First_Lexus

https://youtu.be/AFspa7jGW-I ^^ A classic from Fiat. And then from NTNOCN. https://youtu.be/BNPTlT8HXjk https://youtu.be/E4-8LgXjQbc ^^ Vote Leave should have used the Metro advert during the referendum campaign...

My NX300h Sport has been with Lexus Swindon for the past three months so that they could fix what they - and Lexus UK - thought was a very minor issue until they investigated further. Glad to say it is all fixed now and Lexus has provided me with 'goodwill' of a free set of alloys (for my Winter tyres) and free side-steps as an apology. I've had Lexus courtesy cars for the duration, mostly a 2017 NX300h F-Sport, and I thought it might be useful to compare that with my own Sport as the differences were far greater than I expected. I should say that for the first two weeks - bear in mind originally my car was expected to be at the dealer for less than 24 hours (!) - I had an IS300h Advance. I liked it to drive, but it was no good for me as I have mobility issues and I also struggled with the foot operated parking brake, so Lexus provided me with a new NX F-Sport to use instead. It was interesting to have it for a while though. Based on my experience, God alone knows why I don't see more of them on the road and fewer Audi A4/BMW 3-Series... Anyway, the rest of the time I had the NX F-Sport. I'll start with the positives. First, it is far more 'focussed' to drive, and the handling is in a different league. I know manufacturers talk about the differences between different models, but until I had the chance to drive both for an extended period 'back to back' I wouldn't have believed the difference could be that noticeable. The normal Sport model feels a bit 'wobbly' in comparison. 1-0 to the F-Sport. Second, some of the extra goodies that the F-Sport comes with are useful. The headlights are especially good far, FAR, better than those on my Sport and they look groovy too. I like the fact that it comes with front fog lights as standard, and the way they light up the kerb automatically when cornering which I found surprisingly useful. A couple of other nice touches missing from the Sport model, both of which I thought to be gimmicks until I had them. The lights under the door handles are really useful, as is the way the (electrically adjustable) steering wheel moves out of the way when getting in or out of the car. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure! There were some things I didn't like about the F-Sport though. First, the ride. I've said above that the handling is much better, but at the expense of comfort. It isn't uncomfortable as such, but again I'm surprised at the level of the difference. The ride quality in the Sport suits me far better personally. Secondly, the seats. I couldn't really get comfortable with the seats in the F-Sport, mainly because they were harder, deeper and the bolsters too high. Now, I do have mobility issues around my hips and legs so this is a big thing for me that others may not notice. Even so, getting back into the soft 'armchair' seats in the Sport was a relief and I find them much more comfortable as well as easier to get in and out of. I'd say that if you are considering an NX try both the standard and F-Sport seats if it is likely to make a difference in your circumstances. The biggest difference though, is the amount of noise in the car at pretty much all speeds. I can't work this out at all. In comparison with the Sport, the F-Sport had so much more road noise. The difference is so stark that I've found myself wondering whether there was something wrong with the F-Sport I've been using, although I guess it could be partly down to tyre fitment? I'd be really interested in views on this and whether others have noticed the same. One other odd thing. Colleagues of mine - mainly not 'into' cars I should add - thought that the basic Sport was actually the model higher in the NX range. I'm sure a lot of that was down to colour, as the F-Sport I had was white which I personally don't think suits it as well as some colours, but even so. Weird, right? I thought the F-Sport looked obviously 'superior' because of the grille and wheels, but there you go, just shows what I know! My summary? Keener drivers will prefer the F-Sport, of that I have little doubt. That isn't me though, as I prefer to waft about. I didn't test-drive an F-Sport before I bought my Sport, but having had the chance for this comparison over an extended period I'm happy that I made the correct decision for me, especially given the extra cost (from new) involved.

My own NX 300h Sport has been with Lexus for the past three months - long story . Anyway, I finally collected it on Saturday, and now have the side-steps fitted. I really like the look of these - I had similar on my Honda CR-V - and they may even stop some of the mud from splattering the sides of the car. Although it will instead collect on the bottom of the steps! Ho hum... As an added bonus, these were a no-cost 'gift' from Lexus UK as an apology for the issues I've had. They are also providing a free set of alloys that I can use as my 'Winter' set. Safe to say they are VERY sorry for my experience... I thought I'd share a picture in case anybody else was considering these. Happy Christmas to all!

Three months into NX 300h ownership, and on a daily commute of 15 miles on mostly rural roads I'm averaging a steady 39-41. If I really concentrate I can get that to 45mpg, but that is the best I've seen - and that not since the Winter really kicked in and using lights/heated seats etc.

^^ It does read a bit like that @DanD. Also perhaps members who have come to the NX from other more powerful vehicles. I came to the NX300h from a Honda CR-V 2.0 petrol/auto, and compared to that the NX has significantly more power across the piece. Having now had an NX for three months, I can honestly say I've never found power an issue in any situation, although I should add that I drive with smoothness and comfort in mind rather than pace.

Welcome @SpeedyGee good to see a familiar name! Good luck with the Lexus search.

I didn't expect this to be such a touchy subject! I haven't meant to offend anybody with the ML system, or any other system. If you re-read my posts, you'll see that I say I don't doubt that the ML system sounds better - the issue is by how much and whether in an in-car context it is worth it. I also tried to explain about the nature of modern signals - very compressed. A comparison with a standard system in another marque is like a broken pencil - pointless... Nobody said you were a fool. I simply said that people are often fooled into believing - or hearing - what they want to. I won't say anything else on the subject.

This thread has drifted off-topic I fear. An interesting debate though. I don't agree with the premise that just because something is more expensive, or branded, or has more of something, that it is necessarily 'better.' If that were the case audiophile systems would all be multi-speaker a la Bose. I don't doubt that the ML system sounds good, but in an in-car context you're likely fooling yourself if you think it is that much better than a more 'standard' set-up. My original point was that the post labelling the standard set-up as "truly awful" was a bit harsh. I stand by that, but if the placebo of expense or more speakers for the sake of more makes people happy, then who am I to judge?

I'm sorry, but anybody who thinks an in-car system can be anything other than adequate (to a trained ear, anyway) is kidding themselves. As I said, the standard system in the NX is neither any better nor any worse than other in-car systems I've had. Labels, brands and dominating bass are little more than a placebo in an in-car setting.

^^ A bit harsh on the 'standard' sound system I think. From my perspective - having the standard 8 speaker set up in the NX Sport - it is no better and no worse than other standard in-car systems I've had over the years. Given the limitations of audio clarity and depth in any in-car situation, and then adding in the compressed nature of most signals these days - certainly with DAB and anything downloaded including Spotify - I think it does a reasonable job. At least it doesn't fall into the trap of adding superficial bass to everything in an attempt to fool the listener that it is in any way 'high-end' in nature.

If you see 'Tahara' listed as the upholstery type, then it is artificial 'leather' on the NX. I can't tell the difference, except that it doesn't have the awful perforations so beloved of many manufacturers that make proper maintenance so difficult. I notice that some Lexus dealers list the NX Sport as having leather upholstery on Autotrader ads. It isn't an option so either they are confused or realise that customers will never know the difference...

My previous CR-V ran the exact same tyre size as my new NX. I've used a few Winter tyres over the last few years - Vredestein (useless), Yokohama (ok) and Falken EuroWinters (amazing). The Falkens were simply astonishing in slippery conditions. Well worth a look I'd say. https://hondakarma.com/threads/falken-hs449-eurowinter-tyres-225-60-r18-100h.24952/

Personally I'm no fan of leather upholstery, in fact I deliberately chose the SR CR-V last time as it has alcantara rather than leather. Maybe a sign of age, but I miss a nice velour sear cover......mmmm, comfy. My NX has the Lexus 'artificial' leather, and I quite like it so far. Nobody who has been in the car has yet questioned whether it is actually leather, much like the Mercedes 'Artico' option.

Spot on @Fsport Mind you, even though it may look a bit boring it is still more interesting than either the VW Golf or Audi A3.

Not something I've come across so far @Zoot1948but as I always have music on I'm not sure I would have heard anything. Will be interesting to see what others think and if this is a common feature. Could it be something to do with the air con?

I tend to agree about the looks. Whilst they don't offend me, the car looks better without them. However, I'd be far more irritated by dings on the sides, so for me - as with all my previous cars - it's a price worth paying.

Welcome @ST100 I'm just three weeks into Lexus ownership after a good few years with Honda, including an Accord 8th Gen. My dealership experience was also excellent, and so far I'm blown away by the quality of my new NX. Hopefully Lexus will be as reliable as my Hondas were. Everything suggests they will be. Currently I'm achieving 10mpg more in my hybrid NX than I was in my petrol/auto CRV, so I'm a believer!

The side protection strips are a genuine Lexus accessory for the NX. I'm not 100% convinced by the looks, but my car is in a work car park every day, so I see them as an essential. I've had similar on every daily driver I've had over the last twenty years, and they've saved my bodywork on a number of occasions - and I'm very careful about where I park! @Rusty Crobar - I've never really believed in the 'new car wonder treatments' - Supaguard and similar - but the Williams ceramic coat was thrown in by Lexus for free, and it does seem to have been done well by the company they used. Having detailed many cars over the years as a hobby I'm a sceptic, but I'm interested to see how this treatment lasts. I'm topping up with CarPro Re-Load sealant so I'll never really know for sure, but I'll report back as the years go by. Reviews elsewhere suggest this is a good treatment if prepped and applied properly. We shall see...

Sad to hear that you are having comfort issues @Trophy92 but as I said, seat comfort is a very personal thing. Hopefully you'll get a solution. As I said earlier, generally the reviews of the NX highlight just how comfortable the seats are...4.35. - 4.50 on this video. https://youtu.be/vezncbzaUso

Agreed. Perhaps less flawed than the surveys that are entirely based on driver feedback - which are perception and opinion based and often see owners justifying their purchase - but flawed nonetheless. I believe (but am not sure) that the Warranty Direct index uses cost of repair as well as instances of repairs needed. Thus, if a Lexus doesn't fail very often - but when it does it is expensive to repair - it will achieve a 'lower' reliability score. Whether that means that a Ford - for example - which fails more often but is cheaper to repair would achieve a similar score I just don't know, but logic would suggest that might be the case.

On Sunday I cleaned the NX. It looked like this. After just two journeys to and from work down the lanes of rural Wiltshire - 15 miles each way daily - it now looks like this... By far the worst areas are the bottoms of the inner rear doors, and when the doors are open the underside of the sills. I've never known a car collect mud like it! I've already got the worst off with my pressure washer this evening. Looks like in the Winter I'll be using the M4 from now on rather than the lanes...

On my Sport the sensors - listed as the 'parking pack' option on the invoice - were fitted by Lexus at their depot in Bristol prior to delivery to the dealer. The reason for my delayed delivery was that the car was listed as 'unfit' for delivery by Lexus UK i.e. The sensors hadn't been fitted as quickly as expected. Reading the brochure, and based on what my dealer told / showed me, I'd be a bit surprised if there were different types or makes of sensor being fitted from new as an 'OEM' accessory.

Mine definitely hasn't done that @Omegajb I'll keep an eye on it over the next few days and see whether I can make it happen in different circumstances.

Seat comfort is a very personal thing. I've seen an online review saying that the NX seats are the most comfortable that the reviewer has ever sat in, but that's a pointless comment as different people have different requirements. Personally I find them comfortable at the moment, but being only 200 miles in it is far too early to really comment with any authority. My car is a 300h Sport, so has different stitching to the Luxury. My Sister - who has some back issues following an accident many years ago - was recommended by her specialist to buy a SAAB as they had 'the best seats.' She bought one - a 9000 which shows how many years ago it was - but couldn't get on with the seats. She ended up with a Renault 25...

I had the genuine Lexus side protectors fitted on Friday, painted to match the car. I can't decide whether I like them or not. Part of me likes the fact that they break up the rather 'slab-sided' looks. The other part of me thinks they spoil the overall design and they aren't in line with the looks the designers intended! Regardless, the car is parked in a work car park every day, so these are an essential to try and avoid damage. I can't see that any other members have these - thoughts?