What's the news?

While unveiling the new NX crossover to the media in London, Lexus UK released details of its new six-model line-up, plus a starting price of £29,495. Order books are open now and deliveries start in October.

Exterior

It's easy to see why some might call the NX's styling somewhat controversial, but it's actually something Lexus is not fazed by it. Alain Uyttenhoven, Vice President of Lexus Europe, said that the brand has realised that it isn't possible to keep everyone happy and "the NX reflects a new design process for Lexus which is now polarised in terms of designing cars to satisfy the segment."

Everywhere you look on the NX there are sharp angles and heavy creases giving it an aggressive, sporty appearance. The front end is dominated by the latest iteration of Lexus' 'spindle' grille design, which, in the higher 'F Sport' trim, takes on an even more aggressive appearance. Long, thin LED daytime running lights are housed under the main headlight units and give further emphasis to that grille, while slender fog lights are housed low down and right to the very edge of the front bumper. Sleek headlights will incorporate LED low beams with halogen high beams on lower trim levels and LED high beams on F Sport models.

In side profile the NX offers its least divisive look, though it remains full of lovely little design touches. One worthy of a specific mention is a very thin LED strip of light that runs along the top of the door handles when the car is unlocked. Sharp creases run along the lower front and rear doors, the latter now also carrying more prominent 'Hybrid' badging.

The presence of black plastic wheel arch surrounds helps to complete the rugged look, but they are very much just for show - the NX will have limited off-road abilities as it is a car that is very much engineered for on-road use. Other nice details include the LED rear lights that are designed to show no break where they cross over the boot lid edges.

Interior

A big emphasis has been made on making the interior design of the Lexus NX appear striking whilst remaining ergonomically sound and portraying the feeling of premium quality. The large centre console dominates the cabin and is finished in a satin metallic material, which, in addition to partially replicating the front grille's design, contrasts nicely with the leather dashboard that surrounds it.

All of the controls are angled rather than being stacked vertically, which helps add to the airy feeling in the cabin. Much of the infotainment system and sub-menus are now controlled via a touchpad located next to the gear selector. One cool feature is the possibility to wirelessly charge your smartphone via an optional inductive pad located under the driver's armrest. More so than some other competitors in this segment, the NX's front seats are heavily bolstered and feel very supportive. Rear access is good, with generous door apertures helping ingress and egress - this should prove popular with parents. In terms of cargo space, the boot offers a 555-litre capacity, which can then grow further by lowering the split-folding rear seats.

Mechanicals

Just one powertrain option will be offered in the Lexus NX initially, designated 300h. This features a 2.5-litre petrol engine combined in a hybrid powertrain that includes two large batteries housed under the rear seats. In total the system develops 197hp and although the NX has yet to be fully tested for emissions Lexus expects a rating of under 120g/km. This hybrid variant will be supplemented by the NX 200t next year, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine.

Anything else?

Until that 200t model arrives, the NX 300h S is the entry-level car, priced at £29,495. Included a that price are 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, DAB digital radio, electric folding door mirrors, USB and more. This is the only front-wheel drive version offered. Next up is the NX 300h SE AWD (all-wheel drive), at £31,495. This adds 18-inch alloys, auto wipers, integrated roof rails and heated front seats - plus a higher towing rating. The Luxury model is £34,495, the more assertive looking F Sport version is priced at £36,995 and the range is topped by the £42,995 NX 300h Premier AWD.