Motoring

The RZ 450e is the frst fully-electric vehicle from Lexus ELECTRIC RZ 450E BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR LEXUS

By CHRIS RILEY

Lexus has revealed its frst fully electric, dedicated battery electric model the RZ 450e.

Due here next year, the RZ is a clean-sheet design that sits on the e-TNGA platform that is shared with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra.

It’s designed specifcally for EVs, providing space for the batteries and motor to be placed low to the ground for optimal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.

Lexus is claiming a range of about 450km, but it doesn’t say which standard this is under NEDC or the more recent WLTP testing routine.

Regardless, the bit we like is the optional driver monitor that warns when it detects the driver is drowsy or looking sideways.

If the system determines the driver’s posture is severely compromised and that it is diffcult for the driver to continue, it warns other drivers by fashing the hazard lights while gently decelerating the vehicle.

The system then stops the vehicle in its lane, unlocks the doors and automatically notifes emergency services through the vehicle’s connected technology.

Can’t see too many customers ticking the box for this one (could be very embarrassing).

Being a fully electric model and having no need for a radiator, also has implications for the Lexus trademark “spindle” grille.

Hey presto it has been replaced by a BEV spindle body that Lexus says signals the seamless acceleration and dynamic performance specifc to BEVs.

Driving the car are two electric motors, 150kW at the front and 80kW at the rear, with a combined output of 230kW (Lexus/ Toyota never share the amount of torque delivered by electric models).

The larger motor drives the front wheels, the smaller the rear axle, together with a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Using acceleration, cornering-speed and steering-angle information, the DIRECT4 all-wheeldrive system adjusts front-rear torque delivery and braking force to all four wheels to maximise grip, stability and comfort.

Inside, a new aircraftlike steering control with steer-by-wire replaces a conventional steering wheel, while the transmission lever has made way for a Lexusfrst, rotary-style knob in the centre console.

The compact yoke-like steering wheel greatly reduces the driver’s workload, eliminating the need for hand-overhand operation.

An electronic “e-latch” system is used to operate the doors, with a dimmable panoramic sunroof to block out the glare.

The spacious interior is based on the humancentred tazuna concept of building the cabin around the driver, with intuitive placement of controls for ease of operation as well as welcoming all occupants with thoughtful appointments.

The RZ 450e takes the Lexus Electrifed portfolio to nine vehicles, joining six hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle (PHEV) and the fully electric UX 300e (BEV).

Lexus Australia leads the way in sales of luxury cars with electrifed powertrains, with almost half (47.3%) of Lexus sales in the frst nine months of 2022 being either HEV, PHEV or BEV.

Lexus boss John Pappas said the RZ heralds the transition of Lexus into a BEVcentred brand.

“This is a luxury SUV for customers wanting the latest in Lexus zeroemission technology and innovative design,” he said.

“The RZ expands our portfolio of electrifed vehicles, moving Lexus ever closer to our ultimate goal of a sustainable society.”

Final RZ Australian specifcation and pricing will be announced closer to introduction in mid2023.

ISUZU BREAKS OUT THE TINSEL FOR D-MAX

New Isuzu Ute D-MAX features new two-toned grille

By CHRIS RILEY

Isuzu’s new D-Max ute is on the way with plenty of tinsel in the lead up to Christmas.

There’s a new grille, new colours, new-look wheels, new trim inside and gas struts to make opening and closing the tailgate easier.

The new grille is fnished in two-tone black on the SX, twotone black and grey on the LS-M, two-tone grey and chrome on the LS-U and LS-U+, and twotone dark grey on the X-Terrain.

Following the design trend, the LED rear combination lights are also trimmed in dark grey metallic, rather than chrome.

Engineers have also simplifed the towing setup process by automatically disabling Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffc Alert when a trailer is hitched and detected via the genuine trailer wiring harness.

Isuzu describes the update as the most signifcant since the current model was launched in late-2020.

Most of the changes have been driven by customer feedback.

“This is the most signifcant update to the Isuzu D-MAX range since debut—with each model set to receive a bolder design aesthetic, new features, and three new models added— giving Customers more choice,” Isuzu UTE’s Hiroyasu Sato said.

“In a market where some brands have removed features to meet delivery timeframes, we’ve listened to the feedback from customers and the media and have introduced new features to keep the Isuzu D-MAX towards the top of the segment; features that appeal to the modern ute driver, and the towing and touring adventurer.”

Isuzu has also extended its smaller 1.9-litre diesel to three more workhorse variants: SX Crew Cab Chassis 4x2 Automatic, SX Crew Cab Ute 4x2 Automatic and SX Crew Cab Ute 4x4 Automatic.

The 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine remains available in all grades and body styles, offering 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.

With more families turning to utes as default dual-purpose family vehicles, the SX Crew Cab Ute and Crew Cab Chassis both receive an additional 2.1A USB port in the second row for charging mobile and tablet devices.

The new 23MY D-Max range will be available from December at the same price as the current range, with the exception of the three new models.

The range topping X-Terrain is still $64,990 driveaway.

Toyota C-HR GR Sport is a real head-turner TOYOTA C-HR GR SPORT HYBRID

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY

The Toyota C-HR is a compact SUV that arrived here in 2016 when it flled the gap left by the RAV4 as that long-serving and popular model steadily grew in size into the mid-size vehicle that it is now.

Our test car was the top-spec C-HR GR Sport. The GR stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s global motorsport division, but if you’re looking for a hot-hatch type SUV then you’re going to be disappointed. Apart from some suspension tweaks and 19-inch alloy wheels the enhancements are largely cosmetic.

The complete C-HR range comes with two drivetrains, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated turbocharged petrol and 1.8-litre turbo petrol/ electric hybrid; three equipment levels, GXL, Koba and GR Sport; and either front- or all-wheel drive with the petrolonly models but only FWD with the hybrids.

STYLING

The C-HR, marks quite a change in styling from the relatively conservative looks that have worked so well for Toyota over the years. No doubt aimed at younger buyers.

The acronym C-HR stands for Coupe High Rider and this does describe its styling – a coupe-like upper body but with the reasonably high stance of an SUV. The steeply sloped roofine tops off a lower body with plenty of creases and curves, especially around the rear.

‘Hidden’ rear door handles near the top of the C-pillar add to the coupe-like styling but can be a bit awkward to use.

Enhancements added to the GR Sport include bespoke two-tone 19inch shadow chrome alloy wheels; a bold vertical grille split by a thick chrome horizontal bar; and new foglight surrounds.

There are GR Sport badges on the front, sides and rear as well as on the brake calipers.

INTERIOR

The sporty external theme is continued inside the C-HR GT Sport with dark silver highlights around the instrument panel and doors, piano black surrounds for the centre console and powerwindow switches.

Enhancements include GR Sport badging, leather accented sports seats and leatherwrapped steering wheel.

The rear seats are quite cramped although headroom is better than expected. Children are not going to like the tall front seats and high tapered side windows which combine to seriously limit outward visibility.

There are no ventilation controls and no USB ports in the rear.

The boot has a 318-litre capacity. There are tie-down and carry hooks. The spare wheel is a space saver below the boot foor.

POWERTRAINS

C-HR comes with the choice of two powertrains. There’s a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol in the GXL and Koba variants, with either front- or all-wheel drive. Outputs are 85 kW and 185 Nm at 1500 rpm.

The Koba hybrid and C-HR GR Sport use a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre engine, with maximum power of 72 kW and 142 Nm of torque, with a 53 kW / 163 Nm electric for a combined power output of 90kW and an undisclosed amount of combined torque.

The 1.2-litre runs on standard unleaded petrol, the hybrid on premium.

Transmission is via continuosly variable transmission although there is no manual mode in the hybrid variants.

SAFETY

Standard safety features across the C-HR range include seven airbags, enhanced ABS brakes with forward collision warning, brake assist and autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, road sign assist, rear cross traffc alert, hillstart assist, brake hold function and trailer sway control.

Koba (but not GR Sport) adds automatic braking to the rear cross traffc alert.

Also standard in all models is the Toyota Safety Sense package which adds lane trace assist, automatic high beam, active cruise control and pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection.

INFOTAINMENT

Compared with the expansive wide screens which are becoming increasingly common in many vehicles the 8.0-inch touchscreen looks quite bland. However, infotainment screens are there to provide access to a large number of functions without distracting the driver from the road ahead and we found the C-HR screen one of the easiest to use.

The screen is angled slightly towards the driver and within easy reach.

There are four rectangular short-cut buttons on each side of the screen that open up the various options on the screen itself.

Like many other embedded satellite navigation systems, the version in the C-HR is diffcult to use with tiny symbols that don’t clearly indicate their functions. It’s hardly surprising that many drivers chose to use smartphone maps instead.

Bluetooth pairing is simple and allows access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both wired, but no digital radio.

There’s 4.2-inch multiinformation display in front of the driver with the usual features.

DRIVING

While the Toyota C-HR GR Sport talks the Gazoo Racing talk it certainly doesn’t walk the walk. Unlike its GR Yaris, GR Supra and recently-launched GR86 there are no performance enhancements. Of course, the other three are hatches or coupes while the C-HR is an SUV.

Having said that the C-HR is a capable and competent car to drive in normal day-to-day running. It’s easy to manoeuvre around the suburbs and a cinch to park.

The option of all-wheel drive in the non-hybrid variants is a bit pointless with a ground clearance of just 137 mm effectively ruling out any off-road ventures.

Ride and handling in the GR Sport is excellent thanks to adjustments to the shock absorbers, spring rates and stabiliser bars. There’s also a new centre brace which improves body rigidity and contributes to a more direct steering response.

Toyota was one of the pioneers of petrol/ electric hybrids and almost every vehicle in its large range has a hybrid option. They have been refned the years and fuel consumption is a major selling point, never more so with soaring prices.

We were able to average 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres during our week-long test not that far above the claimed 4.3 L/100 km.

SUMMING UP

There’s plenty of competition in the sub-$40k compact SUV market segment where the C-HR sits mid-feld behind the top-selling Mitsubishi ASX. In addition to this rivalry with other brands, C-HR is certain to face a serious intra-brand challenge from the justreleased Corolla Cross.

Both vehicles are built on the same platform but the Corolla Cross is marginally larger in all exterior dimensions. The adventurous styling of

the C-HR is likely to be one point of difference, especially with younger buyers.

We’re currently doing a review of the Corolla Cross shortly and will report back on what is likely to be a gamechanger for the small SUV market.

MODEL RANGE

C-HR GXL 1.2-litre turbo-petrol FWD: $30,915 C-HR GXL 1.2-litre turbo-petrol AWD: $32,915 C-HR Koba 1.2-litre turbo-petrol FWD: $35,165 C-HR Koba 1.2-litre turbo-petrol AWD: $37,165 C-HR Koba 1.8-litre petrol hybrid FWD: $37,665 C-HR GR Sport, 1.8-litre petrol hybrid FWD: $37,665 Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.