Lexus underlined its significant appeal and credentials in the fast-expanding compact luxury segment as its popular luxury crossover, the NX 200t, took home the award for ‘Best Compact Premium SUV' at the 2015 Middle East Car of the Year Awards (MECOTY). The Lexus NX 200t was chosen for the coveted accolade by a jury of 14 independent motoring journalists from leading automotive publications throughout the Middle East. Nominees for the ‘Best Compact Premium SUV' were rated across 10 different attributes including design & quality (exterior & interior), handling and drivability, safety & durability, performance & capability, technological innovation, emotional appeal & driver satisfaction, value for money (new purchase & resale), environmental friendliness, regional appeal, comfort & practicality. Considered among the biggest and most prestigious awards in the regional automotive sector, Middle East Car of the Year Awards follows a fair and transparent nomination in addition to a scoring methodology which is developed, tested and implemented by the most experienced ‘motoring minds' of the industry. "The Lexus NX 200t continues to earn widespread acclaim for being a genuine all-rounder that sets a new benchmark in the luxury crossover segment. With its head-turning sporty design, outstanding performance and drivability, and best-in-class safety and comfort features – complemented by Lexus' matchless reliability – the NX is an elegant and emphatic expression of time-honored Lexus design and engineering prowess," said Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative of Middle East & North Africa Representative Office, TOYOTA Motor Corporation. "We are delighted that the NX 200t has emerged triumphant at this year's MECOTY Awards. It's a proud moment for us and we thank our customers for their support and loyalty in making Lexus one of the most aspirational luxury automotive brands in the Middle East." Marking Lexus' maiden entry into the compact crossover segment, the NX 200t combines the expertise of racers within the engineering team and the impeccable touch of Lexus luxury through an exciting and sporty design to set a new benchmark in the automotive world. Inspired by performance vehicles, the compact crossover offers outstanding performance with the first-ever Lexus turbocharged gasoline engine. The new engine was tested extensively on various road conditions and harsh environments, and comes with a world-first combination of water-cooled cylinder head integrated exhaust manifold and twin scroll turbo charger. The NX sets new standards for interior comfort, on-board technology and safety, and features numerous firsts in a Lexus, including keyhole-less outside door handle, power reclining and power folding 60:40 split rear seat, a Wireless charging Tray for compatible phones and devices, the new Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) with a touch pad and a Pre-Load Differential to control differential torque.
