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Weekend roadtest: Lexus RX450 h SE-I
publication date: Feb 13, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
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If you thought the big 4x4 market was dead in its tracks, follow the lead of the Lexus RX450h.
It
is the most efficient and clean 4x4 you can buy, fields ahead of its
opposition now it has moved into the second generation, and the
benchmark for everything else to be judged.
There are five versions in the range and each is powered by the same engine but are differently trimmed.
The RX450h is now more powerful than before, has
more flexible driving modes, greater stability, greater safety and
remote touch communications, parking cameras and head up display.
But that is not to overlook the powertrain, which is nothing short of a masterpiece.
The
comparatively small 3.5 litre engine gets a big boost from the electric
power pack which operates independently yet alongside the internal
combustion power unit. Lexus say it will give about 44mpg but we only
saw 33mpg during test.
Electric power is initially produced and
sensors detect when the petrol engine has to come into play. This
generally means it starts and moves off silently and within a short
space of time the petrol engine fires into life.
On the road the
sensors detect when more power is needed or if the petrol engine can be
shut down, say accelerating, coasting, slowing down or stopping.
The
two can be used under hard acceleration with great effect for rapid and
refined overtaking with the absolute power pouring out in a seamless
manner.
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| The transmission is very smooth as it engages and moves
through the six ratios, either in fully automatic or semi-automatic
modes.
There never seems to be a gap or any hesitation when moving, but
I thought it occasionally was not as quick from standstill as it might
have been, particularly when trying to join fast moving traffic from a
junction, for instance.
The steering is firmly weighted and the
turning circle good while the brakes haul down speed very effectively
and with little effort underfoot. The foot operated parking brake is
particularly strong.
Secondary controls, and there are a lot of them, are
grouped on the wheel, on stalks each side of the column and in a group
on the fascia or through the multi-mode selector on the central
console.
I found some of the console switches very small, confusing and
not user friendly.
The instruments comprise a familiar speedometer
but there is also a power-meter to show charging and economy. Useful
warning lights back up the power-meter.
A very comprehensive heating
and ventilation system is built into the Lexus and it offers left and
right hand selection and keeps it faithfully, backed up by powered
windows but there’s no sunroof.
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| Oddments provision is good throughout with plenty of
places to keep items, even some quite large compartments and the SE-I
comes with a powered rear fifth door for convenience.
Open it and the
496-litres luggage space is just under waist high, flat, broad and
deep, topped by a roller-type cover. A door mounted button closes it at
a touch.
You have to step up into the Lexus RX body but inside it
is roomy, with leather covered well shaped and firm seats in the SE-I
version tested. | The driver’s seat automatically runs back and the column
lifts up when the engine is switched off but you have a three-person
memory setting to bring it all back and the individual adjustment room
is very good.
Ride quality is distinctly on the firm side and it’s
not as compliant as some in this class and it even sharply bumped over
some bad pieces of road.
Handling is a little insulated from the
driver because of the steering and the suspension has benefitted from
the stability improvements so it has good roadholding when pushed and
you get use to it.The Lexus RX450h also shows it has two characteristics
on the move. |  | There is a high riding driving position and you can see a
lot around you but when manoeuvring in town the extremities are out of
sight and that means you may damage some bodywork unless you believe in
the beeping parking sensors front or back and a very clear reversing
camera which gives high quality images.
It is quick once moving and
it cruises easily and quietly along main roads while returning an
overall reasonable economy figure.The Lexus RX450h is not only
green to drive but it will make other manufacturers green with envy at
how good it is. ©Robin Roberts |
FAST FACTS
| | Lexus RX450h SE-I | | Price:
| £46,895 | Insurance group:
| 17 | Mechanical:
| 295hp 3.3V6, 6sp auto | 0-62mph:
| 7.8sec | Maximum:
| 124mph | Fuel consumption:
| 33mpg | CO2 Emissions:
| 148gkm | BIK rating:
| 17pc | Residual value:
| 41pc | Warranty:
| 3yrs/ 60 k |
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