THE best-selling Lexus in the USA is to go on sale in the UK next September, taking the Japanese manufacturer into the luxury 4x4 market. The RX was officially unveiled as a concept car at the show but Fleet NewsNet can reveal that the vehicle pictured will be little different to the model which goes on sale costing around £35,000.

The so-called concept car was the RX300 American model with changed bumpers, wheels and roof rails. Lexus insiders said the North American RX300 was due to be facelifted between now and its arrival in Europe and it was unclear whether the current model or the new one would enter UK showrooms. The RX will rival models such as DaimlerChrysler's Cherokee and M-class models and some Range Rovers with BMW's entry - the X-5 - due to be launched at about the same time. In the USA the RX300 accounts for almost 40% of Lexus sales and the manufacturer claims the vehicle offers 'three concepts in one' - the styling and interior space of an estate, the versatility and freedom of a sports utility vehicle and the ride comfort and luxury of a Lexus limousine.