The Lexus RX line up is a success story in Malaysia with the RX 350, and with the newly introduced RX 270 luxury SUV, the story is about to get even more interesting.
The RX vehicles are the best selling in the Large Luxury SUV segment in Malaysia, equipped with premium features and coupled with stylish design and excellent performance, the Lexus RX models are a natural choice for those unwilling to compromise when it comes to luxury.
The new RX 270 fits right into an active lifestyle with a sophisticated blend of the comfort of a luxury car with the driving pleasure of an SUV for those who seek a more relaxed drive.
Designed around the driver, Lexus RX 270 provides ultimate convenience, comfort, safety and an exceptional driving experience.
Commenting on the introduction of the Lexus RX 270, Mr. Kuah Kock Heng, President of Lexus Malaysia said, “The introduction of this new variant is to provide another choice for our customer who prefer lower engine capacity, more affordable but still reflect the comfort of a Lexus SUV. At the same time it will increase and further strengthen Lexus market share in the SUV segment.”
The RX 270 delivers signature features of passionate driving experiences and pristine power. Beneath the hood of the Lexus RX 270 is the all new 2.7-liter Dual VVT-i all-aluminium 4 cylinder DOHC and 16 valve petrol engine with Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) that works to alter the length of the intake pipe to improve torque delivery. Tumble Control Valves are also fitted to accelerate engine warm-up times so that the optimum functioning 3-way catalytic converter to cleanse exhaust gases can occur faster.
The maximum power output of the 1AR-FE engine is 138 kW / 185 bhp at 5,800 rpm. With its long stroke of 105 mm (compared to a bore of 90 mm), the engine is strong on torque which peaks 252 Nm at 4,200 rpm and with no less than 200 Nm from 1,300 rpm. Though the engine runs on a high compression ratio of 10:1, it is tuned for fuel with a RON of 91 octane so RON95, the minimum octane available in Malaysia, will provide optimum performance.
Lexus’s in-house tests show the RX 270 is able to achieve a top speed of 200 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.0 seconds. Fuel consumption (based on combined cycle testing) is 10.2 kilometers per liter (9.8L/100 km), which is 8.5% better than the RX 350. The engine meets Euro-5 emission control standards which are currently in force in Europe.
Like the RX 350, the RX 270 also has a 6-speed Super ECT with A.I. Shift automatic transmission which delivers power to the front wheels. It has been engineered to be the lightest and most compact in its class, with fast, smooth shifting and driver responsive shift control.
This new engine has been exclusively developed to reduce noise, vibrations, reduce fuel consumption, low emissions and demonstrates excellent performance.
RX 270 is also equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), an advanced integrated control system that combines sophisticated active safety functions with optimized stability and control. VDIM system helps the drivers to retain control of the car as it anticipates and corrects a loss of traction before it occurs.
In physical size and styling, the RX 270 is identical to the RX 350. The only visible difference is that the RX 350 has a tilt and slide moonroof as standard.
Similar to the RX 350, the interior is designed with refined finishings that exudes prestige. The new variant also offers generous interior width and ample space for a family to relax in comfort.
Staying true to its Lexus heritage, the new RX 270 also boasts a host of technological gizmo’s that help make life easier for the driver and the passengers. For instance, the new RX employs both a Smart Entry and Start System and an illuminated entry system. Through sensors that detect the approach of the driver, these systems convey Lexus hospitality by providing both keyless entry and illumination sequenced in anticipation of his or her needs. To unlock the vehicle, a mere touch is needed (provided the key is in the driver’s pocket or handbag) on the sensor incorporated in all four door handles instead of an unsightly button. Locking of the doors is done by touching the sensor pads on either of the front doors.
A key feature in the RX 270 is the optional navigation system package (Lexus Malaysia is also introducing navigation system to its entire model line-up in conjunction with the RX 270 introduction). The system uses the Electro Multi Vision (EMV) Display, an 8-inch LCD panel recessed higher in the middle of the dashboard, allowing for ease of view for both driver and passenger. As with other automotive navigation systems, the one in the RX 270 uses satellite positioning (GPS) to determine the location of the vehicle. The DVD-based map covers Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. The navigation system provides voice and visual guidance to destinations selected, with turn-by-turn routing. Numerous Points of Interest (POIs) are provided including, of course, Lexus Centres in each country.
Input of commands to select and operate the navigation system, audio system and climate control can be done using the New Generation Remote Touch controller. This controller helps address the competing objectives of minimizing driver distraction while providing a range of options for customizing the driving experience. The Remote Touch controller takes the shape of a moveable knob or joystick mounted in the controller. In order to control the pointer on the display screen, the operator moves the Remote Touch knob with his/her fingers, much like a mouse on a computer screen.
Over 230 crash tests were performed to ensure the RX 270 provides the best protection for its occupants. In the Japanese New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP), the RX model was rated 6-star in crash tests while the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in America gave it the Top Safety Pick Award.
The RX 270 has 2-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags for all seating rows. The dual-stage front airbags are designed to deploy at one of two speeds, according to impact force. The driver’s front airbag also includes an extra low stage designed to deploy based, in part, on the seat’s position on its track. Additionally, both front occupants also have knee airbags for extra protection during a frontal collision. The rear occupants are also well protected with side airbags and curtain shield airbags which will deploy during a side impact.
Other features included in the optional navigation system package for the RX 270 include a Reverse Camera, Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree cellphone operation and a 12-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system which includes an 8-inch sub-woofer in the luggage compartment.
As of September this year, more than 1,000 units of Lexus vehicles have been sold in Malaysia. The new Lexus RX 270 is priced at RM 340,000 (on-the-road price, without insurance). Adding to the sales figure, Lexus Malaysia is aiming to sell 140 units a year.
The RX 270 is available for viewing and test drive from now onwards at the Lexus Centre in Mutiara Damansara and in Lexus Penang showroom.
