Turbocharged Lexus NX 200t arrives in Australia from $52,500

Lexus has announced the pricing for the second model to join the NX compact SUV lineup. The introduction of the NX 200t also marks the first ever turbocharged petrol engine from the Japanese premium brand.

Priced from $52,500 for the 2WD NX 200t Luxury, the new model is equipped with an all-new 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 175kW and 340Nm of torque, while consuming a claimed 7.7L/100km in front-wheel drive, and 7.9L/100km in AWD.

It features the world’s first combination of a cylinder head with an integrated water-cooled exhaust manifold and a twin scroll turbocharger. This combination, in addition to other new technologies such as turbo-specific D-4ST fuel injection technology and continuously variable valve timing with expanded valve opening angles (VVT-iW), is said to ensure excellent drivability and fuel efficiency.

Unlike the NX 300h hybrid, which is matched with an E-CVT transmission, the 200t is paired with an all-new six-speed automatic transmission developed to match the new turbo engine. It uses control logic to calculate required engine torque to ensure maximum torque and smooth acceleration.

The range can also be had in all-wheel drive, which comes standard in F Sport and Sport Luxury variants, and is a $4,500 option on the entry-level Luxury.

As expected, equipment level is generous and mirrors that of the NX 300h. That means climate control, satellite navigation, a rear-view camera, power front seats, electric tailgate, cruise control and leather seats are all standard.

Stepping up to the $63,500 NX 200t F Sport adds Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), 360-degree panoramic monitor, blind sport monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, all-LED headlights, wireless phone charger, 10-way adjustable power front seats with driver memory, heated and cooled front seats, F Sport 18-inch alloys, front and rear performance dampers and sportier styling.

Two enhancement packs are also available for F Sport variants.

Enhancement Pack 1 includes moon roof and 14-speaker Mark Levinson Audio system.

Enhancement Pack 2 includes Pre-Collision Safety system (PCS), all-speed active cruise control, Lane Departure Warning, widescreen colour heads-up display (HUD), auto high beam, smart card key, moon roof and 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio.

The top specification NX 200t Sports Luxury is priced from $72,500.

It gains significant standard specification over and above the Luxury model, including segment-first power 60:40 rear-fold seat, PCS, all-speed active cruise control, Lane Departure Warning, widescreen colour HUD, all-LED headlamps with auto high beam, smart card key, moon roof and 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio.

Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley said the NX 200t was the ideal platform to launch Lexus’ latest engine technology.

“The NX 200t is a very rounded vehicle, with a blend of power, dynamics, quality and equipment,” Mr Hanley said.

“The new engine – which has been tested and perfected to Lexus’ very high standards – creates a variant that will appeal to those who value performance.

“We’re very proud of the new engine, and the first Lexus model that it powers – the NX 200t.”

Lexus NX 200t pricing (Excluding on-roads)