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Lexus RX330 Sports
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The Lexus soft-roader joins illustrious company this year as one of just four vehicles able to retain an Australia's Best Cars crown for three consecutive years. Yet to match the four-time feat of Forester, the opulent RX330 crossover equals the Holden Astra and Ford Falcon on three titles gained consecutively. Like other years the margin back to BMW's X5 is still mighty slim, but this Lexus consistently notches top scores in crucial categories. Most of those are in design and function. Lexus equips its RX330 with a swag of active and passive safety features and its classy seats are comfortable and supportive. It provides a thoughtful layout of controls and instruments while few would dare to criticise Lexus on its long-standing reputation for quality. The RX330 is also roomy and practical although Lexus would do well to remedy the blemish on security. It scores consistently on monetary measures with a lower price, a bright outlook on depreciation costs, competitive regular costs and a long four-year warranty. Advances in the luxury landscape hit RX330's handling score. The light steering, initial body roll and an intrusive electronic stability program do not assist its cause. However the elimination of noise in RX330 is still superb, its ride still ranks in the top echelon and the performance and braking traits are better than average. A new whisper-quiet Range Rover Sport turbo-diesel forces a reshuffle of BMW's X5 twins this year. The X5 diesel surrenders a mark for smoothness and quietness, which allows its petrol pal to slip ahead. Both Beemers are class-leaders for handling and desirable dynamics. The X5 3.0d is among the premier performers in the class. Other points of difference between the duo are the diesel's low environment score and its stinginess on fuel use. The new diesel Rangie, a spin-off from Discovery, shoots to prominence for low noise levels, and collects top marks for ride quality. Off-road prowess is almost a given from Range Rover, but its competence in other dynamic measures such as handling, braking and performance is less predictable. The British brand also boasts lots of space, comfortable seating and strengths in pricing, safety and security. The build quality is only middling though, while equipment levels are sub-standard.
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