Beijing - With the new NX, Lexus now has an answer to the likes of BMW's X3 and Audi's Q5. Set to make its world debut at the Beijing Motor Show on 20 April, the NX follows the latest IS in offering an aggressively-styled alternative to the premium market herd.
Designers aimed to give the new compact crossover a striking presence from all angles, and the NX is particularly aggressive from the front, with its bold 'spindle' grille and deeply sculpted headlights that sit above LED daytime running lights seemingly inspired by Nike.
The new NX will reach South Africa during the first half of 2015 and although the engine line-up has yet to be confirmed, our local contact tells us that a new 2-litre turbopetrol engine will definitely form part of the line-up. Depending on the market in question, the NX will also be offered with a normally aspirated 2-litre petrol in the NX 200 and a petrol-electric hybrid in the NX 300h.
Inside the NX, occupants will enjoy the very latest in gadgetry, including a wireless charging tray for portable devices, a new version of the Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad replacing the previous mouse-like controller, a Panoramic View Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.