Although the editorial department has already test-driven the NX 350 F Sport with a 2.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine, the 279-horsepower maximum horsepower, and the NX 450h+ F Sport, the first plug-in oil-electric model in the NX series, we are actually more curious about whether the NX 200, which is more beginner in positioning and equipment, can perform as stunningly as the two high-end NX models.
Still vibrant, dynamic look
Although the F Sport model's unique black grille water tank guards, the same color wheel arches as the body, the rear mirror and the roof frame are also painted in the same color, the NX 200, which is 4,660mm, 1,865mm and 1,660mm high, still has a vibrant and dynamic appearance under the clear texture and low distance attitude setting.
Especially in the design of the front, due to the use of the original three-dimensional Spindle Grille spindle type water tank guard called "U-shaped", and the area of the vertical intake port on both sides of the water tank guard and the front bumper, and the single near and far dual-mode LED headlights (with automatic horizontal adjustment) and arrow LED daytime lights, integrated into the sharp and bright multi-layer headlight group, the NX 200 is not only very visual tension, but also full of high-tech.
On the side, the NX 200 is standard with the original roof rack, which can be used to load more luggage and bicycles, surfboards, extend the territory of outdoor life, and is equipped with rear diversion tail wings above the tail compartment, equipped with an 18-inch sharp cut bi-color aluminum ring with visual magnification effect, and the rear windshield and rear window are equipped with dark glass, which can take into account both vision and privacy, and also echo the front of the car's running frame design.
As for the rear, the new 2nd generation NX not only replaced the more recognizable LED tail light group and through-type LED light strip with the "L-shaped" design, but also replaced the brand's first new design vocabulary, "L E X U S" body recognition, aggressive front and rear shape retainers, and hidden design exhaust tailpipes, which are just right for the proportion of luxury and sportiness.
Driver-oriented wrap-around driving experience
In the still refreshing NX 200 Deluxe Cockpit, although the center console is equipped with only a 9.8-inch touch screen (the high-end model is equipped with a 14-inch touch screen), the driver-oriented full-surround cockpit designed with the concept of "TAZUNA (Japanese reins)" not only readjusts the multi-function leather steering wheel (with paddle shifters), the digital screen dashboard and the center console opposite the gear seat. It allows the driver to complete the operation with the least number of movements, focus more on the driving situation, improve safety, and all the knobs and switches are distributed in a very reasonable position, and the operation is quite handy.
In addition, the E-Latch electronic door handle, which is listed as standard in the 2nd generation NX series, is actually quite easy to operate, just by pressing the electronic switch on the armrest of the door trim panel inside the car, you can open and close the door, and can be combined with the SEA safe seat assistance with the door lock function to avoid driving or passengers being hit by the rear when getting off the car.
And in terms of spatial performance, because of the 2,690mm wheelbase, 30mm longer than the previous generation NX, and the front seat is two luxurious leather seats with 8-way electric adjustment (the driver's seat is also equipped with 2-way electric lumbar support adjustment), the rear seat back has a 2-step manual angle adjustable design, so even adult men who are 174 cm tall can have a very spacious and comfortable ride; as for the rear luggage compartment, the new 2nd generation NX is equipped with rear seats that can be tilted separately by 6/4. When the rear seat is completely dumped, the luggage compartment has a maximum of 1,411 litres of space and can fit into up to four sets of golf equipment.
Smooth and linear competent power setting
In terms of power settings, although it is the most beginner model in the new 2nd generation NX series, the NX 200 is still equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder naturally inlet petrol engine with an actual displacement of 1,987c.c. in the engine room, and can output 23 horsepower more than the previous generation NX 200 at 6,600 rpm, 23 hp (PS) more than the previous generation NX 200, and can also supply and export at engine speeds of 4,400 to 4,900 rpm The NX 200's higher 206N .m maximum torque with front-wheel drive, 18-inch bead setting (tyre size: 235/60R18), and Direct Shift-CVT transmission with analog 10-speed hand-to-hand integration).
However, although the power data is greatly improved compared to the previous generation NX 200, the engineering team of the original Lexus still adjusts the smooth and linear output for the 2nd generation NX 200, so in fact, after the road, it is really difficult to compare it with the NX 350 and NX 450h+ that we tested to drive, with a maximum (PS) horsepower of about 300 horses (PS), however, in terms of practicality for daily use, although there is less enthusiasm and passion, the start of the NX 200 is still quite brisk. The medium- and low-speed acceleration and re-acceleration process will not make you feel a little overwhelmed, and after switching to SPORT mode (NX 200 has a total of 3 driving modes including ECO/NORMAL and SPORT), as long as the manual back gear and the engine speed reaches 2,000 rpm, the NX 200 can immediately give the driver absolutely enough strength.
In addition, due to the significant increase in body rigidity, and the new 2nd generation NX is still using the front McPherson / rear independent double A-arm suspension design, and replaced with a more rigid rear suspension with anti-roll bar, so when cornering, you can clearly feel that it is not only the limit of the corner is higher than the previous model, but also the steering feel, handling stability and trackability are also more addictive, plus the introduction of LSS+ 3.0 intelligent driving assistance system in the whole car series, The overall performance not only considers the comfort that urban driving should have, but also allows drivers to be more happy when they occasionally want to spread wilderness, and competently find the sweet spot that best meets the needs of consumers who want to enter the luxury SUV between the two ends of the balance.