Reviews
Gallery 1
Lexus has finally force-fed its sporty looking RC coupe, adopting the 2.0-litre turbo four from sister-car the IS sedan. It’s a good match, and makes a poised and graceful daily drive.
WHAT IS IT? The RC200t is the new entry-level version in Lexus’s two-door RC range. It’s the first four-cylinder RC, using the same turbocharged engine introduced in the IS200t sedan. And it’s the most affordable RC yet.
WHY WE’RE DRIVING IT This is our first taste of the 200t in Australia, and it’s tipped to be the volume seller of the three-model line-up, sitting below the V6-powered Lexus RC350 and fire-breathing RC-F V8.
MAIN RIVALS BMW 428i, Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe, Audi A5 2.0 TFSI quattro
THE WHEELS VERDICT
The RC200t is a smart, well-built and polished coupe. It’s more convincing as an around-town, everyday plush two-door thanks to its ride, equipment levels and fuel efficiency. But if you’re after a sports coupe, it’s uncomfortably close to the V6-powered RC350 in price.
Plus: Unique style, excellent attention to detail, engine and cabin refinement Minus: Only $3k cheaper than V6; heft over IS sedan; lacks rivals’ dynamic sharpness
The rear-drive RC200t starts at $64,000 to sit at the same eye-level as the BMW 428i and Mercedes C250 Coupe. Yet it’s only $3000 less than the RC350, which comes with a 225kW 3.5-litre V6. The 200t’s new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four delivers 180kW/350Nm.
The $3K walk (step, rather) between four-pot and V6 is consistent across all three RC200t variants, which start with the Luxury we’re driving here, then F-Sport and flagship Sports Luxury. There must be something special about the 200t, then.
At idle, the four-cylinder is near silent, and there’s no fuss as you accelerate serenely around town. This is where the RC200t is the pick, with better throttle response and refinement than the V6, bolstered by a 7.3L/100km claim (against the 350’s 9.4L/100km). Give the 200t a heavy dose of throttle, and the response is an adequate, obedient march rather than a sporty, aggressive shove, even in the Sport drive mode. The 7.5sec 0-100km/h claim means it’s hardly slow, but nor is the 200t first choice for your local traffic-light derby.
Tackle a bend, and the front-end lacks sharpness and accuracy, with turn-in needing a good chunk of lock before the steering weighs up, the front treads quickly taking over road-holding duties. That said, change of direction is well managed, even if the RC200t picks up every mid-corner undulation and surface change. Its ride is more beneficial around town, where it’s supple and well sorted.
SPOOLIN’ AROUND The 1998cc four-cylinder turbo, codenamed 8AR-FTS, made its Lexus debut in the RAV4-based NX SUV last year. Now, it’s offered in the GS sedan, RC200t and the IS200t. In all, it makes the same 180kW/350Nm and is mated to the BRAND eight-speed auto.
Compare the RC200t directly to its sedan counterpart, the IS200t, and it carries 55kg more weight, somehow uses 0.2L/100km less fuel, and costs $6500 more. It’s expected to be the most popular RC model, making up 40 percent of a predicted 80 sales a month.
SPECS Model: 2016 Lexus RC200t Luxury Engine: 1998cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo Max power: 180kW @ 5800rpm Max torque: 350Nm @ 1650-4400rpm Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Weight: 1675kg 0-100km/h: 7.5sec (claimed) Fuel economy: 7.3L/100km Price: $64,000 On sale: Now
