A very different Lexus

DO goldfish have more than a three-second memory? Has the Lexus brand really embraced turbocharging? The surprising answer to both is, yes. Apparently, fish aren't as forgetful as we think they are, and the Japanese luxury marque which pioneered petrol-electric hybrid technology has unveiled its first turbocharged engine.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit with forced induction is for the Lexus NX, the company's first compact SUV. Called the NX200t, this model slots in below the NX300h with a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid. Both are all-wheel-drive but while the NX300h has the familiar continuously variable transmission (CVT), the NX200t gets a new six-speed automatic gearbox. Lexus says the turbocharged option not only allows for smaller engines, but also cater to buyers who want something more aggressive than a quiet hybrid.

Whatever the reason, anyone considering the NX will probably be attracted first by its revolutionary styling. The sculpted "3D" surfaces and boxy wheel arches make it the edgiest Lexus design ever.