2 August 2016

Lexus RC 200t F Sport 2016 car review

The RC is Lexus’ first ever production coupé. It’s been created to set the brand alight and it has the desire to “captivate with the very first look and experience performance on the very first drive”.


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Lexus RC 200t F Sport 2016
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A real head turner

The RC range has a wide stance, low profile and deeply contoured lines. The chiselled front bumper blends into the flared wheel arches, and the surprisingly good looking spindle grille sets the Lexus coupé apart. The car we tested certainly attracted some looks and comments, all of which were positive. Some were familiar with the RC 200t model but had never actually seen one up close.

Excellent handling

The RC200t really excelled with its handling. It attacked every corner with confidence and the 19” tyres really glued to the tarmac. This is all thanks to the high-rigidity body structure that’s exclusive for this coupé. The car felt agile and secure, which was aided by the aerodynamic stability derived from the race track. The sleek exterior body shape, flat underbody and integrated aero stabilising fins also help to enhance driving control, especially at high speeds.

Safety has also been well considered with VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) which controls a raft of features, including dynamic radar cruise control which ensures that a safe following distance is maintained at all times. It also has Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which is a must in vehicle nowadays and it comes as standard with the RC 200t.

Sporty and stylish interior

The interior is comfortable and nestled with soft, red leather. The ambient illumination is discretely integrated in to the doors, providing a gentle upward glow as soon as the engine starts, which then slowly dims while driving. The low-set front sport seats provide refined comfort for normal driving and firm support with excellent holding when you step on the accelerator.

Our test car had the F sport touch with enhanced alloy wheels, emblems and grille. The F Sport central, 8” colour TFT instrument cluster has evolved from the LFA supercar. There’s also the optional Mark Levinson Premium Audio System that has 17 speakers for those of you who really want to turn the volume up and have an extra $3,000.

The new Lexus RC 200t F Sport is a car for drivers craving a mix of sport and luxury.

At a glance
Models RC 200t F Sport
Engine  2.0L 4-cylinder turbo 
Price From $102,900
ANCAP safety rating To be announced
Power 180kW
Transmission 8-speed Sport Direct Shift
Fuel economy 7.3L/100km combined
Towing capacity N/A
2WD/4WD/AWD 2WD (rear-wheel) 
Seating capacity 4
Safety systems 
8 airbags BSM (blind spot monitoring) RCTA (rear cross traffic alert)
ABS, EBD, TRC, Brake Assist Vehicle Stability Control
Hill Start Assist Control Lane Departure Alert
Tyre Inflation Pressure Warning Pre-Crash Safety System
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