Category Archives: Vehicle type

Electric/hybrid, Executive, Lexus

Dramatic styling gives Lexus the edge

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Lexus e300h
Lexus e300h

Lexus ES300h

By Bill McCarthy

When it comes to dramatic styling, Lexus has few peers and the ES300 embraces elegant styling with state-of-the-art technology.

Based on the firm’s Global Architecture-K  platform, it has what the Japanese firm describes as ‘Provocative Elegance’

The fourth generation self-charging hybrid system couples a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a compact electric motor to deliver 215hp/160kW and combined cycle fuel economy of a claimed 50.4 to 53.2mpg.

The latest revisions for 2022 deliver an upgrade to the multimedia system, interior changes and new colours.

Cloud-based navigation is now included with the multimedia system, together with improved recognition of voice commands and wireless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay. Annoyingly for Android users you still need to plug into a USB port.

The uprated navigation gives access to real-time road and traffic information and displays information such as local fuel prices and parking.

If cloud connection should be lost, an embedded navigation provided on higher grade models can be used.

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The upgraded data communications module (DCM) allows the vehicle to communicate with mobile networks and the internet and to access their car remotely using the Lexus Link smartphone app.

This can lock or unlock the doors, operate the hazard lights and set the air conditioning before making a journey.

Inside, the centre console has been revised, providing two cup holders and USB-A and USB-C ports for playback and device charging respectively.

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The exterior is still a bit of a showstopper, with a sculpted profile and signature spindle grille, while the F-Sport adds those sporty touches, without detracting from the overall elegance of the car.

F Sport styling includes sports front seats embossed with the F Sport emblem and striking aluminium trim.

The interior has a real premium feel, with high quality soft touch trim and a logical layout.The powered heated front seats are multi adjustable and all occupants are kept in comfort and shielded from outside noise with state of the art noise suppression materials.

The console itself features a somewhat fiddly track/pad mouse which controls the major functions through the central eight-inch display screen.

Despite the premium price tag, the list of kit represents good value and includes DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera, power-adjustable, heated front seats, power-adjustable steering column, sunroof, rear privacy glass and dual-zone climate control.

The list continues with the comprehensive safety kit to gain a Euro NCAP five star rating which includes 10 airbags, traction and stability control and on this model blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and new daytime cyclist and night-time pedestrian detection.

Space in the long, but shallow boot is only slightly compromised by the battery, but is adequate for the style of car at 454 litres.

It is a brilliant motorway cruiser, quiet but with plenty of power for rapid acceleration where needed, with the hybrid combo just a whisper in the background.

Handling is also excellent, especially in Sport mode where it dismisses twisting roads and bend with ease. It feels refined, with the advanced suspension soaking up bumps and potholes, and occupants are cosseted in comfort.The Lexus is a luxurious alternative to German dominance in the premium sector, being refined and fairly cheap to run.

Factfile

Lexus ES 300h F-Sport
Price: £47,095
Mechanical: 215bhp, 2,487cc petrol engine/battery hybrid, driving front wheels wheels via CVT  gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 52.9
Insurance group: 34E
CO2 emissions: 127g/km
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Crossover, electric, Nissan

Ariya takes a leaf out a successful playbook

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Nissan Ariya EV

By Bill McCarthy

It is perhaps fitting that the manufacturer that provided the first fully electric family car in the UK, the Leaf, should produce a second model that once again pushes the technology boundaries.

The Ariya is sleek, stylish, and packed full of advanced technology. It features a streamlined design and a claimed range of up to 330 miles on a single charge, depending on the model. It is not cheap by any means, starting at nearly £44k, but it is competitive in price when you look at the specification.

This all wheel drive version with the optional sport pack comes in at nearly £60k.

There are two trim levels, Advance and Evolve and a choice of two battery sizes, 63kWh and 87kWh and an all-wheel drive e-4orce.

It has joined the Leaf and electrified Townstar on the fleet and features cutting-edge safety kit, including the  ProPILOT Assist system which allows drivers.

A medium-sized crossover or SUV it has striking looks, with a coupe-like profile.

But this is offset by the smart, slim headlights and deep daytime running lights which double up as sweeping indicators, privacy glass and 20-inch alloys with aero covers.

 It also features a rear roof spoiler and hands-free powered tailgate.

It looks good from the outside, but the interior is a quantum leap forward with innovative design, clever practical additions and oceans of room.

This model features heated and cooled front seats with Nappa leather upholstery, heated steering and wheel and unusually, heated rear seats.

The deep pile carpet to the front could have looked gimmicky, but work well, while the powered centre console is a clever and practical addition, opening up more space is it moves backwards. At the touch of a button, there is also a concealed oddments tray that springs from the dash.

There is a real feeling of spaciousness throughout, Nissan describes it as lounge like and they are not wrong. 

The panoramic roof also allows more light to enhance the feeling of spaciousness. Even the rear headroom is good despite the slightly sloping roofline. The design is minimalist but still has a classy feel with twin 12.3 inch digital displays dominating.

One controls infotainment which on this model includes a high-end sound system, smartphone connectivity and navigation while the other gives real time driver information, including how the power is being consumed. It is one of the best for connecting my Android phone, connecting within seconds and many of the controls can be voice operated.

Another clever innovation are the controls which appear to be part of the faux wooden dash. They are push buttons with a haptic touch feedback and add to the elegance.

On the road, as you would expect with EVs, it is rapid off the mark, the car hits 60mph in just under six seconds and while the twin motors provide the all-wheel capability, it is more for traction in poor road conditions than actually going off-road. The e-Pedal also allows the driver to launch, accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal.

It’s an SUV, so there will be some body roll if you take the corners too quickly, but the central battery position ensures near-equal weight distribution, front and rear. Otherwise, it feels sure-footed and stable and offers a comfortable enough ride.

In practical terms, the boot offers a reduced 408 litres of space on this AWD model losing a full 50 litres to accommodate the all wheel drive, but it can be increased with folding the split car seats.

It’s not cheap, but is literally packed with high-end equipment to give it that premium feel. Losing that much space in the boot and the extra cost also begs the question, do you really need all wheel drive?

FACTFILE

ARIYA e-4ORCE Evolve Sport Pack

Price: £58,590

Mechanical: 242bhp, dual electric motors driving all wheels via a single speed automatic transmission

Max speed: 125mph

0-62mph: 5.7 seconds

Range: 309 (WLTP combined cycle)

Insurance group: 41

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles