Lexus Mzansi has launched a compact SUV that will definitely make waves with the “Millenials” and the young at heart (Yes, that’s to you +40-year-olds who love life).
It’s certainly stylish in design with the spindle grille dominating the front. The grille now features a new 3D mesh pattern that gradually changes shape depending on which side you view it from. The Lexus logo still features upfront with arrowhead LED daytime lights placed below the full LED headlights. Side air intakes are placed on the lower parts of the bumper with integrated fog-lamps.
The side is dominated by wedge-shaped lines that give a very unique and dynamic look, a design that should stand out in traffic. Wheel arch surrounds come in black with standard 18-inch wheels for all models differing in design depending on model spec. Matt accent roof rails hint at the urban lifestyle.
The rear features dynamic curved rear LED lights linked by a strip running the full length of the rear. The shape of the rear lights also aids aerodynamics as they act like wings on the tip of the design. The side wheel arch surrounds extend to the lower, black part of the rear bumper creating a two-tone rear SUV look on the lower mouldings. The F Sport models add aggression to the design for those that want to stand out even more. The F Sport features unique design accents in the front, side, wheels and rear of the UX.
Inside its typical Lexus with high-quality materials used around the cabin. The Lexus interior DNA seems to be the use of curves on the interior layout. The large infotainment screen (7-inch standard and 10.25-inch on F Sport) takes centre stage in the dashboard and its controlled via Lexus’s Remote Touch Interface with haptic feedback designed to feel as familiar to use as a smartphone. The LCD instrument cluster comes in 7-inch (EX and Hybrid) showing driving information including Hybrid power delivery.
The F Sport features an 8-inch LCD cluster with movable meter ring. Controls for the driving modes and traction control are placed just above the instrument cluster in a design similar to the LFA supercar. Leather seats are manual for the EX and feature electric adjustment with memory for the Hybrid and F Sport. Interior space is designed to house 4 to 5 adults in comfort.
An 8 speaker premium sound comes standard on the EX whilst the Hybrid and F Sport come with a 13 speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound. LED ambient lighting and wireless mobile charging are some of the features the millennials will love about Lexus’s compact SUV.
Powering the UX range is a 2.0-litre normally aspirated petrol engine. In the EX and F Sport, its credited with 126kW/205Nm for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 9.2 seconds, a maximum speed of 190 km/h. Its fuel efficiency is claimed at 6.1-litres/100km combined. The Hybrid model links the 2.0-litre engine with electric power for a combined output of 135kW for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.5 seconds, a maximum speed of 177 km/h (governed). Its fuel efficiency is claimed at 4.5-litres/100km combined. There is an EV mode which allows the electric motor to drive the UX at slow speeds with the engine coming in seamlessly when more power is needed. All models come standard with a CVT automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
The Lexus UX models retail from R599 000 for the EX grade, R699 000 for the Hybrid 250h SE and R726 200 for the F Sport. The entire UX range boasts a Lexus best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicle service intervals are at every 15 000km, alternatively once a year.
Interested in getting into the driver’s seat of the latest Lexus UX? WesBank is the leading vehicle and asset finance company in Mzansi and is the best way to get your dream car today. Get finance packages that suit your pocket thus allowing you to enjoy a dream motoring experience. For this vehicle, you will pay between R11 803 and R14 289 per month for 72 Months, 0 Deposit, 0 Residual at 12% *Interest.
*(Interest used is for illustration purposes, each individual application yields its own interest rate depending on the customer profile)