Take Five; Makers of RX prescribe a new form.(Lexus SportCross)(Brief Article)(Evaluation)

Our impression of driving the SportCross? It's the same as the automatic sedan, familiar from an AutoFile road test (Sept. 18, 2000) and an ongoing long-term evaluation. Its 3.0-liter inline six is smooth and strong, its steering reward- ing, its handling perhaps even better balanced for the rearward weight shift, though you give up a little acceleration for the 125 extra pounds. Its open cargo bay allows a little more road noise to enter the cabin. Not quite the driver's car that a BMW 3 Series is at the limits, it offers most of the same rewards in normal use.

That's behind the wheel. But it's from outside, especially from behind, that the SportCross distinguishes itself. When we saw its tail among those of its brethren crowding the parking lot of the local Lowe's store, we noticed how Lexus has mix-ed and matched a pair of its hottest products in a ``new'' way. If the IS 300 sedan pays the sincerest form of flattery to the BMW 3 Series, the styling team behind the new SportCross clearly believes such charity should begin at home. Its C- and D-pillars and rear side glass show a relationship to the landmark RX 300 crossover vehicle, the sales dynamo that propelled Lexus to the top of the American luxury market so swiftly that others (Buick Rendezvous, Acura MDX, etc.) seek to emulate it.

In copying itself, though, Lexus hasn't built another car-truck crossover. This time, the ``Cross'' in question is one between ``Sport'' utility stowage and ``Sport'' sedan. Those dismayed by the light-truck craze should acknowledge one useful, recent side effect: the return of the tailgate-cum-hatchback. Buyers accustomed to vehicles with easily accessed cargo holds may happily return to cars, but won't surrender their ``toss it in back and let's go'' lifestyles. Hence, the return of five-door automotive forms that had been rejected by baby boomers in America.

Boomer rejection is, naturally, all the recommendation ...