The RX 400h is as stuffed with creature protection as it is with creature comfort, beginning with dual-stage driver and
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| Perhaps the beautiful weather was arranged by Lexus in order to emphasize the importance of low emissions, high fuel-efficiency vehicles. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
front passenger airbags supplemented with front passenger occupancy classification. Front seat side-mounted airbags combine with roll-sensing, front and rear side curtain airbags to maximize the ability of the 400h to protect passengers in the event of a crash. A crash that hopefully will be avoided thanks to the improved nighttime visibility attributable to a high intensity discharge (HID), Adaptive Front Lighting System capable of projecting illumination into a turn. The RX 400h also improves driver visibility with the use of water-repelling door glass, which, according to Lexus, inhibits the build-up of grime and salt spray on the side windows during foul weather. Certainly worthwhile if it works, but there was no opportunity for me to test its usefulness given the bright sun that accompanied our drive.
And a sunny day was a most fitting backdrop to my introduction to the RX 400h. Perhaps the beautiful weather was arranged
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| No plug and no additional maintenance, turning 'hybrid green' sounds like a win-win situation to me. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
by Lexus in order to emphasize the importance of low emissions, high fuel-efficiency vehicles. Regardless of who takes credit for the rays, it was certainly symbolic of the 400h's Canadian Tier 2 - Bin 3 emissions rating and its Super Ultra Low Emissions (SULEV) U.S. rating.
Unlike vehicles that are exclusively electric, there's no cord to plug in to recharge the battery or limited driving range before a recharge is required. There's also no additional maintenance over that of a conventional drivetrain. Turning 'hybrid green' (without envy) sounds like a win-win situation to me. The RX 400h is in showrooms now, although availability is limited.
