by Brian Byrne. The new Lexus RX 400h SUV — the world's first hybrid premium vehicle — is now for sale in Ireland at a price of €72,848.But the allocation of 50 for the remainder of this year is already sold out, to buyers who have been attracted by the pre-publicity around the car, which is powered by a combination of a 3.3-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. The RX 400h has a CVT transmission.
The retail price includes a rebate of half the VRT, which the Government is allowing on all hybrid vehicles until the end of 2006.
The Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the RX 400h is designed for performance, with a 7.6sec 0-100km/h achievable, but it also has a payoff in terms of the environment, as does the Toyota Motor Company's groundbreaking hybrid car Prius.Fuel consumption at 8.1 L/100km is claimed to be the lowest in the premium SUV segment, while the vehicle has a low CO2 emission of 192gr/km. Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions are close to zero.
Speaking at the Irish Press Launch last evening, Lexus Ireland MD Mark Teevan said the company is hoping for a 'significant' improvement in supply for 2006, but availibility has still not been finalised.
The bulk of the 41,000-a-year current production capacity will go to the US market.
Mark Teevan noted that the state of hybrid technology is at an early stage, and 'large' improvements are expected as it develops.
A GS hybrid is also slated for next year.
Toyota yesterday also confirmed recent speculation that a hybrid Camry is to be produced. It will go into production in 2006.
