While there is a bit of a kerfuffle about whether the SUV that was spotted on a trailer earlier this week was a Honda HR-V or a Lexus NX, it’s the latter that could be arriving here sooner as bookings for the all-new 2022 Lexus NX are now open.

Lexus Malaysia is offering two variants of the 'Nimble Crossover' which are fully imported (CBU) from Japan:

• NX 250 Luxury - From RM 370,888
• NX 350 F Sport - From RM 389,888

Both prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of SST.

Both variants are also powered by different units with the NX 250 offered with a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine (206 PS/243 Nm) while the NX 350 F Sport is available with a 2.4-litre turbocharged motor (279 PS/430 Nm).

Also read: The CKD 2022 Lexus NX is in Malaysia, but it’s not what you think

Whichever aspiration you go for, the engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with AI shift control that uses a camera to scan the road ahead and match its shift pattern accordingly. Pretty smart stuff.

Built on the Lexus Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform that is similar to the Toyota Harrier and RAV4, it promises a 30% improvement in rigidity over its predecessor while also offering improved cornering control and dynamic handling.

Also read: Review: 2021 Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury - Do you really miss the turbo?

The all-new NX was launched globally in June 2021 with a more chiselled design that matches its newfound performance. Flared wheel arches and a truncated rear bring out the nimbleness in its namesake.

Also read: TNGA-based all-new 2022 Lexus NX debuts; new 2.4L turbo, brand's first-ever PHEV

Being a Lexus, you can’t forget its state-of-the-art safety features via its Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) ADAS suite which includes:

• Pre-Collision System (PCS) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with stop and go
• Adaptive High-beam System (AHS)

Also read: All-new Malaysia-bound 2022 Lexus NX earns highest rating in US IIHS crash tests

The crossover also bears the new Lexus Driving Signature which is defined by the Tazuna Concept. This concept draws on the relationship between jockey and horse where subtle movements from the rider are translated to instructions the horse intuitively understands. Sounds familiar?

Also read: Lexus hijacks the reins of the Jinba Ittai horse from Mazda with its own man and steed concept

Unlike Mazda’s Jinba Ittai which primarily focuses on the handling aspects, Lexus’ Tazuna Concept is more on ergonomics in the interior such as reducing the number of switchgear from 78 to 45 and embedding “lesser-used” functions into the 14-inch infotainment touchscreen unit.

Still, other Lexus hallmarks are retained like the details which are inspired by Takumi craftsmen and the relaxing Omotenashi hospitality of the interior.

For the first time ever, the Lexus NX is equipped with an e-latch door opener which utilizes a sole convenient button to activate the door mechanism, mimicking the action of opening a Shoji screen which are the sliding doors common in traditional Japanese inns.

The all-new Lexus NX is available with 8 exterior colours while the F Sport variant gets 2 exclusive colours. Black and Dark Rose are available for the interior though the NX 250 Luxury gets an exclusive Hazel as an option while the NX 350 F Sport gets either Black or Flare Red for the interior hue.