Launch Drive: Sexy Lexus RC 200t ticks most boxes

Lexus has just added another alternative to its achingly beautiful Coupe line up.  The Lexus RC 200t comes in at around R80 000 less than the 233kW RC 350 F Sport and allows a slightly more cost effective entry into Lexus Coupe ownership.   The Japanese luxury car maker makes no claims of dynamic prowess for the Lexus 200t but promises a comfortable and competent tourer. We head to the Magalies region to sample the new 2016 Lexus RC 200t to find out if it lives up to the GT name.

Engine and gearbox

The “Radical Coupe 200t” comes with a 2.0 turbo-charged lump that pulls eagerly to the redline, but when driven conservatively can attain fuel consumption figures of 8.0l/100. The engine note is pleasingly raspy and the manufacturer claims a not so earth shattering but brisk 7.5 seconds to 100.  The Lexus RC 200t packs 180kW on tap at 5800rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1650rpm. These figures are identical to the BMW 428i Coupe with torque 20Nm down on the 180kW C300 Mercedes Benz. The 8-speed automatic gearbox changes gears positively, and although it isn’t DSG, the direct drive system works well. It comes with three modes of driving: Eco, Standard and Sport.  Turbo lag is only evident when flooring the car from a complete standstill but other than that, the twin scroll turbo performs silently and without any noticeable hesitation.

Interior

The unusually contoured and angular dash catches one by surprise at first. The triangular theme is prevalent in every nook and crevice.  Quality is, as expected, up to the highest standards, and with heated and ventilated seats comfort comes standard too. The interior switchgear is interesting and we loved the touch sensitive temperature control.  Being a 2+2, rear seating is adequate for shorter occupants, as long as the person in front isn’t over 6 foot tall.  The boot holds an adequate 370l, although the opening is relatively narrow.

Exterior

Here is where Lexus reaches for its trump card. Nothing in this segment, is quite as fetching as the RC.   The design, while in keeping with the corporate theme, doesn’t look like a coupe version of the LS Sedan, but more a standalone model.  The striking LED daytime driving lights combines stylish function and form at the front and the rear slats, spoiler and wide arches bring a brutish masculinity to the rear of the RC.

Ride and handling

The RC chassis is 15 percent stiffer than the GS sedan version and although fairly stiffly sprung, it’s still more supple than its German counterparts.  Lexus’ Marketing Vice President, Glenn Crompton, points out that although the Lexus has a sporty aspect in its DNA, its primary objective is to be a comfortable tourer at a competitive price.  He goes on to say: “It’s quite unique to have a coupe type car that’s a pleasure to drive on our not so perfect South African roads.” It certainly does live up to that claim as the car negotiated the twisty and bumpy Magalies’ back roads.

The electric steering feels positive, and when turning the wheel one can feel that effort has gone into making every aspect of the Lexus experience one of luxury and ease.  We didn’t get to push the handling limits of the car by any means, but grip levels were more than adequate when the tarmac got twisty.

The “Luxury Division of Toyota” has come a long way since being launched in 1989. Since then their main focus has been on luxury sedans and only recently, with the LFA and RCF, have they made a foray into the sports car market.  With this “entry level” Grand Tourer Lexus has tried to hit the middle ground in a car with sporty tendencies, good fuel consumption whilst sticking to its luxury roots. Lexus pricing and engine performance is on par with rivals, and comes fully specced with no optional extras, a big differentiating factor when considering the list price and its competitors.

Price:

Lexus RC 200t: R699 100