a gentleman's drag racer is to miss the point of the car. With this hybrid, Lexus is on a mission to prove high performance need not come at the expense of heavy fuel consumption. The "normal" engine is a 3.5-litre V6 developing 292bhp. One electric motor (codename MG1) acts as an engine starter, while another more powerful 197bhp motor (MG2) powers the car. Total system output at full throttle is 339bhp.

On taking off gently and at low speeds, MG2 is the sole power source. Step on the accelerator and both the V6 and MG2 mesh seamlessly to provide a truly sensational rush. Once on the go, there is so much torque that overtaking is nearly instantaneous, virtually more a thought than an act - just wish it and it is done.

Even more imprressive than the ballistic accleration is the way the Lexus Hybrid Drive handles the continuously varying outputs of the engine and electric motor. Crossovers between the two power sources are truly seamless, with nary a click or a jerk. The E-CVT transmission is a work of art. Unlike CVT transmissions in conventional cars, there is no feeling of a lag between the transmission and the engine.

At full throttle, the 450h remains extremely quiet, with just a trace of a subdued yet sporty intake roar. This effortless high performance is possibly the most endearing feature of the 450h. With its stupendous torque and instant acceleration, fast upcountry runs over twisty roads would be a cinch.

The experience would be further enhanced is only the steering had a little more feel and feedback.

Smart alloy wheels with chrome highlights, bluish Lexus badges and small "hybrid" signs are the only indications that this is a 450h, not a normal GS300.

The cabin is similar to the 300, save for the additional instruments giving visual clues on the power train. In spite of the additional inputs, the touch screen remains supremely intuitive.

The plush cabin is not perfect, though. Rear leg and head room are marginal for the very tall. And the low roofline of the GS means you have to bend pretty low to enter or exit the car.

Lexus GS450h Facts:

Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Engine: 3456cc 24-valve V6
Power: 292bhp at 6400rpm (339bhp with electric power)
Torque: 368Nm at 4800rpm
0-100 kmh: 5.9 seconds
Top Speed: 250 kmh (limited)
Fuel Consumption: 7.8 litres/100km (combined)

Pictures of Lexus GS450h