Business Car Manager Verdict on the Lexus NX 300h F Sport

There’s a lot to like about the NX, not least the fact that it stands out like nothing else in the market. The sharp lines and acute creases look sharper than a samurai sword, whether you like it is down to personal taste. At least it makes a statement.

The theme continues inside, with a multi-layered dashboard that’s full of buttons, screens and touchpads. There’s even a vanity mirror hidden away in a cubby hole, just in case you want to stop and check your make up.

It is a little overwhelming though, as I found more than 90 separate switches, dials and buttons, hidden around the cabin, but the ones you use frequently are laid out clearly enough.

The hybrid powerplant, as ever, makes for a refined experience, just so long as you can cope with the engine whine as you accelerate. Once up to speed, the CVT gearbox settles down and life is hushed once more.

There’s plenty of grip, but the ride quality isn’t great. The firm dampers on the F Sport model tested thump and crash over every imperfection but, as is common with Lexus cars, if you eschew the F Sport and stick to the normal models you’ll find things are a lot more relaxed.

While sitting back and letting the adaptive cruise control do its thing you can take in the wealth of technology on offer, from DAB radio to wireless smartphone charging and a Mark Levinson stereo that sounds magnificent, but models with all the toys cost a huge amount.

That’s the problem with the Lexus NX. You want the F Sport model fully loaded with options, but it’s the mid-spec models that make most sense. Let the big wheel and spoilers go and the NX is a fine riding SUV. That, and the abundance of Tokyo-tech, means it’s worth a look.

Click here to read the Editor’s review on the new Lexus NX.

The Low Down on the Lexus NX 300h F Sport….

…..and what it costs