 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
 
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Lexus RX330 Sport
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Although representing just 8 percent of what the motor industry terms the SUV (sports utility vehicle) market, year-to-date sales of luxury 4WDs still see steady growth compared with 2003. Again, this was a hotly contested category and this was most evident in the final scores of the top four vehicles. But the Lexus RX330 took the top spot for the second year in succession. Like its competition out of Europe, the RX330 has all the qualities befitting a luxury 4WD vehicle. And like it did last year, the Lexus impressed the judges with its overall packaging and pricing, as well as a class-leading four-year warranty. This Japanese-built luxury SUV also shone in the areas of safety, comfort, ergonomics, build and finish quality, ride and smoothness and quietness. Considering the very distinguished competition it faced, it was a commendable win for the Lexus. The bottom line scores demonstrated how closely matched the vehicles are in this class. Each of the finalists scored either above average or well above average in the critical areas of assessment. Only in terms of standard features, environment and, in the case of one vehicle, security, did the top four vehicles falter. The BMW X5 3.0-litre diesel impressed and missed out on clinching the title by only a small margin. Its diesel engine is remarkably willing, as well as being reasonably quiet and smooth. It also provides comparatively better returns for fuel economy. The Volvo XC70 also put in a fine showing. In fact, it topped or at least equalled the scores of the two X5s and the Lexus in 12 of the 20 criteria in this category. It proved a great highway cruiser, was comfortable, well-priced and shone in the areas of ergonomics, depreciation and running and repair costs.
Top 5
Previous Results
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
