Lexus RX270 News

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Lexus Australia has launched a special edition RX 270 with a range of ‘extras’ usually seen only on higher grade models.The Lexus RX 'X' Special Edition package is based on the RX 270, the entry model in the RX range. It is being produced in limited numbers, with just 300 destined for the Australian market. Styling changes in the special edition are achieved by the use of the RX Sports Luxury front bumper; 19-inch alloy wheels and 'X' exterior badges.VALUELexus Australia tells us the upgrades give over $7000 in added value, but it sells for the same recommended retail price of $69,400 as the base grade RX 270.TECHNOLOGYInside you will find heated front seats; a Smart Key Card, that fits in a wallet or purse, cleverly it even lets the driver open the doors and start the engine if the Smart Key batteries are flat; Head Up Display that projects important information on the windscreen, such as speed, satellite navigation directions, gear position and audio settings; and a luggage tray for stowing items and protecting cargo area trim.Externally, the Lexus RX 270 ‘X’ package provides Clearance and Back Sonar to assist when parking in tight spaces; an Adaptive Front lighting System, this swivels the headlamps when travelling around tight bends; and Illuminated scuff plates.A year ago Lexus gave its popular RX range of SUVs a mid-life facelift. Even more important was the introduction of a 2WD model for the first time. Tagged the RX 270 it had a four-cylinder engine, previously all Lexus RX models came with all-wheel-drive and a V6 engine.The lighter weight of the RX 2WD (that drives through the front wheels) means there was less loss in performance than you might expect given the smaller engine.Lexus cars are about comfort, quietness and refinement and the Lexus RX 270 certainly doesn’t disappoint. The Lexus RX range has significantly less ground clearance than the typical crossover. This means it has road holding and ride comfort closer to that of a station wagon than an SUV.INTERIORInterior materials and the quality of fit and finish of the body and cabin are immaculate in all models and the entry level RX 270 certainly doesn’t miss out.Interior room in one of the RX wagons is good for two adults and three children, but three adults in the back seats starts to squeeze their friendship. Boot space is reasonable considering the stylish slope of the rear window, but carrying boxy items can be a problem. The rear seat has a handy 40/20/40 split.COLOURSThe RX 270 'X' Special Edition is available in five exterior colours: White Pearl, Mercury Grey, Premium Silver, Starlight Black and Garnet Red, and two interior colours: Ivory and Black.

But that is no surprise with the heads of the Big Three carmakers all skipping the event to continue lobbying for a $US25 billion lifeline from congress in Washington.Ford still splashed with the official introduction of the 2010 Mustang, but Chrysler and General Motors both wound-back their involvement in the second-biggest car show in North America.That left the way clear for the imports, with Mazda pulling the cover off its all-new Mazda3 - the last car it will develop with Ford as its owner - Nissan revealing its revitalised 370Z and a new Cube, and Honda revealing a radical looking new concept coupe called the FC Sport.Lexus also has a new RX SUV, which is being simultaneously unveiled in Sydney and will come as both a pure petrol car and a hybrid, Hyundai is showing a Sonata hybrid concept and the plug-in Mini E electric car is making its first public appearance.The LA show usually draws a crowd of more than one million visitors but the attendance is expected to be well down this year with car sales off by more than 35 per cent in October and America's annual selling rate down by closer to 40 per cent.Still, cars like the Mustang will still draw a crowd in a city which is one of the most automobile driven in the world and there are plenty of pointers to the future including a growing number of electric cars led by the Mini but including concepts from Chrysler.