LEXUS LBX HATCHBACK 1.5 Takumi Design 5dr E-CVT

The Lexus LBX is a small premium SUV that should rejuvenate its brand. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Lexus always needed a breakthrough model to attract new generation of younger customers. Here it is, the LBX. Surprisingly, it's not an EV. That's because it's based on Toyota's Yaris Cross, which uses a full-Hybrid drivetrain. But Lexus has re-imagined that design in a far more premium manner.

Background

So. The Lexus LBX. Is it merely a Toyota Yaris Cross with a premium badge? Or the properly Lexus-engineered small entry-level model the company has always needed? Perhaps it doesn't matter. This car, a self-charging full-Hybrid designed in Europe for Europe, is the model that will really push its brand forward. In the past, we've always rather respected Lexus for not simply re-badging a small Toyota and creating a big-selling entry model that would rack up sales but diminish its brand. The closest the company came to that was with the Prius-based CT200h hatch, sold between 2011 and 2020, but that was still very much its own car, fundamentally re-engineered for 'Lexus-ness'. Which is pretty much what we have here with the LBX. Yes, all the basic engineering is borrowed from the Yaris Cross, but much has also been re-engineered so that this car feels like a Lexus. And those letters? Some at the brand say they stand for 'Lexus Breakthrough Crossover'; others that the 'L' is for Lexus, the 'B' for the B-SUV segment that this car competes in and the 'X' again references crossover status. Call it what you like though: it's the most important car the company has launched for a decade.

Driving Experience

The LBX isn't quite the re-badged Toyota Yaris Cross we'd feared we might get here. Yes, this car shares that model's compact GA-B platform (the first Lexus to use it) and the same basic 1.5-litre Hybrid engine, but quite a bit's been done to give this model what the brand calls the 'Lexus Driving Signature'. There's a much wider track for sharper handling, the light steering gets its own bespoke tune, the front suspension has a more rigid and lightweight MacPherson strut-type design, the CVT auto gearbox has been re-worked to deliver a more linear feel and a 'Vehicle Posture Control' system has been added that automatically uses the brakes to reduce pitching through turns. Pleasingly for a Lexus, lots of effort has also been put into refinement and the overall result is a level of journeying quietness that's probably class-leading, another thing that might encourage you to attempt longer journeys in an LBX than you ordinarily might in this class of car. We mentioned the engine. It's as frugal as you'd expect a Toyota Hybrid to be but this VVT-iE unit isn't quite the same as the one you'll find in the comparable Yaris Cross, gaining a new Hybrid Control System. This harnesses 134bhp (4bhp more than the fastest version of the equivalent Yaris Cross) courtesy of a more powerful motor driven by a new high-output nickel-metal hydride bi-polar battery shared with the larger Lexus RX and sited beneath the rear bench. The brand claims that this set-up gives sparkier performance than the equivalent Toyota, though the stats don't really show that, 62mph being dispatched here in 9.2s en route to the car's modest 106mph maximum. That's for the front-driven model we're trying here. With top spec, Lexus is also offering a minority-interest E-Four AWD version which gets an extra motor on the rear axle and needs 9.6s for the benchmark sprint.

Design and Build

As with the engine, the fundamental design here is not quite the carry-over concept it first seems. Yes, the TNGA-B platform is borrowed from the Yaris Cross, but it's wheelbase has been stretched by 20mm over that car. Which means that, though this is indeed the smallest Lexus ever, it's still a little bigger than its Toyota cousin, 4,190mm long, 1,825mm wide and 1,545mm high. If you know the Lexus brand though, what you'll probably notice first about the LBX is that it dispenses with the company's most familiar visual trademark, the front 'spindle'-style grille. A lower section of mesh replaces it, with a narrow strip above including a trim piece linking the LED headlights. The designers say the result is 'instantly recognisable as a Lexus': we're not so sure. At the rear, there's a full-width LED light bar. Wheel sizes are either 17 or 18-inches. The cabin is satisfyingly Lexus-like, with plenty of super-soft plastics and stitched leather in evidence, though lower quality materials still feature lower down. The technology's of the premium kind too, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an optional head-up display and a 9.8-inch 'Lexus Link Connect' centre screen. Storage space is okay, with one cup holder in front of the NX-style gear selector and another behind, under an armrest that slides out and tilts to reveal another stowage area. Getting into the rear isn't as easy as it could be and space in the back is certainly at a premium: adults won't want to be stuck here for long and you don't get either seat pockets or cup holders. Boot space is just about acceptable at 402-litres in the front-driven model, but bear in mind that this drops to 317-litres in the E-Four AWD variant, thanks to its extra motor beneath the floor.

Market and Model

Think in terms of an asking price starting from around £30,000 for this LBX, the objective being to compete with class rivals like the Volvo XC40 and the Audi Q3. That base figure gets you entry-level 'Urban' trim. Beyond that, there's are 'Premium', 'Premium Plus', 'Premium Plus Design', 'Takumi', 'Takumi Design' and 'Original Edition' grades with prices up to £40,000. The brand thinks it will sell around 25,000 LBXs a year. Lexus is offering the car with a choice of four what it calls 'atmospheres' - basically trim packs that change the look and feel of the car. 'Elegant' gives you a leather-free cabin and 18-inch alloy wheels. 'Relax' focuses on what the company calls "luxurious elements and premium style". 'Emotion' would be your variant of choice if you wanted your LBX to have a sporty look, giving you a bi-tone roof. And finally, 'Cool' builds on the 'Emotion' model's urban sporty vibe with a little extra luxury. Lexus is also using the LBX to introduce a 'Bespoke Build' programme which enables customers to personalise their cars through customising things like stitching colours, different material colours and textures - even different-coloured seat belts. As usual with a Lexus, top models get an upgraded Mark Levinson stereo. Other features fitted further up the range include Lexus's digital keyless entry system, air purification technology and a head-up display. Fortunately, safety isn't in any way optional, all LBX models getting Lexus' very complete 'Safety System+' package. This gives you 'Collision warning with autonomous braking', 'Blind spot monitoring', 'Cross traffic alert', 'Adaptive cruise control', 'Lane assist' and Lexus' 'e-latch' door release and safe exit-release technology that prevents passengers from opening their doors into the path of an approaching vehicle or cyclist.

Cost of Ownership

Expect similar efficiency figures to those of a Yaris Cross, which means that with a front-driven LBX, you'd be looking at up to 62.7mpg on the combined cycle and up to 102g/km of CO2. Expect those figures to take a bit of a hit if you go for the slightly heavier E-Four AWD version (to 58.8mpg and 110g/km). As with the Toyota, Lexus expects this car to run for up to 80% of its time in electric mode during city driving. The full-Hybrid engine's intrinsic efficiency should help a lot with future residual values. There'll be a ready stream of customers wanting that on the used market when the time comes to sell, most of these people well aware that Lexus Hybrids have an enviable record for reliability. On to after-sales cover. It's worth pointing out that Lexus gives you a much better warranty than the limited three year one you'll get with most premium rivals. From the showroom, the car comes with a three year warranty, but providing you continue to regularly maintain it at a one of the brand's franchised dealerships, 12 months of extra warranty cover will be included with every scheduled service, up to 100,000 miles or ten years, whichever comes first. Fixed price servicing plans are available if you want to spread the cost of maintenance, allowing you to spread the cost over two years or more. However you go about paying for maintenance, on an LBX it shouldn't cost you too much. The Hybrid set-up has a good record for minimising tyre wear and its battery will last the life of the car. Plus the regenerative braking set-up helps extend the life of the brake pads: over 60,000 miles of driving, the front pads should only need replacing once, while the rear pads and all discs will probably last the full distance.

Summary

Lexus says it wasn't trying to make a cheaper car here: just a smaller one. However you define this LBX model's role, it could hardly be more important to its maker, opening up an entirely new segment for the brand and likely to account for nearly a third of the company's sales going forward. Even more importantly, over half of those sales are expected to be conquested from other brands. It all makes you wonder why Lexus didn't bring us a car like this sooner. Of course it tried to with the CT200h, but that model was too quirky and a little too expensive to sell in the kind of numbers the Japanese maker wanted. This LBX will do much better; an admirable second car if you already own a Lexus. But also one that deserves to be considered on its own merits.

Body Glass

Acoustic glass (front side and windshield glass)

Front and rear electric windows

Front windscreen de-icer

Glass breaking sensor

One touch electric front/rear windows

Privacy UV glass, rear doors and tailgate

Rain sensing wipers

Rear wiper

Wet arm wipers

Brakes

Active Traction Control (TRC)

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Electronic parking brake

Electronic Stability Programme

Electronically controlled braking regeneration

Front wheel brake - 15inch discs

Hill assist control

Rear wheel brake - 15inch discs

Chassis/Suspension

Predictive efficient drive

Vehicle dynamic integrated management (VDIM)

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Communication

Bluetooth connectivity

Lexus link connected services

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto

Wireless Smartphone charger

Driver Aids

Active Noise Control

Front and rear smart entry

Push button start

Tailgate electric lift and close

Tailgate height memory function

Driver Convenience

Electric power steering

Emergency driving stop system

EV mode

Extended Lexus safety system+ 3 includes blind spot monitor, safe exit assist, camera washer and rear cross traffic alert

Front and rear parking sensors with intelligent clearance sensor

Front Cross Traffic Alert with Auto-Brake

Intelligent park assist

Lane change assist

Lane change flasher function

Lexus safety systems+ 3 includes dynamic radar cruise control, pre collision system day and night, lane tracing assist, road sign assist

Panoramic view monitor

Pre-collision system with driver monitor

Rear pedestrian detection

Rear view camera

Driver Information

12.3" Digital instrument binnacle

Cloud navigation

Digital speedometer with high-definition

e-Call (emergency call)

Head up Display

Multi info display

Tachometer/Hybrid system indicator

Trip meter

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Black outer mirror cover with black ornament

Electric adjustable/heated/auto folding door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Rear quarter panel in Piano black

Satin paint door inlays

Suede door panel finish

Entertainment

1 USB (Type-C) charging ports in bottom of the instrument panel

1 USB (Type-C) multimedia communication ports in bottom of the instrument panel

1 USB (Type-C) ports inside front console box

2 USB (Type-C) ports for charging in rear

AM/FM and DAB radio

Lexus Link Connect with 9.8" Touchscreen

Mark Levinson sound system with 13 speaker

Rear side monitor

Steering wheel mounted controls

Exterior Body Features

Black door belt moulding

Black resin rocker panel

Black wheel arches

Chrome bumper and grille garnish

Chrome plated rear badge LBX

Full body colour bumpers

Power back door without kick function

Rear bumper with hidden exhaust

Rear side wing doors

Roof spoiler

Shark fin antenna

Silver plated unified grille

Silver stainless steel moulding side windows frames

Exterior Lights

Active brake lights

Auto headlights

Auto levelling headlights

Automatic rear flashing hazard lights

Cornering light

LED 3rd brake light

LED daytime running lights

LED front fog lights

LED front indicators

LED rear fog light

LED rear lights

Side indicator lights integrated into door mirrors

Single bulb LED headlights with adaptive high beam system

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air recirculation control

Clean air filter with pollen removal and deodoriser

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Humidity sensor for climate control

Nanoe-X Technology

PTC heater

Rear air vents

Remote climate control

Interior Features

12V accessory connector in front console box

12V socket in front and rear

3 spoke leather trimmed steering wheel

Aluminium scuff plates

Armrest with sliding cup holder

Black roof lining

Black steering wheel and gearshift knob

Centre armrest with storage

Cup holder in centre console

Driver and passenger door pocket

Front centre console in Wood grain finish

Glovebox

Heated steering wheel

Leather and Ultrasuede upholstery with copper stitching

Leather gear lever

Leather steering wheel

Luggage cover manually folding

Manually multi adjustable steering column

Organ type accelerator pedal

Sequential shift and paddles

Storage tray under audio panel and lower tray

Suede fabric upholstered knee pads on front centre console

Touch Sensor Buttons on Steering Wheel

Tsuyasumi interior ornamentaion

Under deck storage

Interior Lights

Illuminated entry system (cabin, footwell, console and door handles)

LED light in luggage compartment

Multi colour ambient lighting

Safety

2 x Isofix child rear seat restraints

3 point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) front seat belt with pretensioners

3x3 point rear seat belts

Adjustable seatbelt anchor points

AVAS - Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System

Black seat belts

Driver and front passenger side airbags

Driver and front passenger single stage airbags

Driver and passenger seatbelt not fastened - visual and audible warning

Driver knee airbag

E-Latch electric door release

Front and rear curtain shield airbags

Front centre airbag

Manual rear child locks

Passenger airbag cut-off switch

Safety kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Seat Piping/Additional Trimming

Hatched embroidery on seatback, cushion, and bolsters

Seats

2 way manually adjustable front headrests

2 way manually adjustable rear headrests

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

3 rear headrests

6 way adjustable front passenger seat

60/40 split folding rear seat

8 way electrically adjustable front seats

Driver's lumbar support

Driving position memory for 3 users (seat, steering wheel & door mirrors)

Front headrests

Heated front seats

Memory function for driver seat

Single passenger seat

Sport front seats

Security

Alarm/anti-theft (with siren and 2 sensors)

Auto door locking when driving

Double door lock

E-latch door lock system

Engine immobiliser

Intrusion sensor

Smart keyless entry

Thatcham approved locking wheel nuts

Tilt sensors

Two motion door lock with double lock

VIN etching

Wireless door lock

Towing

Trailer sway control

Wheels

Resin moulding wheel arches

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1

Battery Type: Nickel-Metal Hydride

Emissions - ICE

Noise Level dB(A): 66

NOx: 0.0086

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 104

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 107

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 104

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 135

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 141

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 135

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 91

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 93

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 91

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 86

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 88

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 86

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 81

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 83

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 81

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1490

Compression Ratio: 14.0:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 3

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 80.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 97.6

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Fuel Delivery: INJECTION

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: 12

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 4.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 4.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 3.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 3.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 3.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 3.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 3.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 3.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 61.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 60.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 61.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 47

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 45.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 47

WLTP - MPG - High: 70.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 68.8

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 70.6

WLTP - MPG - Low: 74.3

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 72.4

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 74.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 78.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 76.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 78.4

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Badge Power: 136

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: N

Coin Series: Takumi Design

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 25E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 82

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 79

NCAP Safety Assist %: 76

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.2

Engine Power - BHP: 136

Engine Power - KW: 100

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 89

Engine Torque - MKG: 12.2

Engine Torque - NM: 120

Engine Torque - RPM: 3600

Top Speed: 106

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/55 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/55 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: N

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1560

Length: 4190

Wheelbase: 2580

Width: 1825

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 36

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1755

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 994

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 402

Max. Loading Weight: 475

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 650

Minimum Kerbweight: 1280

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.4

Exterior Body Features

Bi-tone Metallic paint

Bi-tone special metallic paint

Packs

Essential protection pack - LBX

Protection+ pack - LBX

Paint - Special

Bi-tone metallic - Cement grey

Bi-tone metallic - Dark blue

Bi-tone metallic - Silver

Bi-tone solid - Passionate yellow

Bi-tone special metallic - Ruby

Bi-tone special metallic - Sonic copper

Bi-tone special metallic - Sonic grey

Bi-tone special metallic - Sonic white

Trim - Leather

Leather and Ultrasuede - Black and Dark Grey with copper stitching

Wheels - Alloy

18" Black machined alloy wheels