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12/03/2007
By EWAN KENNEDY
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Lexus is one of the leaders in the world of hybrid vehicles and in Australia has just sold its 1000th vehicle. Not a huge number in absolute terms, but an indication that people are becoming interested in reducing greenhouse gases and saving money on fuel.
 Lexus in Australia pre-sold the first three months supply of the Lexus RX400h as word got out that it was going to be introduced in October 2006. Buyer interest has remained high and typically around 55 are sold each month.
Now an upgraded model has been introduced, with changes made to visually separate the RX400h from the RX350h on which it is based.
The frontal appearance has been altered by adding chrome to the radiator grille and fitting new headlights, the rear also has a revised light design. The rear spoiler has also been redone and is colour coded to the car’s body. The chromed grille is complemented by a similar bright finish to the alloy wheels and the door handles have a bolder look.
Door sills are larger than before, perhaps reducing off-road ability by being so, but this vehicle is never going to be used on anything other than forest trails so that’s hardly a concern.
There's a blue-tint theme in some of the exterior parts to give the RX400h an interesting look.
Inside are timber accents on the steering wheel, dashboard, doors and armrests. The timber is either to a dark design or carries a distinctive red hue. The doors now lock automatically when the car moves. Anti-intrusion detectors provide added safety.
 The Lexus RX400h uses a petrol engine and electric motors and its biggest feature is that it regenerates otherwise wasted power during braking and coasting by absorbing the energy into a battery so that it’s available when needed.
Lexus has produced a very refined vehicle that is a pleasure to drive in city and suburban traffic. And this is where most of these station wagons will spend their lives. Very few are likely to be seen wandering across the desert of crossing creeks in the top end of Queensland.
Starting from standstill at moderate pace, the RX400h glides silently away, running on its electric motors. At higher speeds, it uses both the petrol engine and the front electric motor in varying ratios, depending on speed, load and other conditions.
The rear electric motor assists that at the front when starting from standstill, and then it cuts out as the vehicle gathers speed. Otherwise, it drives the rear wheels only when the front wheels lose traction. In that sense, it isn’t really a full all-wheel drive vehicle.
The 3.3-litre petrol engine produces 155kW, the front electric motor has a maximum of 123 kW and the rear electric motor peaks at 50kW. At full throttle, full load, the vehicle can draw from both the engine and the electric motors to a maximum of 200kW. (These numbers don’t appear to add up, that’s because the three motors never reach their maximum output simultaneously.)
If you tramp on the accelerator this wagon gets up and goes. And when ambling along at leisurely pace, you ride in eerily smooth and quiet comfort.
 Lexus is selling the RX400h directly against the increasingly popular diesel-powered vehicles of its rivals. Claiming it uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions. This is a large, sophisticated, luxurious vehicle that is listed as having average petrol consumption on the official tests of just 8.1 litres per 100 km, the sort of figure you would expect from a mid-sized four-cylinder hatchback.
At $94,074, the Lexus RX400h is loaded with standard features: 18-inch alloy wheels; anti-lock braking; electronic stability control; traction control; seven airbags; power-operated front seats; moon roof; a quality audio system with 11 speakers and MP3 compatibility; adaptive front lights; satellite navigation system; and a rear view camera with rear-guide assist. |
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