Motor Trader Malaysia : 3rd Generation Lexus RX350/Toyota Harrier

During the 1990s, while sales of sedans slowed in the US market, demand for SUVs soared. The compact Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V were partly responsible for the trend, having shown that SUVs can be comfortable and drive like passenger cars. Prior to these two models arriving on the scene, SUVs had been derivatives of pick-ups trucks, riding on chassis frames which made them less comfortable and handling was not all that great.
 
Toyota watched the SUV trend taking off and saw that car-buyers tastes were changing. The image of the SUV was appealing, conveying a rugged and adventurous image – even if the owners never ventured further off-road than the beach. At Lexus USA, there was evidence that 15% of owners were buying a SUV as their next car but Lexus didn’t have a SUV then.

This led to the development of the Lexus RX300 (Toyota Harrier in Japan) which, like the RAV4, was a ‘parts-bin special’ meaning it used many parts and systems from existing models, thereby lowering cost and reducing development time. For example, the front suspension was the same as that in the 1997 Camry and the 4WD system was from the Celica GT4, all proven mechanicals. This made it possible for the development time to be just 18 months and Program Manager T. Uchimoto recalled that the short program time was a considerable competitive advantage because the final design and specs could be set at the last possible moment.

Surveys showed that people liked the idea of the SUV but they also wanted comfort and good handling dynamics and of course, decent performance on the road. 4WD was not the most important thing though it was a selling feature.

Around the time the RX300 was being developed, Mercedes-Benz had introduced a new SUV, the M-Class, which brought refinement and luxury to the SUV class (up till then, only the Range Rover could claim that). Lexus, already acknowledged as the luxury segment leader in the US market, aimed to take on the M-Class but its engineers adopted a different approach; instead of using to the truck-based chassis-frame construction that the Germans believed was necessary to maintain off-road durability, the RX300 had monocoque construction, like a passenger car’s where the bodyshell and floorpan are welded as a single unit.

The result was a new benchmark in SUV design with the RX300 offering refinement, and comfort plus the things which people liked about a SUV such as high ground clearance and moderate ‘go-anywhere’ capability. Lexus didn’t boast about how the RX300 could take a family across the desert or search for ruins in the Brazil but it said that the model had full-time 4WD for poor weather and road conditions. The refinement was impressive (the engineers liked to say ‘NVH’ did not mean ‘Noise, Vibration and Harshness’ but ‘No Vibration and Harshness’!) as it was claimed that road noise in the RX300 was as low as that in the GS400 sedan.

The RX300 went on sale in March 1998 and in the years that followed, it became the top-selling luxury SUV in the USA. Demand was so great that Toyota decided to have it produced in Canada for the North American market, the first time a Lexus model was allowed to be made outside Japan (a move which some of the manufacturing people didn’t agree with as they felt that ‘Made-in-Japan’ was a significant feature for Lexus).


The RX has gone through two generations now and in Los Angeles yesterday, the third generation was shown to the world for the first time. Completely redesigned, it is said to set new benchmarks in areas that have made it such a success: innovation, styling, performance, utility and comfort.

Third generation (left) and second generation (right)

The exterior of the all-new RX has a strong stance and powerful new body design with the goal of enhancing comfort and maneuverability. The inverted-trapezoid design in the front and the horizontally integrated rear are incorporated together via a pronounced shoulder along the RX's profile. Overall dimensions are slightly increased but aerodynamic efficiency is still a segment-topping 0.32 Cd, thanks in part to a specially-designed undertray.

The RX 450h hybrid will have its own unique styling features, including an exclusive grille, hybrid badging including blue-trimmed Lexus logos, unique front bumper, a special 19-inch optional wheel design, blue-tinted headlamps and taillamps, and optional LED headlamps.

The new RX350 (there might be a 3-litre engine for some markets) and RX450h hybrid have improved powertrains. The RX 450h gets an enhanced Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine which delivers a total system output of  295 bhp, 27 bhp more than the powerplant in the  RX hybrid before.

The RX 450h can be ordered with front-wheel or electronically-driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand. Unlike mechanical AWD systems that reduce fuel efficiency due to added weight and friction, the RX 450h's rear-mounted electric motor-generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.

The new RX 350 has an improved 275-bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift 6-speed transaxle. The AWD version has an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.

The suspension has a new, uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension said to provide exceptional agility and control. To complement this new rear suspension and provide excellent dexterity and ride comfort, the front MacPherson strut geometry has been optimized.

RX350 instrument panel	RX450h instrument panel

The new RX  offers a number of Lexus-first technologies that are intended to enhance the ownership experience. Customers can order a Hard Disk Drive-based navigation system with a "Remote Touch" controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic.  Positioned on the centre console, it is as natural to the driver's hand as a computer mouse. While the RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands.
 

The spacious 5-passenger interior includes a new "dual-zone cockpit" design. This intuitive layout helps the driver navigate the advanced interior of the new RX, which features two distinct yet integrated zones: a "display zone" and an "operation zone."  The "display zone" assists the driver via an 8-inch, navigation display that is set back in the dash for improved visibility. A white Organic LED multi-informational display ensures exceptional readability from a wide angle. An optional Heads-up Display is also available and its high-intensity LEDs make the display bright enough to be read in direct sunlight. The "operation zone" provides access and control to a large range of information through the available "Remote Touch" navigation controller and the steering-wheel-mounted multi-information switch.

The third generation RX will go on sale in North America in early 2009 and other markets like Malaysia should see it being launched later in the year.

Car of The Year (COTY) 2011 @ Matrade, Sri Hartamas

COTY 2011 was held at Matrade, Sri Hartamas between 12th - 13th November 2011. There were plenty of rides featured, but since you are most probably interested in SUVs since you are viewing the Toyota Harrier/ Lexus RX blog after all.

There were rides from Toyota, Mitsubishi, Kia, Hyundai, Great Wall, Chevrolet and many others.

The SUV-below-RM150k Award was won by the Great Wall Haval H5. This Haval H5, with a 2.0 diesel VGT powerplant, may be newly introduced in Malaysia but it has actually gone through 2 generations overseas- and is a very value-for-money SUV that has been selling well in China, Australia and Italy. Sure, you can see traces of the Nissan Murano (front) and Volvo XC90 (rear) embedded in the DNA of the Haval H5; but hey, the best form of flattery is through immitation. And in this case, Great Wall has managed to draw inspiration from the other great SUV rides and internalise the looks into a package of its own. And to win the award is a testament that the Chinese marque is serious about levelling its playing field in Malaysia.

Great Wall also took the opportunity to showcase its Electric Vehicle prototype of the upcoming SUV ie Voleex C20 EV. Being a plug-in, the Voleex ought to be easier on the monthly maintenance and represents an alternative towards vehicles of the next decade. 

 

 The SUV-above-RM150k Award was won by the Hyundai Sante Fe. Featuring a 2.2 diesel VGT powerplant, the Sante Fe also makes a very value-for-money consideration in the many choices towards SUV that the consumers are spoilt for choices today. Heck, I was also considering in getting the Sante Fe as the price that I paid towards my recond Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX could go towards getting a brand new Sante Fe; but ultimately I decided to go with the brand marque and more gentlemanly looks of the Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX.

 

You would have noticed that the diesel powerplants were the preferred choices for COTY 2011 judges, perhaps due to the higher torque and lower fuel consumption characteristics. I had previously been driving the Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 diesel some years back; and when I decided to upgrade to an SUV from my sedan car recently, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sports 2.5 diesel VGT made an automatic consideration. However, during the test drive, my spouse found the SUV to be too noisy, bumpy and crude. I found that the refinement levels of the Pajero Sports VGT to be more suitable as a workhouse or a plaything for the 4WD enthusiast, rather than the executive ride that you may ferry some associates or clients sometimes. That was amongst the reason that we were sold on the Toyota Harrier/ Lexus RX after trials with some SUVS in the market.

Turbocharged Your Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX

Chasis Number Lookup

Caption : Functional and well-laid dashboard.

Caption : Lexus airbag.

Caption : Standard JDM-assist mirror.

Caption : RC ones for the kid in you.

Caption : Momo-rised your SUV.

  

Irrespective if your ride is a recond Toyota Harrier or Lexus RX, do give yourself a pat on the back for making a good purchase as both models are amongst the most reliable, luxurious and handsome SUVs in the market. In fact, their resale value has been largely-maintained such that you can afford other newer makes eg Nissan Murano 2.5 V6 1st generation or more premium makes eg Beemer X5 3.0 1st generation, with the prices that you are likely to pay for your 2nd generation Toyota Harrier or Lexus RX.

Caption : A standard-issued Lexus RX330.

Expect to pay from RM160k onwards for a good example; but you can expect an enjoyable and fuss-free ride that should easily last for another decade with proper maintenance and care.

Caption : Look out for this in your ride.

For more information about your Toyota Harrier, you can key in your chasis no here @ Toyota Harrier JDM Chasis Number Lookup and find out further.

What is a Grey Import?

Caption : Woah, a Lexus RX330 with aftermarket JAOS gront grill, 18' sports rims and TRD bodykits? Wicked!

What is a Grey Import? – A grey import is a vehicle made by Japanese manufacturers for the Japanese domestic market that is then imported into Malaysia for the used car market.

Caption : Sunroof and Panaromic roofs were options offered.

Caption : Toyota Harrier comes in 240G, 300G, 350G and AIRS guises.

Caption : Plenty of wood trim in the interior.

 Why do they come to Malaysia? – Japanese car owners typically keep their vehicles for three years before trading them in and buying a new one. This creates an excess of ‘second hand’ cars in the Japanese market for which there is little demand. Japanese import cars are usually right hand drive and tend to have a lower average mileage and higher standard specification than their Malaysian equivalents. Customer demand in Japan also results in a wider variety of models being made by manufacturers for their home market. Performance cars, people carriers and 4x4 vehicles from the Japanese domestic market have all proved popular with the Malaysian public.

Caption : Standard multi-function steering wheel.

Caption : Additional double-din Japanese TFT display.

Caption : Aftermarket double-DIN DVD players- you'd need the lower audio bracket retailing at app RM500 for any such players.

Caption : Same lower audio bracket, but with aftermarket double DIN screen.

Caption : Half-walnut multi-function steering wheel.

How do they get here? – Almost all cars in Japan are sold at auction. Unlike Malaysian vehicle auctions, Japanese ones are ‘closed’ to the public. Specialist AP-holdng companies in Malaysia have made it their business to bid for the vehicles available and ship them to Malaysia. The cars are usually exported to other right hand drive markets such as UK, Ireland, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, Malta and Cyprus.

How to differenciate if you're buying a Toyota Harrier or Lexus RX? -Part Three-

Caption : The Toyota Harrier with Wald emblem.

Caption : Plenty of after-market accessories to dress up your Toyota Harrier or Lexus RX.

Caption : Owners of Toyota Harrier sometimes change to the Lexus RX grill, while Lexus RX owners change to VIP grills.

Caption : The Toyota Harrier airbag could be changed to the Lexus RX airbag for some RM1,000.

Obviously, the badges can be easily changed for less that RM500, and the rims could be changed to after-market ones instead of the Toyota Harrier's original 17' sports rims. Some even replace the windows so that the Toyota logos are no longer etched on them, the airbag cover and the shape of the no plate even!

But it would take more effort and monies to remove the Toyota Harrier JDM-left assist mirror that is not present on Lexus RX. Go on, look at the Lexus RX SUVs on the roads and you would find that it's much easier to tell the difference between the real McCoy now.

Caption : From the right side, the Toyota Harrier and Lexus RX are similar.

Caption : From the left profile, the extra JDM-assist mirror on front fender is for Toyota Harrier only.

 

Caption : Lack of JDM-assist mirror reveals the real Lexus RX under normal circumstances.

Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?

Caption : Oops, the dead give-away JDM-assist mirror!

Caption : Except for the airbag logo, both the dashboard looks exactly the same.