 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
 
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Lexus RX350 Sports Luxury
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Winning a competitive class four years in a row is no mean feat - but then the Lexus RX350 is no mean motor car. This time the Lexus was up against two dozen challengers in a diverse category where the prices range from $53,000 to $130,000 and which contains players with big-capacity V8, torquey diesels and refined petrol engines. The first appearance of the new Audi Q7 also gave the field a shake. But the RX350 continued to punch well above its weight in all areas and it was streets ahead of the pack at the finish. Since last year it has had a model upgrade, with the old 3.3-litre engine replaced by the significantly more powerful 3.5-litre V6 but the overall silky smoothness of the RX has been retained and in fact improved upon. For those who are looking for a greener solution and are able to pay another $10,000 there is the hybrid version RX400 which will do everything the RX350 does. The RX350's standard features list was improved upon in the new model and even though the price jumped up $10,000, it still won the Value for Money element of the scoring. It scored consistently with a lower price, a bright outlook on depreciation costs, competitive regular costs and a long four-year warranty. It is packed to the gunwales with standard features and from a kid's point of view, or for anyone who has to wait for kids, the DVD is bound to be a hit. Lexus equips its RX350 with a swag of active and passive safety features, including an active light system that points around corners. There is also a rear camera viewed through the dash-mounted screen for checking that none of the kids has strolled into the path of the Lexus when reversing; it also keeps the bumper bar scratch-free as the view and the superimposed parking lines help those who are used to parking by feel. The other area where it out-scored the field was in Design and Function. The RX350 provides a thoughtful layout of controls and instruments, while few would dare to criticise Lexus on its long-standing reputation for quality. Additionally, its classy seats are comfortable and supportive. The new model has improved on last year's poor showing in the security area, too. If the pursuing pack was to have any chance of regaining lost ground on the Lexus it was in the On the Road section. Although the RX has permanent all-wheel-drive, its 4WD ability was below average. This roomy and practical five-seater likes the bitumen more than the mud and even on the bitumen all of the German vehicles out-performed it in handling, where the RX350's light steering and initial body-roll proved to be weaknesses. The elimination of noise in the RX350 is still superb, however, and its ride still ranks in the top echelon. The RX350 feels evolutionary rather than revolutionary. If we say it's more of the same from Lexus, that's no insult, for it means opulence, quality, refinement and comfort. It has a smooth-revving 3.5-litre V6 with performance-enhancing upgrades. Mated to the smooth five-speed automatic with tiptronic, sports and snow modes, it creates a snappy performer. Its luxury pedigree is confirmed by a comfy ride over virtually any surface, decent seats, a whisper-quiet cabin and plenty of creature comforts and safety items. It comes complete with SatNav, a Mark Levinson stereo and rear-view camera. Handling and steering are behind the best in class, the foot-operated park brake also detracting from otherwise good ergonomics. But this soft-roader has all you want from a refined luxury vehicle.
Top 5
Previous Results
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
