Lexus NX

The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and the passenger. Lexus showed that the same level of protection would be provided to occupants of different statures and to those sat in different positions, whose knees may contact the dashboard in a different place. The NX scored maximum points in the side impact barrier test, with good protection of all critical body areas. In the first side pole impact test, the frontal impact airbags deployed in a later phase of the test, after the side loading on the dummy was finished. Lexus investigated the cause of this airbag deployment and found that the airbag control module, which houses an acceleration sensor, could experience a significant fore/aft signal even in a side impact. The algorithms controlling the airbag deployment were changed to safely prevent deployment under such loading and a repeat test was allowed. In that test, protection of the chest was marginal and that of the abdomen was adequate, while that of the head and pelvis was good. Lexus do not believe that the airbag deployment in a later phase of the impact is a safety issue and have no plans to modify earlier cars. Accordingly, the star rating applies from VIN JTJBJRBZ**2009745 and is not valid for earlier cars. Tests on the front seats and head restraints, and a geometric assessment of the rear restraints, indicated good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision. Lexus's 'Pre-Crash Safety System' is an autonomous braking system that operates from low, city-type speeds to higher speeds typical of inter-urban driving. As the system is not standard, its functionality at low speeds did not qualify for assessement.