I KNOW what you’re thinking. That this story’s title was exactly taken from one of the famous lines of martial-arts icon Bruce Lee.
If you were, then you’re right. And it’s exactly the same philosophy adopted, mind you, by Lexus when it recently introduced the all-new NX at its Manila showroom at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Indeed, like water, the first-class Japanese carmaker adapted to the growing demands as it is poised, this time, to make a statement in its first entry into the highly competitive premium compact crossover segment.
NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato affirmed: “The NX was developed as a premium SUV having high performance, numerous functions, packaged with alluring exterior and interior design, creating a sense of desire for acquisition”.
He added, “Much like high-quality sports watches, bikes and fashion, the NX represents the ultimate in premium urban sports gear.”
The all-new NX was conceived to appeal to new customers who lead urban and active lifestyles. It comes in two variants: a highly efficient hybrid in NX 300h and the Lexus-developed 2.0-liter gasoline turbo in an all-wheel drive NX 200t.
Initially, Lexus is only offering the NX 300h in the Philippines. The NX 300h uses a tuned version of the 2AR-FXE 2.5-liter gasoline engine. A much enhanced water-to-oil cooler for the electric drive motor and a revised front drive reduction ratio for improved fuel economy and hill climbing are expected. This engine is mated to a new electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a function for greater acceleration performance.
Underneath, the NX 300h employs a unique AWD system called E-Four. The rear axle is driven by an electric motor, while the front axle is propelled by gasoline or electric power, or a mixture of both. This sophisticated system varies power distribution to the rear wheels depending on driving and road conditions. An electronically controlled braking system known as ECB-R provides stopping power and regenerative braking while saving on vehicle weight.
Like water into the teapot, the NX offers an array of innovative onboard technology. Including the first application of the new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad and a comprehensive Multi-information Display (including a Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter), along with a host of other features, the NX also presents itself as sophisticated as it is sporty. In fact, an F Sport version provides a more aggressive and sportier design with F Sport exclusive items, such as spindle grille, front lower bumper, aluminum wheels, black outer mirror, interior color, ornament panel and sportier seats for that sporty drive.
Outside, the NX is shaped like the LF-NX concept vehicles introduced then in hybrid form at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, and also later at the Tokyo Motor Show. Its uniqueness comes, however, with its uncompromised versatility as the NX is actually designed to be agile, a trait unusual to SUVs.
Eighteen-inch wheels, innovative LED headlamps and daytime running lamps firmly express Lexus’s bold design language. Picture a seemingly easygoing body-builder in a high-end bar sipping a Martini, much like Chris Pratt in a James Bond tee.
Inside, the NX exudes that sporty and premium appeal. Here, the idea is to combine the structural beauty of a high-performance machine with materials and textures that provide luxury and functionality. And, at the center of it all, a silver frame embedded into the instrument panel.
Advanced HMI (Human Machine Interface) technology provides intuitive interaction and creates an advanced impression. The NX, too, continues Lexus’s display and operation zone concept. Interior space plays a big factor here as the NX possesses the lowest hip point in the segment, adding to the connection of the driver to the vehicle and increasing overall head room. The NX has the longest luggage load length and offers wide front to rear couple distance.
As of the moment, the NX 300h is priced at P3.908 million, while the NX 200t and NX 200t F-Sport will be out in January of 2015.