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Lexus RC 300 2018 review: snapshot

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EXPERT RATING
7.9

Likes

  • Looks killer in the metal
  • Strong on standard safety
  • Four-year warranty rare among the premium brands

Dislikes

  • The smallest engine doesn't quite match the go-fast looks
  • Cabin technology feels out of date
  • Some cabin materials less than premium
Andrew Chesterton
Contributing Journalist
15 May 2018
2 min read
0 Comments

The 300 marks the cheapest way into the RC family, making use of the smallest engine; a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit good for 180kW/350Nm. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic and shuffles power to the rear wheels.

Like the rest of the RC range, the 300 can be had in three trim levels -  Luxury, F Sport or Sports Luxury - with prices spanning $65,400 to $84,900.

Luxury cars get 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and fog lights, leather trim, standard navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate and keyless entry with push-button start. F Sport cars add bigger 19-inch alloys, a better Mark Levinson stereo and rain-sensing wipers. Finally, the Sports Luxury models get better seats, some fancier cabin furniture and a moonroof.

Tech across all three trim levels is handled by a new 10.3-inch screen (but no Apple Car Play/Android Auto), that is controlled via a uniquely Lexus mousepad controller.

Standard safety kit includes dual front and front-side airbags, as well as front airbags for the second row. You'll also find a knee airbag for both driver and front-seat passenger. Forward collision warning with AEB (and pedestrian protection) is standard fit, too, and so are front and rear parking sensors and a parking camera.

F Sport and Sports Luxury-badged cars add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, along with lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist.

Read the full 2018 Lexus RC review

Lexus RC300 2018: Sports Luxury

Engine Type Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 7.3L/100km (combined)
Seating 4
Price From $44,990 - $52,360
Andrew Chesterton
Contributing Journalist
Andrew Chesterton should probably hate cars. From his hail-damaged Camira that looked like it had spent a hard life parked at the end of Tiger Woods' personal driving range, to the Nissan Pulsar Reebok that shook like it was possessed by a particularly mean-spirited demon every time he dared push past 40km/h, his personal car history isn't exactly littered with gold. But that seemingly endless procession of rust-savaged hate machines taught him something even more important; that cars are more than a collection of nuts, bolts and petrol. They're your ticket to freedom, a way to unlock incredible experiences, rolling invitations to incredible adventures. They have soul. And so, somehow, the car bug still bit. And it bit hard. When "Chesto" started his journalism career with News Ltd's Sunday and Daily Telegraph newspapers, he covered just about everything, from business to real estate, courts to crime, before settling into state political reporting at NSW Parliament House. But the automotive world's siren song soon sounded again, and he begged anyone who would listen for the opportunity to write about cars. Eventually they listened, and his career since has seen him filing car news, reviews and features for TopGear, Wheels, Motor and, of course, CarsGuide, as well as many, many others. More than a decade later, and the car bug is yet to relinquish its toothy grip. And if you ask Chesto, he thinks it never will.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.

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