The 2018 model will arrive in New Zealand before the end of the year with sharper handling, improved ride, a sportier and more sophisticated look and more safety equipment.

"The brave, imaginative styling of the latest model has been taken to the next level," said Paul Carroll, the Senior General Manager of Lexus New Zealand.

"The NX will appeal to people who want to be different. It's daring styling does not follow the conventional, conservative looks of some of its rivals."

The spindle grille and the front bumper have been redesigned to blend more fluidly into the bonnet and front mudguards. Sequential indicators and new headlights are derived from the LC luxury coupe.

At the rear the bumper has been broadened to enhance the low centre of gravity look and wide stance. The elongated tail lights better emphasise the "L" shape and larger chrome tipped exhaust pipes are integrated with the bumper and rear diffuser.

New 18-inch alloy wheels complete the sportier and more sophisticated looking NX package.

In the cabin, the central dashboard display has grown from seven to 10.3 inches and the controls for the air conditioning system have been simplified, with separate temperature controls for the rear seat.

Nearly all controls and switches have a metallic satin finish enhancing the premium look and feel of the cabin. The wireless charger tray will now accommodate larger smart phones.

The heads-up display is now integrated into the top of the dashboard for a smoother look, while a movement sensor will open the rear hatch when people have their hands full.

New straight stitching is used on the leather upholstery, rather than the conventional angled stitches.

The two litre turbo charged and 2.5 litre hybrid power trains continue with enhanced exhaust sound  

The suspension has also been revised to improve turn in steering response and refine the already smooth ride.

Lexus' Safety System + will now be available on all models (previously only available on the Limited). It combines the pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beam and intelligence clearance sonar.

Mr Carroll expects the 2018 NX to continue the strong surge of sales by SUVs. Three quarters of Lexus' sales last year were SUVs, with the NX and RX taking the lion's share, with nearly three quarters of them being the world leading hybrid models.

The NX will continue to be available in standard, Limited and F Sport models with a choice of 2WD and AWD across the seven-model range.

Detailed specification and pricing will be announced closer to the 2018 model's launch in New Zealand.

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