Tuesday, 3 December 2019

Revival of the machine: Herzbube’s Indian Scout 101

Indian Scout 101 restomod by Herzbube Motorcycles
BMW’s annual Pure&Crafted show is a goldmine for seekers of unusual motorcycles, and not just those manufactured in Berlin. At this year’s shindig in Amsterdam, one of the most intriguing machines we spotted was this 1928 Indian 101 Scout, resurrected from the dead by Bernhard Elflein of Herzbube.

Bernhard has finally managed to arrange a photo-shoot for the Scout, and he’s filled us in on its unusual backstory.

Indian Scout 101 restomod by Herzbube Motorcycles

He’s owned the Scout engine for 14 years. It has an interesting history: in the days before the German reunification, the engine was used in East Germany to power a tractor, and the rest of the bike was discarded.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, a professor of philosophy bought the engine to save it from the crusher. He took it home, but it fell onto the leg of his child—and his partner told him to get rid of it.

Indian Scout 101 restomod by Herzbube Motorcycles
So Bernhard bought the engine from the professor, and decided to use his blacksmithing skills to recreate the frame.

It takes a special kind of builder to persevere with a case like this, and Bernhard is that man—a true ascetic who eschews meat, alcohol, drugs and consumerism, and instead ploughs all his energies into the construction of motorcycles.

Indian Scout 101 restomod by Herzbube Motorcycles
But recreating a Scout 101 around an old engine was a massive undertaking, and a distraction from his day job at the time. Bernhard wisely decided to source an original frame, tank and front end.

“I applied for a job as a engine overhaul guy, and rebuilt the engine in that workshop by using a WLA crankshaft—a standard 1940s tuning trick,” says Bernhard.

Indian Scout 101 restomod by Herzbube Motorcycles
“The engine now has shaved pistons from a car, 750cc cylinders and heads, and a lot of non-standard parts—like 1960s Ironhead hubs, a modified EMW (Eisenacher Motorenwerk) handlebar, and a homemade seat.”

Somewhere along the line, the Indian got a fresh coat of paint and the seat from a Scout 741. Most of the work was completed seven years ago. Bernhard had a client for the bike and spent the deposit on parts, but his client then lost his job and was unable to complete the purchase.

Indian Scout 101 restomod by Herzbube Motorcycles
So the Scout ended up hanging on the wall of Roadrunners, a fashionable, shabby chic rock ‘n’ roll club in Berlin.

“Four years later, I could return to my client the money that he paid,” Bernhard says. “He was an actor, and never got back onto his feet—once you are out, you are out. But the Scout was mine again, and it’s never left me.”

Indian Scout 101 restomod by Herzbube Motorcycles
Needing an incentive to get the Scout up and running once more, Bernhard eyed a spot in a famous German hill climb race—the Auerberg Klassik in Bernbeuren, a seven-hour drive south of Berlin.

He finished prepping the Scout the night before, and test-started the engine. “It started well and sounded good—the Dell’Orto carb worked well. But I could not test ride it in the night.” He put the Scout on the trailer, went to bed to catch a couple of hours sleep, and then started the drive to Bernbeuren.

Indian Scout 101 restomod by Herzbube Motorcycles
“As soon as I arrived, I started the engine again. Then I found out that the clutch didn’t work.”

After some frantic mechanical tweaks, Bernhard managed to shift the bike into gear with a push downhill, and made the technical inspection with just 20 minutes to spare.

Indian Scout 101 restomod by Herzbube Motorcycles
With no clutch, Bernhard didn’t win the race, but he still enjoyed the ride. The Scout was finally back on the road, and two weeks later, it was one of the stars of the show at Pure&Crafted.

That’s nine decades and 5,500 kilometers after it rolled out of the Indian factory in Springfield, Massachusetts. One hell of a journey.

Herzbube Motorcycles | Instagram | Images by Sebastian Skiba

Indian Scout 101 restomod by Herzbube Motorcycles



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Buyer’s Guide To Used Car Warranties

  • An extended warranty is a way to offset unexpected repair costs.
  • There are numerous used car warranties on the market, but which one is best?
  • Shopping for the right coverage can be tricky and confusing. Start by reading our guide.

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

Whether you recently purchased a used car or have owned one for several years, protecting your investment is important. While many prove to be reliable for years, used cars can be particularly prone to breakdowns and repairs due to aging, improper maintenance from previous owners, and defects hidden at the time of purchase.

An extended warranty provides you with peace of mind that – even if you don’t have certainty your used car wasn’t sold to you as a “lemon” – you won’t face serious financial stress when unexpected repairs and issues do arise.

Below, we share everything you need to know about protecting your vehicle through an extended used car warranty. As you begin shopping for an extended warranty, you’ll quickly notice the high number of providers, whether that’s the dealership or a third-party extended warranty company, such as CARCHEX. Our guide can help you figure out how to pick the best provider for your used car.

How Used Car Extended Warranties Work

The extended warranty industry at large can be confusing, thanks to jargon, unfamiliar terms, and lengthy contracts.

It’s helpful to know extended car warranties, including those designed for used cars, are actually vehicle service contracts. A warranty provided with a new car by the manufacturer is technically a warranty, and a third-party warranty is technically a service contract. However, these terms are used interchangeably by consumers and companies in the third-party warranty industry. 

Selecting A Provider & Coverage

You have the option of purchasing a used car extended warranty through your car’s manufacturer or through a third-party provider, like CARCHEX, Endurance, or Protect My Car, among dozens of others. Ideally, the provider you select will be affordable, offer flexible payment options, be known as reputable throughout the industry, and offer a variety of vehicle contracts.

Once you select a provider, you’ll decide on a coverage level. While coverage plans vary from company to company, most third-party warranty companies offer tiered plans that range from comprehensive to basic coverage for the vehicle’s most essential systems, like the engine and transmission.

Main Types of Used Car Warranties

While third-party warranty companies may give their plans unique names, most fall into a few categories:

  • Powertrain: This type of warranty covers the most essential parts of the drivetrain, including the engine, transmission, and related components. These are normally the least expensive types of warranty as they only protect this essential system.
  • Stated Component: Stated component warranty contracts outline the components of the vehicle that are covered by the plan. They tend to be middle-of-the-road options for drivers who don’t want to pay for comprehensive coverage but want more covered than just the powertrain.
  • Bumper-to-Bumper: These plans closely mirror the original factory warranty and have a short list of exclusions. As the name implies, they tend to cover the majority of components between the vehicle’s front and rear bumpers. The contract will typically list what isn’t covered as opposed to every single part that is.
Buyer's guide to used car warranties

Using Your Extended Warranty

Once you sign the contract, there will be a short waiting period, usually either 30 or 60 days, 1,000 miles, or both. After that, any issues you experience under your contract will be paid for by the warranty provider. For example, if you experience engine issues covered under your warranty, you’ll take your vehicle to an in-network repair shop, where the repair will be diagnosed. A claim will then be submitted to your warranty company. If the warranty company determines the repair is covered, they’ll pay for the repair before or after it’s complete. 

Depending on the terms of your contract, you may be required to pay in full for the repair and wait for reimbursement. Alternatively, your provider may pay the repair facility directly for you. Similar to insurance plans, most used car warranty plans require customers to pay a deductible for each claim, which can range from $50 to $200, although some warranty providers, like CARCHEX, offer plans with $0 deductible. Plans with lower deductibles have higher monthly payments.

Extra Benefits of Used Car Warranties

To provide more value for customers, most used car warranty companies include things like 24/7 roadside assistance and other benefits in all of their plans. However, the true value of these added benefits varies greatly from provider to provider. For example, if two used car warranty contracts include rental car reimbursement, one may have a $30 per day cap whereas the other has a $70 per day cap.

To summarize, used car warranties work like an insurance policy for your car. You pay a small, pre-agreed upon amount upfront over the course of several months or years, and your warranty protects you against surprise future repairs for the length of its term, which can range from one year to more than 10 years.

Used Car Warranties: Should You Get One?

Even if you bought your used car from a company you trust, have access to the vehicle’s history, and have researched its reliability score and reviews, no car is 100 percent immune to the occasional issue, as with any mechanical product. 

Protecting your used car investment should be at the top of your list of priorities. To determine whether a used car protection plan is right for you, consider these things:

  • Do you plan to keep or sell the car? If you’re planning on owning the used car for several years, extended warranty coverage can protect you from expensive repair costs. Also, since most extended warranties are transferable, it may increase the car’s resale value.
  • What’s your car’s history? If the car has a history of recurring issues, you may want to seek out coverage. Even frequent problems with minor parts should warrant consideration of a protection plan. Evaluating your car’s history will also shed light on whether a comprehensive, bumper-to-bumper protection plan or a simple powertrain warranty is right for you.
  • Do you have cash set aside for expensive repairs? Engine repairs can cost several thousand dollars, and even repairs to less essential parts can cost several hundred dollars. If the thought of an unexpected bump in monthly expenses makes you anxious, an extended car warranty can protect you.

Whether you purchased your used car from a certified pre-owned dealership or from a friend, driving a car that isn’t brand new can be unnerving, especially if it’s particularly old. A used car warranty is an affordable way to protect yourself from the anxiety of unexpected, expensive repairs.

Buyer's guide to used car warranties

Things To Look For & Know When Shopping For Used Car Warranties

There are dozens of auto warranty providers in the marketplace, so shopping for a warranty can be overwhelming. 

Which plan is best for you? How can you ensure you’re getting quality coverage? Which provider is most affordable? Is the customer service up to par? 

Our Advice: Consider Your Needs

First, think about what you need from your used car warranty. It may help to research your car’s reliability and the cost of common issues and repairs. If you have a documented history of your car repairs, consider that some vehicles show a pattern of having the same issues again and again.

Take a look at your finances and determine whether you can handle the cost of expensive repairs. Using this information, select the level of coverage that will give you peace of mind throughout your ownership of the car. Do you want comprehensive, bumper-to-bumper coverage or protection for just the essential systems?

You’ll also want to evaluate what you’re comfortable paying each month. Consider whether you’d rather have a deductible with each repair or pay more monthly with a low deductible. These decisions are important to make prior to reaching out for quotes.

Here’s a checklist to keep in mind as you consider your needs:

  1. How much can you spend each month on a used car warranty?
  2. What is the mileage and age of your vehicle?
  3. What deductible do you feel comfortable with? Is a $0 deductible option important to you?
  4. Does your vehicle have a history of repairs? A pattern of breakdowns?
  5. How reliable is the make and model of your vehicle? What are the common breakdowns and associated repair costs?
  6. How important are added benefits, like roadside assistance, to you?
  7. Do you want a generous refund policy in case you’re not satisfied with your purchase?
  8. Is it important that your warranty be transferable?
  9. What type of coverage do you want? 

What To Look For With Warranty Providers

When it comes to choosing the best warranty provider, there are a number of important factors to consider. With so many used car warranties on the market, considering these important points will help you make the right decision.

Coverage Options

Have a thorough understanding of the plans and coverage levels offered. Look for companies that offer high-quality, comprehensive coverage that’s insured. The more plans they have, the more you can tailor the coverage to your car. Some companies will just have bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties, but others will have options in the middle that may be a better fit for your budget and car.

Positive Reputation & Reviews

The company should also have a solid reputation for following through with the promises included in their contracts, and they should be known for customer service. Partnerships and endorsements from industry leaders can be evidence of this, as can Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation and high ratings from the BBB and other review sites. Another good indicator is the number of years the company has in the warranty protection industry.

Here are more used car warranty shopping tips and what to look for in a provider:

  • Strong partnership and endorsements with industry leaders.
  • A positive reputation among customers, as evidenced by multiple review sites and the company’s BBB rating. 
  • A positive relationship with the Better Business Bureau, including accreditation, a positive score, and few complaints.
  • A variety of contracts and plan options that range in term length and coverage and have optional add-ons. The more customization available, the better.
  • Additional perks included with every plan, like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption services, and an accessible customer service team. 
  • A willingness to walk you through the fine print. The fine print of used car warranty contracts is often the downfall in a relationship between the provider and the customer. 
  • Options for financial flexibility, including monthly payment options, low deductible options, and a willingness to work with you to find a good price.
  • The number of years in business shouldn’t necessarily sway your decision one way or the other, but companies with more experience will better understand customers concerns and preferences.

Peruse a few review websites to see what customers are saying. Does the company seem to put customers first? If you notice a pattern of serious complaints, like difficulty cancelling plans or claims not being paid for, it can be a red flag.

Buyer's guide to used car warranties

What’s The Difference Between A CPO Warranty & An Extended Warranty?

When you purchase a certified pre-owned (CPO) car, it will usually come with at least a year of bumper-to-bumper coverage backed by the manufacturer. Every CPO vehicle undergoes a multi-point inspection by the original manufacturer to ensure the car is in excellent condition. If the car passes the inspection, it’s sold as a certified pre-owned vehicle and a CPO warranty is included with purchase.

A CPO warranty is marketed as one of the benefits of certified pre-owned cars, but the cost of this warranty is baked into the price of the vehicle. While CPO warranties are backed by the manufacturer, this fact also tethers you to the dealership for covered repairs. CPO warranties also typically don’t last for the entire time drivers plan to own the car.

In contrast, an extended warranty is not sold with the vehicle. It’s an add-on product you can purchase from the dealership or a third-party company. Not all providers require vehicle inspections prior to the sale. 

Another contrast is extended warranties can last 10 years or more, and you get to decide the length and type of coverage. Also, many third-party warranties allow you to go to your choice of repair shop.

Used Car Extended Warranty Costs

When shopping for used car warranties, get quotes from several third-party companies before you make a purchase. Individual warranty plan costs are usually not available online, as the cost will vary depending on the plan you choose, the term length, your car’s make and model, and other factors.

Once you’ve received quotes from several providers, make sure you understand the total costs, including fixed monthly payments, deductibles, and even fees for violating certain aspects of the contract. An extended car warranty generally costs from $600 to more than $1,000

Keep in mind used, aging cars are generally more expensive to maintain. Owners of older cars are twice as likely to spend more than $1,000 a year on maintenance and repairs, according to the NPD group. A small monthly payment for protection can save you from a costly repair or replacement bill.

Who Should Provide Your Used Car Warranty?

There are hundreds of third-party car warranty companies that provide vehicle service contracts for used cars. Just a few of these names include:

  • CARCHEX
  • CarShield
  • Endurance
  • AutoAssure
  • Protect My Car
  • AA Auto Protection
  • Concord Auto Protect

The surface level similarity of these companies’ plans, prices, and customer service teams can make distinguishing between them difficult. So, which company is best? 

As we’ve mentioned, industry reviews and other important factors, like the price, number of plans offered, partnerships and endorsements, years in the business, and BBB relationship and accreditation should also serve as a kind of report card for these warranty companies. The more “boxes” a car warranty companies successfully checks, the more likely they’re going to be a reliable, affordable, and satisfactory option.

For example, CARCHEX has been in business for 20 years. They have a BBB accreditation, an A+ rating, and less than 100 complaints in the last 36 months. Additionally, CARCHEX has over a dozen endorsements and partnerships from trusted industry leaders, like Kelley Blue Book and SiriusXM, whereas many third-party warranty providers have two or three.

When considering which provider is best for you, a reputation for quality customer service should be near the top of your list. Warranty plans are ultimately a service, meaning your satisfaction relies heavily on the provider’s willingness to support you throughout the contract’s term length. Even if a provider’s plans look appealing, hundreds of complaints and a mediocre BBB rating are red flags.

Why Choose CARCHEX?

With all of these considerations in mind, it’s easy to see why CARCHEX is one of the leading third-party used vehicle warranty providers in the industry. They provide more than 16 contracts, which are divided into five tiers of protection that range from bumper-to-bumper to powertrain coverage.

Additionally, all CARCHEX contracts are transferable, so if you sell your car, the subsequent owner is eligible for the coverage. 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car reimbursement, and other perks are included.

We think CARCHEX makes it easy for customers to shop in an often jargon-rich industry. Their vehicle protection specialists take a consultative approach and have been known to walk shoppers through the differences between contracts to determine which plan is best for their lifestyle, needs, and budget.

If you want to know what a used car warranty would look like for your vehicle, get a free quote from CARCHEX by calling 866-254-0205 or visiting their website.



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Monday, 2 December 2019

An Electra Glide built for Austrian mountain passes

Custom Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide by Mayerl Motorcycles
If you’re looking for a classic American tourer, a Harley Electra Glide is just the ticket. They were popular with police departments for a good reason: few machines could match their all-day riding comfort.

But if you like to carve the canyons of LA, or European mountain passes, the Electra Glide is likely way down on your list. Which is exactly why Wolfgang Mayerl picked one to customize.

Custom Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide by Mayerl Motorcycles
Wolfgang’s a mechanical engineer living in the tiny Austrian town of Ardning, a popular spot for hikers and mountaineers.

For the past three years he’s been wrenching after-hours as Mayerl Motorcycles, but he’s been into bikes as long as he can remember—and was already building mopeds at age ten.

Custom Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide by Mayerl Motorcycles
Most of the commissioned custom work he does these days is basic—so he occasionally starts a personal build, just so he can go wild on it.

For his latest passion project, he intentionally went out and bought a 1986 FLHTC 1340 Electra Glide. Why? “Because I don’t know anyone else who has radically rebuilt an Electra Glide,” he tells us.

Custom Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide by Mayerl Motorcycles
The transformation sure is radical. Wolgang’s taken this Harley from laidback mile-muncher to aggressive street ripper—with wide tracker-style bars, a hint of cafe racer in the bodywork, and enough power to spin the back wheel at will.

The ‘1340’ motor’s been swapped out for a beefy 113 ci ‘Super Stock’ power plant from S&S Cycle, for a capacity increase of just over 500 cc. It’s hooked up to a six speed box via a Barnett clutch, and runs with a programmable Dyna 2000i ignition.

Custom Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide by Mayerl Motorcycles
Wolfgang also installed an S&S Cycle Super G carb, and matched the setup to a hand-built exhaust system.

The Electra Glide frame has been modified too, and heavily reinforced in high-stress areas. It’s bookended by suspension upgrades: a set of beefy upside down forks from a Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa up front, and a pair of Öhlins shocks in the rear.

Custom Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide by Mayerl Motorcycles
Wolfgang built a new swing arm as well, then plugged in a set of F19/R18 solid aluminum V-Rod wheels with custom axles and nuts. He’s installed new Dunlop D407 rubber, and changed the final drive to chain—with a custom sprocket and sprocket holder. The brakes are upgraded to newer, four-piston caliper items.

All the bodywork is hand-shaped from 1.3 mm steel sheeting. There’s a sharp, angular fuel tank, and a tail hump that also acts as an oil reservoir. Lower down is a new electrics box, and there’s a custom fender rounding things off at the front.

Custom Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide by Mayerl Motorcycles
All the little bits in between were fabricated by Wolfgang too—parts like the chain guard, exhaust hanger and handlebar clamps. The bars are from LSL, the speedo is a Daytona unit, and the switches are all custom.

There’s a little dash around the speedo too, complete with LED warning lights. The rear light’s been sunk into the tail section, and the lighting’s rounded out with small LED turn signals. The whole bike’s been rewired too.

Custom Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide by Mayerl Motorcycles
If, like us, you’re wondering what those two cylinders up front are—they’re extended oil coolers. Wolfgang built them especially for this project, and they also serve to add an interesting visual touch to the space that used to house the Electra Glide’s fairing brackets.

Just about everything you see here was handled by Wolfgang in his home workshop, with the exception of paint and upholstery. For those, he called in help from Airvolution Paint and ‘Upholstery Ben.’

Custom Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide by Mayerl Motorcycles
It’s an impressive outcome considering the source material, and judging by the suspension and engine upgrades, should be a pretty mental ride too.

Wolfgang tells us he’s working on a big KTM V-twin next… who else is excited?

Mayerl Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Da Guru Photography

Custom Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide by Mayerl Motorcycles



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Sunday, 1 December 2019

2020 Lexus NX 300 F Sport Review: An SUV For Driving Enthusiasts

In This Review:
As one of the more luxurious and sporty SUVs on the market, the Lexus NX 300 has a lot going for it. We still don't like the infotainment interface and the front grille does take some getting used to. However, the NX 300 makes for a good daily commuter.
Exterior Styling
80
Interior Layout
80
Driving Dynamics
92
Safety & Tech Features
90
Everyday Functionality
84
Pros
Interior Quality
Driving Dynamics
All-Wheel Drive Option
Cons
Rear Cargo Space
Remote Touch Interface
85

If you are waiting for the next-generation Lexus NX 300, there are some good reasons to buy a 2020 model. The exterior styling on this compact SUV still looks updated and modren, and it has excellent reliability ratings from Consumer Reports. Shoppers will find plush seating, a quiet interior, and a suitably powerful and fuel-efficient turbo engine. 

This week, we drove the 2020 Lexus NX 300 F Sport. Here is what we found during our week-long drive with the compact SUV. 

Lexus NX 300: What’s New For 2020?

For the 2020 model change, new driver safety features like low-light pedestrian detection, bicyclist detection, and lane centering assist are now available. For 2020, the NX 300 also gets added standard safety equipment via the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 (PDF). 

A Mark Levinson premium sound system with navigation is available for the first time on Premium, Luxury, and Premium F Sport. Arctic White and Black F Sport seats are available for the interior along with Rioja Red brown accents.

Features & Options: Safety & Convenience

The 2020 Lexus NX 300 F Sport with all-wheel drive ($40,360) comes loaded with standard features like keyless ignition and entry; power-adjustable front seats; and Lexus’ NuLuxe simulated-leather upholstery. You also get an eight-inch infotainment display with a remote touchpad interface, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. Lexus Enform Wi-Fi with 4GB of space is complimentary for the first three months.

Standard safety features like adaptive cruise control; forward collision warning and mitigation; and lane departure warning/intervention are also included.

2020 Lexus NX 300 Black Line Special Edition.
2020 Lexus NX 300 Black Line Special Edition. The special edition features bronze design elements inside and out.

F-Sport Treatments

The F Sport adds special 18-inch wheels; unique exterior styling elements; a sport-tuned suspension; heated sport steering wheel; fog lights; LED daytime running lights; heated outside mirrors; and aluminum pedals. This NX 300 tester came with an 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system; navigation; LED headlamps; and the Premium F Sport package.

How Much Does The 2020 Lexus NX 300 Cost?

Total MSRP including destination for our NX 300 tester: $51,048. By comparison, the 2020 Lexus NX 300 starts at $26,870 in a front-wheel drive configuration; $38,270 for one with all-wheel drive.

2020 Lexus NX 300.
 Cadmium Orange is a new color for the Lexus NX 300 for 2020.

Interior Highlights: Nice But Some Drawbacks

The NX 300 interior is a strong point with the level of craftsmanship you would expect from Lexus. The two-tone leather interior, with Dark Umber trim and light stitching, is stylish and attractive. We made liberal use of the heated seats and steering wheel as snow and cold hit the Denver area this week.

Our continuing complaint with the NX 300 is the frustrating and ill-conceived Remote Touch infotainment controller. We found it hard to use and a bit finicky to the touch. It’s our least favorite feature on the 2020 Lexus NX 300. One other drawback is how Lexus hasn’t made Android Auto readily available, so those smartphone users will be left out. However, Lexus says it will finally be available on vehicles built after October 1st, 2019. 

2020 Lexus NX 300 interior layout.
2020 Lexus NX 300 interior layout.

Interior Highlights: Roomy But Sometimes Tight

On the plus side, the leather seats both front and back are soft and extremely comfortable. We spent considerable seat-time this week commuting and traveling to a relative’s house for Thanksgiving. The 2020 Lexus NX 300 never left us feeling tired. There’s lots of legroom and headroom up front, a bonus for taller drivers.  

In the back, rear passengers will have ample space for longer trips. The standard 60/40 split rear seat with recline can be upgraded with a power-folding option. Switches are located on the instrument panel, on the side of each rear seat, and in the luggage compartment. If you need a vehicle for its cargo carrying abilities, the NX 300 may be a bit small. There is 17.7 cubic feet which falls short of the competition, and the NX’s steeply-sloped rear window cuts out some of the rear cargo space.

2020 Lexus NX 300: Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

The NX 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine uses a D4-S injection system, meaning a combination of direct fuel injection and additional port fuel injectors.

EPA fuel mileage estimates are 22/27 city/highway and 24 combined with all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive models come in a little better at 22/28 city/highway and 25 combined.

2020 Lexus NX 300.
2020 Lexus NX 300.

Does The Lexus NX 300 Have All-Wheel Drive?

If you need all-wheel-drive, it’s available and will be ideal for those who live in northern and Midwestern climates. Front-wheel drive is standard, but our NX tester came with the model’s optional all-wheel drive. Under most normal driving conditions, the system operates in front-wheel drive but can send up to 50 percent of the available torque to the rear wheels when extra traction is needed.

2020 Lexus NX 300: Driving Dynamics

If you are looking for a luxury compact with a performance edge and added driver engagement, the 2020 Lexus NX 300 is available with the F Sport package. The package includes a sport-tuned suspension, which ramps up the fun-to-drive meter. Driving enthusiasts who value better handling will want this more athletic option.

The F Sport also adds steering wheel paddle shifters for those who want to engage the six-speed automatic manually. On the other hand, if you want something easy-to-drive, the NX 300 will also accommodate family members who simply want to sit back and enjoy the vehicle’s finer features, like the upgraded premium sound system. 

2020 Lexus NX 300.
Driving enthusiasts will want the more athletic F Sport option.

Driving Dynamics: Good In The City

This NX 300 tester also came with the optional adaptive variable suspension which helped smooth out the rough pavement and dirt roads we encountered this week. The NX makes a great city commuter too, and it’s an ideal size if you need to navigate narrow streets and tight parking spots.

Another helpful option was the panoramic view backup monitor ($600) which we would recommend. It allows you to see a much wider angle when backing in limited sight areas. The power rear hatch with a kick sensor is another feature you will want when carrying shopping bags and both hands are full.    

2020 Lexus NX 300.

Conclusion: Practical & Safe

The 2020 Lexus NX 300 F Sport brings extra driver engagement with improved driving dynamics over the standard model. The exterior styling may be a bit edgy, but once you step inside, the cabin will win you over. There’s extra attention to detail, luxury treatments, and the quality is there. This NX 300 also offers the latest safety equipment to keep the family safe in the event of an accident.

Overall, the NX 300 is a perfect everyday commuter that places few demands on the driver and provides a calm, comfortable cabin.

Denis Flierl has invested nearly 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy



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