The Japanese saw a novelty as the main «arms», which should help them win the sympathy of Europeans, as with the previous model was able to gain the trust of Americans. So far, 68% of sales (and since 1998, when RX, sold 525 thousand of such cars) were just on the United States, and only 15% - in Europe. Now everything should be different, we decided to corporations, a model is under the standards of the Old World, which is significantly different from the one that comes in new. And think of an appropriate slogan: «The new RX300 is changing everything!»

But do not speak for the entire continent, but in Russia at the premium brand of Toyota Motor position strong. Anyway, we have Lexus cars sold in the last year more than eleven European countries combined. And on Russian roads can be found both - and the «continental», and «overseas» - versions of RX. Officially supplied to us, of course, the European versions, which were suggested to journalists on the blessed island of Sardinia.

Interference from the left

Words not, Sardinia is beautiful, and it almost ideal for the international test drive: here and excellent trails, and narrow, but with a good coating serpentine mountain and «goat trails» for SUVs. Not without more and more corporations conducting a presentation of new machines it is here (that's in this issue of «AI» Two reports from one island). One bad - style Italian drivers. They distinguish, for example, such a feature.

Leaving the Italian with a minor road at home is always fast, certainly vysovyvaya his «nose» - random, skip, and stop at the last minute. From neprivychki - scares. And not in vain. At the very narrow path, where, with a counter left to the car should take the road, one of the crews of our colleagues are out of luck - the driver was unable to evade from any «fossil» Fiat. Demolished his bumper and the headlamp, but still turned in a field, where the peace ïàñëèñü white horses.

I would not mention this unfortunate event, if it is not clearly illustrated the reliability of the design. So, the driver drove Lexus RX300, as he himself admitted, with a speed of 80 km / h. Ahead - a small rise, to the left - a fragment of an old stone fence, and single homes around. Just because of this fence, where the road is hard to imagine (of course, no warning signs), and jumped out the old car, left little chance of satisfactory outcome. Only at the last moment the driver turned the wheel sharply RX right. If he would at least momentarily zameshkalsya, history could be much sad and a fiatik be, as the satirist, in two pieces. And so - there were no injuries to people.

But not for cars. Under the right wheels of RX was deep ditch with polmetra, overlapping just a few meters of concrete slabs - the bridge. Front right wheel of Lexus has taken in the breach - such that the cover off the drive wheels, the more deployed in the rotation, but more towards the SUV were a few metal racks with tight between the barbed wire that had been swept in the next instant, as if reed until the car finally stopped not to roll 30 degrees.

As a result of the incident: the left side RX300 was a long dent on contact with Fiat, the car has lost the lower protection, damaged the front right fender, bumper, wheel, and possibly stand. And - everything! No, at least, a noticeable hint of a careful eye to the breach of the geometry of the body. Not without manufacturer said additional strengthening the front suspension and that the use of high-strength steel body rigidity has increased, although it does not indicate how many exactly. But already it is clear: increased sufficiently to keep the driver and passengers in such a situation, a 100 per cent.

And none of the 9 airbags did not work: on-board computer with a reasonably found that it to anything. Moreover, Lexus finally zapolz themselves back on the road, where stood evacuator! I can assert with full confidence that no one I know a car would not endure such a «crash-test» the same, one can say - minimal losses. But RX300 can not be attributed to the clan of the true off-road attack plane. But more on this later. And yet, since it came on the safety car - on the other components.

Lexus RX300 has a very efficient and, last but not least - works in almost any road system Stability Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Personally I have never had the desire to disable it: multichannel ABS podtormazhivaet one or more wheels exactly when, without disturbing the driver, but insuring it too risky maneuvers. Of course, there is a system of brake force distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and antiprobuksovochnaya TRC.

In the most expensive set of adaptive lighting system is proposed Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). It would seem that just the ability to direct the light beam in the direction of rotation began to confer only a few cars Luxury. But Lexus has taught first «looking for the exit» headaches headlights SUV. And the rear lights it is «not simple», consisting of a light-emitting diodes. The thing is, of course, not nearly as much in fuel economy, expressed the figure 0.8%, but that light-emitting diodes to 10 times faster than conventional bulbs. Engineers calculate that it is, for example, guarantees the extra 6 meters of the driver walking behind the car, if RX300 brakes from a speed of 100 km / h. Finally, the number of airbags is one special, which protects the driver's feet, which previously was not. Yes, and the side now have increased.

It is important to go, but do not know

Why «frighten» potential owner «unnecessary» information if it is important to know - what makes an innovation, rather than how all this works? Apparently guided by these considerations, the Company during the presentation focused on the consumer qualities RX300, very briefly mention the technical details. However, journalists away from the road is hard, and what will not know it - will try on something and test-drive.

On the other hand, really: why worry if you can just enjoy the trip? You struck silence V6, the absence of the slightest vibration - and pretty! Maybe, and do not necessarily resemble that he «resting» special air bearings. But that his power at the expense of improved intake and output increased by 3 hp might say you must. If the reader be interested in - why is the European market comes just 3-liter engine, not 3.3-liter, both in the United States, then I would say that everything in the economy and is consistent V6 3,0 Euro 4 standards, which come into force since 2005.

If you like to press the accelerator pedal, the engine is able to please a triumphant snarl, providing an enviable momentum and the maximum speed. But still, in doletayuschih sounds, especially if you turn off the high-quality sound system, you can do something does not get. I will tell you what - whistling wind at high speeds. It is not only an excellent noise insulation, but also the aerodynamics of the new body.

Japanese engineers have argued that another SUV with a coefficient of drag CX = 0,34 (with air suspension, which was later, CX = 0.33) does not exist yet. By the way, blow the new RX is not only in his own trumpet, but also to that used in the creation of the famous Japanese high-speed trains. As a result, they managed to reduce the noise from the wind by 5 decibels.

In short, for a good trail RX300 in all - 5-door touring car. Rudder is convenient, though slightly «on venovski» tilted, which I might not have the range of longitudinal adjustment. He has 3 turns from lock to lock. A fast break provides new «funny» 5-speed Automatic, with Sport mode and the ability to switch the transmission manually.

If the driver so wishes, she will be happy to allow the engine to twist the red zone on the tachometer needle. But the algorithm of its work in the sport mode, it seems, is unique. As we explained, «machine» chooses, depending on traffic conditions is not a transfer, a range of gear. For example, transmission «recognize» - whether the vehicle is moving uphill or under the hill. On the uphill and downhill in the later includes the following transfers, thus ensuring in the first case, a more effective dispersal, and in the second - the engine brake.

And on-board computer takes into account such factors as the frequency of brake applications. This feature «machine» is very good. And the fifth gear in the Sport mode is virtually non-existent, since it can only provide cost-ride so maintaining a cruising speed. Electronics believes that «Athletes» so as to to anything. I managed to disperse the RX, when conditions permit, up to 180 km / h, while the central panel placards appeared stubbornly figure 4 - Number of transfer. And some power still remained.

On the twisting mountain road and the stations are fully able to feel the difference between the normal and the new air suspension. It should say that spring is also improved compared with the well-known for the past generation RX300, behaves quite properly: Banks bodywork superelevation is not afraid of, and comfort, however, at an altitude. But the car «hovercraft» (to be precise - on four, one for each wheel, pnevmoballonah) - this is something special. Did not notice the difference immediately, but when it becomes obvious, come to think that it is possible to certainly acquire the car at the pneumatics.

From my point of view its main advantage - the comfort, combined with appropriate behavior at high speeds and in corners. When the body is omitted, of course, better to feel that under the wheels, but in addition markedly reduced the already not too noticeable Banks. What better way affect the driveability. You can change the ground clearance on the fly by pressing up or down to a small button on the center panel. In the right corner on a face tachometer immediately starts flashing green indicator in front of the appropriate designation. As soon as the command will be executed, he will point to this steady light. On the route to lower ground clearance can be a maximum of 15 mm. But even if the driver forgets to do this, electronics after dialing 100 km / h own body fall to 7.5 mm.

In other circumstances, supported by the neutral position, and automatically, regardless of the load the car. For off-road, you can raise the body by 30 mm, increasing thus the ground clearance of 185 «neutral» up to 205 mm. By the way, I forgot to do it, remembering only when hooked protected ground. Electronics in this case does not interfere. But go with the high body, and quickly will not allow. Mode can also facilitate the embarkation and disembarkation, in which the machine «prisedaet» 25 mm on a neutral position.

The only not completely solved a mystery for me to stay a full system drive. Engineers argue that, under normal conditions, torque is distributed between front and rear wheels equally. But viskomufty in the central differential is not everything, say, a head of electronics, podtormazhivaya one, two or three wheels, and passing the time on that which has a better grip with the ground. But - as it is «passing», developers do not speak.

Well, try to verify. «Confirmed» section of the road, although it was not easy, it seemed small. Yes, heavy hilly trail RX behaved very confidently, and if the motor power and redistribute, you feel it was not possible, although poschelkivaniya ABS heard more than once. To try to understand the ability of Lexus, I venture to go on a wild sandy beach. And very soon realized that this car is certainly not designed for heavy testing.

I do not know what efforts made electronics, but when the RX started linking all four wheels, I got a feeling on the computer is trying to podtormazhivat almost all wheels at once, and may well «slip one's trolley». Steal a car from the sandy captivity succeeded, it seems only a miracle. Back, forward, back again, and then - abruptly forward, and as soon as popolzla - «gentle» treadle gas - have escaped!

In general, RX300 is not suitable for high-risk enterprise, but it gives comfort, speed and confidence, not only on good roads, but on the broken proselke. I do not doubt that he will not let in any rain, or in the ice. Yes, the car does not have a low number of transfers and does not block differentials. However, including the absence of these systems, a new generation RX was the light SUVs in its class. And the definition of «parquet Jeep» in this case, it sounds rather a compliment.

The target success

Perhaps it's time to say at least a few words on the exterior and interior. First of all, the new RX300 has been on the 160 mm length and 30 mm wider predecessor, while the wheelbase has increased by 100 mm. A radius of turn, I notice, remains the same - 5.7 meters.

Exterior quite recognizable: from the old model left a number of common elements - the grille with the distinctive vertical stripes, muscular wheel arches and a rising window line, «clean» headlights, a large slope of the front pillars 17 and 18-inch wheels. But diet changed considerably: it and a new rear rack, and original lamps.

Inside, as expected, became more luxurious. Front seats with substantial lateral support very comfortable, the range of adjustment is quite enough memory for two people. The only thing it seemed to me no good, so this is the location of the parking brake pedal: it is precisely over the left foot, and it will inevitably hurt. Here's to you and «Greetings from America».

Behind the driver is quite comfortable, but comfort here can accommodate only two, but between them will be comfortable armrest, which is unlikely to be able to turn into an equally comfortable seat. As for the two rear seats designed as well as the front, tilt their backs regulated. In addition, the seat moved forward - back to 120 mm. They have, by itself, can be folded together and separately. Starting from the second level are invited to complete the back door with an electric drive, which allows you to key rings or from the salon to open it. To close, you should press the button at the bottom of the door.

Very good sound system with a CD player, not without its co-developed with Yamaha. And air-conditioning improvements: it takes into account, for example, not just the temperature outside and inside, hit the sun's rays, but thermal radiation engine. Moreover, salon filter has a deodorizing effect, and the body is processed inside a special structure containing antibacterial substances that prevent the emergence of unpleasant odors.

Specialists Marketing Lexus consider that the main buyers RX300 (80%) are men aged over 40, with an annual income of about 150 thousand euro. The new RX, say experts, is designed for those who do not meet either the traditional cars, nor the traditional off-road. Those who believe a universal old-fashioned, minivans and family too. Rather, the portrait of Russian buyers will look different. As the «AI» Sergey Myshlyavtsev, brand director of «Toyota Motor», the new RX300 will be released on the Russian market at the same time as the advent of the European show-rooms - in May.

«When in April of last year until January of this was sold more than two hundred RX now old generation, the new model, we expect to realize no less than three cars - he said. - As the experience of sales, RX300 - Lexus the most popular model in our market. And expanding the dealer network. Thus, in the near future starting center for the sale and service of Lexus cars in Saint Petersburg. It will be the third-account trade center in Russia ».

As in the rest of Europe, Russia will be delivered in three RX300 set. R1 ($ 54900) - This xenon headlights with washers, tires 225/60 R17, all described the electronic system, leather interior, radio cassette player with 8 speakers and th changer for 6 discs, complete ýëåêòðîïàêåò, heated front seats, separate climate control. R2 ($ 59900) - it is also a pneumatic suspension, rain sensor, the cabin lights during landing, the back door with an electric drive, tires 235/55 R18. R3 ($ 63400) also includes an adaptive lighting system (Intelligent AFS), skid on the roof hatch with electric drive, sound system with 11 th speaker (Mark Levinson).