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Lexus RX 400h (2005 - 2009)

SHE'S ELECTRIC (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 127

The response of a petrol engine with the economy of a diesel? Sounds too good to be true but the Lexus RX400h offers just that. Used examples hold their value very well indicating that the Japanese company is onto a winner with this technology. A nearly new example looks a decent bet. Ask most people to picture a hybrid car and they'll draw a mental picture of a gently humming city car. Lexus has shown with the RX400h amongst others that hybrid technology needn't be reserved for mere econoboxes. A petrol SUV with the fuel economy of a family hatch is a tempting proposition and the Lexus RX400h lives up to the hype. Used examples are beginning to appear but don't expect to snap up any bargains.

Modelsword count: 9

Models Covered: 3.3 6cy 4x4 [standard, SE, SR, SE-L]

Historyword count: 135

Although the roots of the Lexus RX400h can be traced right back to the first Toyota Harrier of 1997, the 2003 introduction of the all-new Lexus RX range in the UK seems a salient point to begin with. With better safety features, more space and far sleeker styling, the 2003 RX, initially only offered in RX300 guise, looked interesting although sales were capped by the lack of a diesel version. What did arrive in the middle of 2005 was the RX400h, a petrol/electric hybrid version of the RX with a V6 engine and twin electric motors. Instantly popular, the RX400h acted as a technological showcase and although Lexus has never proclaimed hybrid technology to be an end in itself, as a real-world solution with very little impact on the end user, it worked a treat.

What You Getword count: 215

The styling is a good deal sportier than before, Lexus perhaps figuring that if customers weren't overly concerned with off roading, then nor did they need the internal dimensions of a pantechnicon. That said, the shape cleverly disguises the fact that this model is bigger and roomier than most of its rivals. This RX is also a full 155mm longer than the MK1 version and 25mm wider with a 100mm stretch in the wheelbase for additional passenger room. Ignore the hi-tech trickery under the skin and the RX400h shares all of the normal RX attributes. As well as the usual set of twin front and side airbags, it features curtain shield bags at the sides and knee airbags for the driver. These bags help to reduce injury caused by contact with the unyielding steering column, but tests have shown an additional benefit. Knee bags also reduce head and chest injuries. How? In a usual front end collision, the legs come into contact with the lower dashboard and steering column. Rarely contacting square on, this causes the pelvis to cant forward and begins a twist in the driver's body that can prevent the airbag in the steering wheel doing its job to optimum effect. Knee bags nip this in the bud, making for a safer car.

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Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Hybrid, Plug-in, Electric & Hydrogen

Performance
70%
Handling
50%
Comfort
80%
Space
80%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

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