Lexus NX 300h targets safety 01 | 09 | 2014
LEXUS HAS TAKEN its advanced vehicle safety technology to another level with the new NX 300h. Available to order from Scotish dealerships, and with first deliveries scheduled for October, the NX 300h will be Lexus' first UK model to be fitted as standard with radar-controlled systems to help prevent an accident happening.
All versions of the NX 300h (pictured), Lexus’s first compact crossover, will be equipped with a Pre-Crash Safety system and Adaptive Cruise Control as part of a comprehensive array of active, passive and preventive safety features. Together these demonstrate the priority Lexus has given to securing the best protection for everyone on board.
The Pre-Crash Safety system uses a millimetre-wave radar sensor in the front grille to detect vehicles and other obstacles on the road ahead. If there is a high risk of a collision, PCS will alert the driver with a buzzer and visual warning, activate the Pre-Crash Seatbelt pretensioners, and, when the driver begins to brake, provide Pre-Crash Brake Assist to supplement the braking effort.
If the driver does not brake and a collision becomes inevitable, the Pre-Crash Brake will automatically apply the brakes to reduce impact speed and lessen the consequences of the impact.
The NX 300h’s Adaptive Cruise Control uses the same front-mounted millimetre-wave radar sensor as the Pre-Crash Safety system and steering sensors to recognise a vehicle ahead and maintain a safe distance.
Related: Lexus considers small SUV
The latest development of Lexus’s technology works at all speeds, even down to standstill. Once on the move again, the system will automatically accelerate back to the pre-selected speed.
The active safety package includes Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Lane Keep Assist with steering control sounds a warning buzzer if it judges that the vehicle is about cross lane markings without using the turn indicators. Appropriate steering assistance is initiated to help avoid moving out of lane.
The Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert use millimetre-wave radars on each side of the NX that detect vehicles moving in the driver’s blind spot, or approaching from either side when the car is being reversed out of a parking space. Both systems warn the driver of nearby vehicles by triggering lights in the door mirror on the appropriate side of the car.
The NX 300h is equipped with daytime running lights, a rear-view camera and front and rear fog lamps, as well as numerous electronic safety and handling systems. These include and emergency brake signal, Vehicle Stability Control traction control, ABS with brake assist and electronic Brakeforce distribution and Hill-start Assist Control.
All versions of the NX 300h come with eight airbags, including a dual-stage driver’s airbag, dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger airbag, driver’s knee airbag, front passenger cushion airbag, front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags.
Pedestrian protection provisions include an energy-absorbing structure for the bonnet and wing mounting bracket and an impact-absorbing structure for the cowl. Energy-absorbing material is used in the front of the bumper and beneath the radiator support, to reduce the risk of leg injuries.
Related: Lexus to reveal RC300h F Sport
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Jim McGill