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The soon to be launched Lexus RX330 will set a new standard for style in Australia's booming luxury 4WD market when it makes its local debut.
The all-new model which features distinctive cross-over styling, including a coupe-like window profile and raked tailgate, will go on sale in Australia in April.
The RX330 generated huge interest when it was given its world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show in the United States in January.
Its predecessor, the RX300, is widely credited with creating a new category of car-based, luxury sport vehicles when it was launched in Japan and the United States in 1998.
Since then, RX has been the US's top selling luxury sport vehicle and has won numerous awards.
Lexus Australia's senior manager, John Roca, said the new RX330 takes the luxury sport vehicle concept to a new level.
"The RX300 was an instant success in the United States and created the template for the booming luxury sport vehicle category," he said.
"Its pioneering design provided the off-road ground clearance and full-time four-wheel drive capability to suit poor weather and road conditions, coupled with a lower step-in height than comparable luxury sport vehicles - for more convenient entry and exit."
RX330 has been designed for better aerodynamics and hence lower wind noise than its major competitors - with special attention given to flush-fitting rain gutters and the aerodynamics of the exterior mirrors.
"Lexus has created a clean, refined design with no heavy duty 4WD add-ons, such as side steps, external spare wheel or bullbar," said John Roca.
Inside, the new RX330 has increased space and higher feature levels - while maintaining the efficient packaging of the original model.
"The interior blends traditional Lexus craftsmanship and attention to detail with contemporary post-modern design," said John Roca.
The Lexus RX330 has an all-alloy 3.3-litre Quad Cam V6 engine equipped with intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-i) and an electronic drive-by-wire throttle.
It is matched to a five-speed electronically controlled sequential automatic transmission.
RX330 will be previewed throughout the Melbourne Motor Show, which runs from February 28 until March 10.
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