SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING NEW

WORDS

LOW SHI PING

DESIGN CUES FROM A VARIETY OF PLACES WERE TAKEN TO CREATE THE NEW LEXUS NX.

The new Lexus NX is yet another example of how the Japanese marque uses a multi-disciplinary approach to designing its cars, while paying attention to the smallest details.

In the cabin of the luxury crossover SUV, both cup holders in the front are lined with elastomer, a high-friction material commonly found in the soles of athletic shoes, which can be removed to be cleaned.

The benefit? To allow the driver to untwist the cover of the cup with one hand, without it sliding around the holder.

Unrivalled convenience and ease of use are also the traits of the interiors, aligned with Lexus’s commitment to the Japanese hospitality principles of omotenashi.

A luxurious look and feel is now had following an upgrade of the centre console. For instance, the climate control panel and analogue clock has received ergonomic and feature upgrades.

Less obvious are tiny alloy studs on the knee bolsters of the NX – the same ones found in the interior of the Lexus LFA supercar.

On the exterior, a less-noticed part of the car are the windscreen wipers.

For the NX, these have been redesigned to have a single support point, down from the usual four, to lower the profile of the blade. As a result, there is a reduction in wind noise and a cleaner, more aerodynamic appearance.

Functional adjustments have been made too, so that the fin design integrated into the blade reduces lift to ensure excellent wiping performance during high-speed driving.

DESIGNED TO FIT

FISHER & PAYKEL’S APPLIANCES SHOW HOW THEY CAN MAKE THE MOST OF THE SPACE AVAILABLE.

Even if you are designing for a modest footprint, Fisher & Paykel’s well-designed appliances let you fit in everything you want.

With a strong focus on aesthetics, Fisher & Paykel offers a family of appliances that can be distributed throughout the kitchen, to maximise minimal space and suit the way you live and work.

For example, the Integrated Refrigerator Freezer fits flush into the cabinetry, reducing lines in the joinery. Flexible storage allows for easy access to food, while ActiveSmart™ technology helps keep food fresher for longer by constantly maintaining the ideal temperature.

The Double DishDrawer™ Dishwasher is designed to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry. Each drawer holds a true half load for small washes, while the Sanitise option kills 99.9 percent of bacteria in the final rinse.

Considered design is a hallmark of all Fisher & Paykel appliances. Choose the style that best suits your aesthetic vision with products available in three styles: Integrated, Contemporary and Minimal.

Fisher & Paykel

www.fisherpaykel.com