2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport: Coming at You from All Angles

In art and architecture, they say that form follows function; and the highly-sculpted shape of the new Lexus NX 300 is clearly indicative of what's been crafted within. Making a no-nonsense statement for 2018, the luxury compact SUV (formerly called the NX 200t) gets a sharp-looking refresh with styling updates both inside and out.

Engaging the senses, the NX 300 F Sport ignites excitement with newly-available ramped-up handing performance, unique instrumentation inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar, and newly-optional 18" alloy wheels. Improved sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension is now based on the advanced system found in the LC 500 which offers a range of up to 650 instantaneous adjustments for enhanced control and stability. Real-time performance feedback is also viewable via the turbo-boost display and Lexus-first g-force meter G-ball which moves in response to the vehicle's lateral and longitudinal forces and then selects an optimum gear and downshift pattern.

Deeply-pronounced angles and crouching muscular curves give the NX 300 a very attractive eye-catching chiseled appearance enhanced by its uniquely-pronounced mesh grille with jet-black plating, revised lower bumpers, sharply-raked tailgate, power folding outside mirrors, and artfully-elongated signature taillights. The sufficiently-peppy turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 6-speed automatic transmission hops up from 0 to 60 in 7.2 seconds thereby delivering 235 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque, and an estimated 28 highway mpg. The 4.2" TFT LCD in the instrument cluster provides full-color multi information display and customized differentiation of drive mode selections (ECO, normal, and sport).

The F Sport's slightly reworked interior is marked by Takumi-crafted metallic sport trim ornamentation and exclusive body-hugging, quilted NuLuxe sport seats which are particularly appealing in the dramatic 'circuit red' color. Active Sound Control pipes enhanced engine notes into the cabin through the speakers and allows for driver-adjustable volume control, while a perforated leather F Sport heated steering wheel with paddle shifters and brushed metallic gearshift offer additional driver exhilaration.

Nicely-padded touch-point surfaces, meticulous needlework on leather trim, and a comfortable amount of legroom in front and back further lend to Lexus' enhanced amenities which feature auto-dimming side mirrors which tilt down in reverse, 10-way power driver's seat, driver and passenger heated and ventilated seats, updated climate control buttons, updated clock with GPS, and more. The cargo area measures 17.7 cubic feet, but that number increases considerably when the 60/40 split reclining back seats are folded down and the four out-of-sight storage compartments beneath the cargo floor are utilized for holding valuables. The available power rear door is now offered with a kick sensor available as standalone option which is activated simply by waving a foot beneath the rear bumper cover to open or close the touch-free rear hatch.

Lexus offers its most sophisticated connectivity suite yet with an array of innovative technology options including Lexus' first available Wi-Fi, faster-charging USB ports, enlarged wireless charger, panoramic view monitor with bird's-eye view, and a 4.2" full color multi-information display including audio, fuel consumption, navigation, and tire pressure as well as other stats. The size of the standard center-console multimedia screen has been boosted to 8" with an even more expansive 10.3" split-screen version available with navigation and a 30% larger second-generation remote touch interface.

The class-leading Lexus Safety System has also become standard equipment and includes helpful driver aids like pre-collision system with detection of obstacles and pedestrians, lane keep assist with lane departure alert, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and self-adjusting intelligent high-beam headlamps along with blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.

Overall, the aggressive head-turning style and newly-added standard equipment and available features make the 2018 Lexus NX 300 an even better value for the money.

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