2009 LEXUS RX SUVS MAKE A DATE WITH MZANSI

Lexus SA will be launching the new generation RX SUVs this coming July. In the range will be the RX350 petrol and RX450h PERFORMANCEHYBRID derivatives.

The Hybrid RX450h uses second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology to muster a total of 220kW from the 3.5-litre V6 and electric drive. Lexus is confident the car will match its petrol competitors in performance and its diesel counterparts in frugality.

Lower down the rung is the RX350 whose 3.5-litre petrol V6 helps it achieve 204kW of power and 346Nm of maximum torque. Two trim levels, the SX and the XE will be sold with the RX350. Both will come with specific options and extras and no other options will be sold separately. For Lexus this makes sense in order to protect the resale values of their clients’ cars over time. But I’m sure that since this is Lexus the goodie bag will be full.

As for the RX450h, the specs will be determined by whether buyers choose the SX or the LXE trim level.

“The RX400h was very well accepted by customers, accounting for 37% of RX sales despite our production allocation being heavily restricted,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. “We expect the market share of hybrid to increase substantially with the new generation RX as the market continues to adopt the technology and begins to understand the benefits of petrol electric hybrid better.”