Lexus RX 300, elegant and racy
The RX 300 is endowed with all the attributes to draw fans of 4WDs.
Lexus has gone for excellence. Its RX 300 is thus endowed with all the attributes to draw fans of 4WDs, combining efficiency and refinement.
The enthusiasm of designer Takumi Ichikawa no doubt explains its overall allure. He has drawn inspiration from the dynamic shape of airplanes for the external lines of the RX 300. The noticeably rounded hood which ends in a wing shape around the radiator grill, and the bumper combined with an aerodynamic spoiler give pleasing homegeneity to the all-round look. The bodywork belt, which slopes slightly upwards from the “muzzle” towards the rear, adds a profile of appreciable fluidity : likewise, the very tilted windscreen uprights and the curve of those at the rear give an impression of additional speed. The passenger compartment is roomy, endowed with several storage spaces, an electrically operated hatchback and an array of adjustments for the back seats. The dashboard is inspired by shapes recalling those of wings. Depending on the colour of the upholstery, the central console is circled by an insert of either walnut or maplewood : wood that one also finds on the steering wheel, the door linings and the casing between the front seats. As for the seats, there are two options. First, leather : the driver and front passenger seats benefit from octo-directional electric adjustments, allowing the user to select the seat’s perfect longitudinal position, that of the seat back, the reclining angle of the seat as well as its height. If you opt for fabric, you will be able to adjust the driver’s seat in eight directions, four for the passenger seat. Designed as separate entities, the back seats fold back thanks to a palette of configurations ranging from 100 to 20 %. Features which place comfort on a par with real practicality.
Safety first
Whether it is passive or active, Lexus insists on top-level security. The standard equipment boasts no less than nine airbags : some are designed to back up the pre-tensioner seatbelts by reducing shocks to the head, thorax and legs in the event of a head-on collision. As they neither blow up too much nor too little, these “smart” airbags improve passenger safety as they are only deployed 100 % at a collision speed of over 26 km/hr. As for the steering column, its shearing clamp breaks off, thus keeping the column away from the driver, and the pedals detach themselves from their base, thus minimizing foot injuries. Note, however, that all this equipment only functions as a last resort. Quite normal, as the vehicle’s active security greatly contributes to reducing the number of accidents. The Lexus RX 300 in fact benefits from TRC (electronic traction control), ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), BA (brake assist) and, finally, VSC (vehicle stability control). And VSC means innovation ! Its pur-pose is to guarantee stability around bends : it monitors the car’s behaviour and applies light braking to correct excessive swerving or lateral slip. In addition to its raised driving position (an important safety factor), the RX 300 also offers AFS, a smart, auto-adaptive front lighting system. From 27,000 € for the IS Pack and up to 86,300 € for the LS 450 Pack President.
By Cécile Olivéro - photos : press.
