Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/694236
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 19 JUNE 2016 II Motoring WHEN one mentions Lexus, it is more the idea of supreme comfort and elegant touches that come to mind rather than an aggressive-looking car, with wild styling in- cluding a domed hood and flared fenders. This also brings to Lexus a bit of grunt, which by tradition was never part of the brand's repertoire. The RC200t offers a 241-hp turbo four with rear-drive and an eight-speed automatic, with the F Sport model including adaptive dampers, special gauges and a sportier interior. We were handed what is currently the only Lexus RC200t on the island. In F sport livery the test vehicle included firmer suspension, upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels, heated and ventilated seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and more similar goodies in the safety and looks departments. The sporty look leaks into the interior of the RC200t. The cockpit wraps around the driver, turning them into part of the vehicle rather than someone riding inside a car. The centre console sits high between the driver and the passenger, but is wide and comfortable enough for both to rest their arms on during a drive. The F Sport model on test featured a touchpad incorporating the navigation system, an upgraded stereo package including surround sound, and an LCD centre gauge that changes according to the chosen drive mode (eco, normal, sport, and sport plus). The middle of the gauge displays tire pressures, while an analog speedometer lies to the right. The cockpit is wrapped in Lexus creation called NuLuxe. Available in eight color choices, it weighs less than natural leather and is more eco friendly. Highlights on the dashboard and side cards are clad in carbon fibre and a perforated-leather steering-wheel and shift-knob trim come included in the F Sport package. The gauge pod is actuated by a sliding bezel on the central console, while most of the other vehicle adjustments can be done through the haptic infotainment control pad. The only traditional button knobs remaining on the vehicle are the controls for volume and tuning. Being the F Sport model, the seats were sportier and firmer. Seating offers top range support and enough adjustments for any driver to feel comfortable in. However the back of the front seat brush against the leading edge of the rear seat cushion eating away at the legroom of rear seat passengers. The boot of the Lexus RC offers around 400 litres of load carrying space, but this can be further increased when folding the 60/40 split rear seatbacks. Lexus entered boost class as a mature student, however it quickly reached its competitor's level. This turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter inline-four runs both the Otto and Miller combustion cycles. The variable intake and exhaust cam- shaft phasing, together with direct fuel injection result in a compression ratio of 10.0:1 benefitting both performance and fuel economy. The Toyota built twin-scroll turbocharger, bolts directly to the cast- aluminium cylinder head delivering 17.0 psi of boost, with an output of 241bhp at 5800 rpm. The RC200t engine is married to an eight-speed automatic which can be paddle-shifted at the driver's choice. The car pulled off a 0-60MPH of 7.3seconds, while fuel economy figures claim 22mpg in urban areas and 32mpg on more open roads. The RC coupe is also available in hybrid clothing. The 300h model is the least expensive of the RC family, with a 178bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 141bhp electric motor, with combined power adding up to 220bhp. The hybrid engine runs on the Toyota- Lexus cycle where the expansion stroke is longer than the compression stroke boosting efficiency. On the downside, this affects performance, with 0-62mph figures reaching 8.6 seconds, and a top speed of only 118mph. Yet this engine is also the most eco-friendly returning 58mpg and CO2 emissions of 113g/km. Securing a test spot away from rush hour traffic, our drive was comfortable, quiet and fun. The four driving modes of the 2016 RC address the driving styles of every driver. Steering is very responsive, with well- controlled body roll and relatively no harsh riding even in the Sport S+ drive mode, yet stiff enough to remind the owner that he chose a sporty coupe. Ride comfort is due to the adaptive suspension dampers which award the RC as one of the most comfort- able sport rides in its category. Especially being a Lexus, this car sports a plethora of safety features including anti- lock disc brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front-seat side air- bags, front knee airbags and side curtain airbags. Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control option with a forward collision mitigation system. In its standard guise, the Lexus RC F sport comes with 18-inch wheels, four selectable drive modes, LED headlights and taillights, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a rear view camera, a 10-way power driver seat, an eight-way power passenger seat, and a 60/40-folding rear seat with armrest. In the infotainment department, standard features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 7-inch colour display, voice controls and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack, iPod/USB connections and Lexus Enform Service Connect. Lexus was always the brand of style, luxury and comfort, however with the RC coupe Lexus has thrown in its lot into a segment which for years the brand seemed indifferent to. This has resulted in a car with striking styling, supreme comfort, an eco-friendly hybrid engine and wild thing looks traditionally reserved to Japanese designers. The 2016 Lexus RC F sport is available locally from Michael Debono Ltd, starting from €53,000 for the hybrid version Your non-traditional wild thing CHRISTIAN MANGION takes the Lexus RC200t for a spin PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MANGION