LEXUS UX HATCHBACK 300h 2.0 Premium 5dr CVT

The Lexus UX has positioned Lexus optimally in the compact part of the mid-sized premium brand SUV sector. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the revised version

Ten Second Review

One of the market's most profitable segments at present is that for premium-branded mid-sized SUVs of the more compact sort. Lexus is a late-comer to this sector but in characteristic style, has brought something different to it in the form of this UX model.

Background

The UX competes directly against cars like the Volvo XC40, the Jaguar E-PACE, the Audi Q3, the BMW X1 and the Mercedes GLA. The angular Lexus NX, which previously represented the company against rivals such as these, has been repositioned a little further up-market as an alternative to slightly larger medium-sized models (think Audi Q5s and BMW X3s). So, does the UX stand a chance against such an army of fiercely talented competitors? Well the looks are certainly a little different to what's on offer elsewhere in this sector - and so is the core powertrain, a non-Plug-in petrol/electric hybrid. There's also an alternative UX 300e battery full-electric version available if you want it. Lexus believes that over 80% of buyers will never have owned one of the company's products before. Will they like this one? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

A few engineering changes have enhanced the handling of this revised UX. Steering feel has been improved with a redesigned rigid joint between the top of the steering gearbox mount and the suspension member, plus shock absorber damping force has been re-tuned. The 'F Sport' model now gets standard Adaptive Variable Suspension too. Otherwise, things are as before, which means that all models get 250h badging and use the same 2.0-litre self-charging full-Hybrid petrol engine, with fourth generation Lexus Hybrid technology and 181bhp on tap. So you can't plug it in but you will get exemplary fuel returns, even though this unit has to be had mated to electronic continuously variable transmission CVT auto transmission. It's available both with front-wheel drive and with Lexus's E-Four AWD system. Performance is good enough to take the car to 62mph in about 8.5s en route to 110mph. Lexus says that particular efforts have been made to reduce any "rubber band" effect in the operation of the hybrid system and transmission, by optimising the level of electric motor assistance and engine rpm to generate a sense of linear acceleration without the engine running at high revs. You'll still feel this issue a little though if you stab your right foot down. Handling's better than you might expect thanks to the impressively stiff GA-C global architecture platform. This model's surprisingly light for a Hybrid too, thanks to weight-saving measures in the body construction, including the use of lightweight aluminium for the side doors, wings and bonnet, as well as a resin material for the back door. The alternative version of this model is the all-electric UX 300e. This derivative now gets a larger 72.8kWh lithium-ion battery which powers a motor generating 201bhp, with 300Nm of almost instantly available torque which spears you away from rest like a hot hatch. 62mph from rest occupies 7.5s but top speed is limited to 100mph and you can use steering wheel paddleshifters to alter the level of braking regeneration. Driving range is much improved over the original old 54.3kWh battery model, now rated 84 miles higher at up to 280 miles.

Design and Build

Does this look like an SUV to you? For us, it's more of a family hatch than it is any kind of crossover - but maybe that's just the point. Lexus is trying to blur the boundaries here to make movement into this car from, say, a BMW 1 Series or an Audi A3 that much easier. From a stylistic point of view, the Japanese brand says that its aim with the UX wasn't to conform to the established, solid crossover look, but to achieve a strong and stylish silhouette that was more distinctive and dynamic. This design approach can be seen in the way the front and rear wings flare strongly outwards in relation to the car's basic form, which flows out from the lines of the spindle grille to envelop the cabin. At the front, the arrangement of the headlights and the spindle grille are incorporated into a deep, strong shape created by the hood and bumper to try and generate a sense of security. At the rear, a condensed styling treatment contrasts sharply with the flared wings to try and emphasise the UX's crossover qualifications. The UX measures 4,495mm long, 1,520mm high and 1,840mm wide and has a 2,640mm wheelbase. An 870mm couple distance ensures ample space for rear seat passengers in the surprisingly roomy cabin. The instrument panel has a low, unobtrusive design and the slim A-pillar mouldings have been shaped to improve visibility and give the kind of commanding outward view that is expected of a crossover. The key change made to this revised model lies with the adoption of Lexus' latest multimedia systems, which dispense with the previous much-criticised trackpad for control, using a touchscreen format instead; 8 or 12-inch monitors are fitted, size depending on chosen trim. All have sharper graphics, 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Adroid Auto' connectivity and "Hey Lexus" voice recognition, plus the larger display has built-in navigation. There's not a massive amount of rear seat room, but a couple of adults will be OK. Out back, the load area isn't huge - it's 791mm long - which means the front-driven version can take up to 320-litres loaded up to the tonneau cover; it's 283-litres with the E-FOUR variant and 367-litres with the UX 300e.

Market and Model

Both front and all-wheel drive versions of the UX 250h, are available and prices start at around £35,000 for the base UX model. An 'F Sport Design' grade has been added to the line-up, so you can have the look of sporty 'F Sport' trim at a lower price. As before, 'F-Sport' and top 'Takumi' variants complete the line-up. The base UX grade features a navigation system, dual-zone air conditioning, full-LED headlights, 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring and 17-inch alloys. All UX models get an improved Lexus Safety System+ package of camera-driven kit, which gains 'Intersection Turning Assist' and 'Curve Speed Reduction' as part of a wide range of features. Key features for the 'F Sport' include an 'F Sport'-themed sporty interior and exterior styling features, including 'F Sport' 18-inch alloy wheels and a front spindle grille, plus F Sport front seats with fabric and Tahara upholstery, pedals and steering wheel in the cabin. The specification also includes rear privacy glass, heated, power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Takumi, named in celebration of Lexus's skilled takumi craftsmen, offers smooth leather upholstery, integrated front seat ventilation, a bespoke Mark Levinson 13-speaker Premium Surround Sound system, a 10-inch multimedia display, a 360-degree camera, a driver's head-up display, a sunroof, a Blind Spot Monitor and a Rear Cross Traffic Alert with braking function system. Premium Pack and Premium Plus Pack options are available to add in more luxury. If you're interested in the all-electric UX 300e, prices start from just over £40,000 and there's a choice of standard, 'Premium Pack' and 'Takumi' variants.

Cost of Ownership

You might be approaching this UX wanting diesel-style returns from petrol power - and that's pretty much what you get. Let's look at the WLTP figures. Mated to front wheel drive, the Hybrid engine with the front-driven model delivers up to 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and up to 120g/km of CO2. For the E-FOUR AWD version, the figures are up to 47.1mpg and up to 136g/km. As you'd expect, to get the full benefit of the potential efficiency of this Lexus, you've got to do your part as a driver - and that means proactive use of the various modes and systems provided. You'll need to keep a very careful eye on the Hybrid system gauge that replaces the usual rev counter on the dash, making sure that the needle stays as often as possible in either of the blue 'Eco' or 'Charge' zones. Those in a frugal frame of mind will also want to keep an eye on the various graphical screens provided by the fascia's centre-dash colour monitor. Go to the 'Trip Information' part of its 'Vehicle' section and you'll find under 'Past Record' a screen that graphically shows your success - or otherwise - in terms of recently achieved frugality. Another option on this screen is the useful 'Energy Monitor', there to show at a glance at any time what's charging or being driven by what. The graphics for this are provided in simpler form as one of the selectable settings provided by the central instrument binnacle display screen. The alternative version of this car is the all-electric UX 300e, which now has a larger 72.8kWh battery offering a WLTP driving range of 279 miles and can be recharged from a 7kW garage wallbox in 7 hours.

Summary

You might wonder whether the market really needs another posh little SUV like this Lexus UX, but we would contend that this segment wasn't really complete until this premium Japanese brand entered it. True to form, this Oriental maker is the only one of the established players in this class to offer the option of self-charging full-Hybrid power and that in itself will be enough to garner this UX plenty of sales in a market where plenty of buyers want an alternative to diesel. Obvious rivals offer Plug-in Hybrid technology - strangely lacking here, an oversight that might in future look somewhat short-sighted. If you really must plug in your UX, you'll have to choose all-electric UX 300e variant, but that's pricey. So the standard UX 250h is the version to choose and if you'd like one, a better comparison point would be with an ordinary Focus-style family hatch rather than with any kind of SUV: this car is a Lexus CT200h replacement in all but name. Think of it in those terms and it makes plenty of sense. As Lexus models tend to do.

Body Glass

Acoustic windscreen

Front and rear one touch power windows, with anti-jam protection

Heat insulating glass

Light green UV reduction windows

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Rear wiper

Variable front intermittent wipers

Water repellent glass front side glass

Wiper blade

Brakes

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

BAS (Brake Assist System)

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)

Electric parking brake

Front wheel brake 16.5 inch discs

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Rear wheel brake - 16inch discs

Secondary Collision Brake (SCB)

TRC (Traction Control)

Carpets/Rugs

Textile carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Coil spring suspension front and rear

Front performance rod

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Communication

Apple car play/Android Auto

Bluetooth mobile connectivity

E-call

Smartphone integration wireless Apple car play and wired Android Auto

Wireless Smartphone charger

Driver Aids

Front and rear smart entry

Functional module switch for driver seat

Handsfree power back door

Parking assist monitor with on-screen guard

Push button start

Tailgate

Driver Convenience

Blind spot monitoring (BSM) with Rear cross traffic alert and auto brake (RCTAB)

Drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport)

Driver monitoring system

Electric power steering (EPS) with speed sensitive features

Emergency steering assist

Front and rear parking sensor with intelligent clearance sonar

Front bicyclist detection

Front motorcycle rider detection daytime

Front pedestrian detection

Lane change flasher function

Lane tracing assist

Lexus safety system + 3

LSS+3 includes dynamic radar cruise control, pre collision system, lane departure alert, emergency driving stop, proactive driving assist and OTA

Pre-crash system

Predictive efficiency drive

Reversing camera

Road sign assist

Traffic sign recognition

Driver Information

Analogue clock with GPS function

Digital speedometer

Fully digital 7" combimeter, multi-information display

Intersection turn assist

Lexus link connect with cloud based navigation and 8" touchscreen display

Remote touch interface

Trip computer

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming driver's door mirror

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Black and body-coloured outer mirror cover

Electric adjustable with auto folding, reverse tilt, aspherical and heated door mirrors

Landing shibo door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Gloss black instrument panel inlay

Japanese washi paper dashboard

Satin paint front centre console

Entertainment

2 front USB C and 2 rear USB C charging points

6 speakers premium audio system

AM/FM and DAB radio

AUX socket with VTR compatibility

Glass integrated antenna

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

USB Type-A in front centre armrest

Exterior Body Features

Aero stabilising arch mouldings

Body adhesive, laser screw welding and laser brazed roof structure

Body colour roof drip mouldings

Body coloured door handles

Body coloured roof spoiler

Chrome bumper and grille garnish

Chrome door belt moulding

Chrome moulding side windows frame

Chrome plated rear badge - UX 300h

L mesh signature grille

Lexus chrome plated rear badge

Paint protection film

Rear bumper

Rear side wing doors

Resin rear scuff plates

Resin scuff plates front doors

Shark fin antenna

Shark fin roof aerial

Silver roof rails

Single hidden exhaust pipe

Exterior Lights

3 flash lane change indicators

Active brake lights

Aero stabilising rear lights

Aero ventilated wheels

Auto headlights

Automatic flashing hazard rear headlights (FHL) and safe exit assist (SEA)

Dusk sensor

Follow me home lights

Halogen front indicator lights

LED daytime running lights

LED front fog lights

LED headlights with automatic high beam

LED rear combination tail lights

LED rear fog light

LED third brake light

Side indicator lights integrated into door mirrors

Static auto headlight levelling

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air recirculation control

Clean air filter and pollen removal mode

Dual zone electronic climate control

Nanoe-X Technology

Rear air vents with 2 USB chargers

Remote climate control

S-Flow technology for climate control

Interior Features

12V socket in front

12V socket in luggage compartment

2 cup holders in the front and rear centre console

2 x folding shopping bag hooks in boot

3 spoke leather steering wheel

4 x tie down hooks in the boot

Black roof lining

Card holder installed in driver and passengers sun visors

Centre armrest with storage

Driver and passenger door pocket

Driver side resin footrest

Front console armrest in tahara trim

Glovebox

Integral knee pads for front centre console

Leather gear lever

LED glove box light

Luggage cover manually folding

Premium fabric upholstery

PVC pedals

Rear center armrest

Stabilisers

Storage tray under audio panel

Tahara door panel finish

Tahara meter hood

Tilt/reach adjustable steering column

Touch Screen Cloth

Under deck storage

Under desk side storage

Interior Lights

Illuminated entry system

LED boot light

LED Door courtesy lights

LED interior illumination

Safety

2 x Isofix child rear seat restraints

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

Driver and front passenger 2 stage airbag

Driver and front passenger knee airbag

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Electric child locks

Front adjustable seatbelt anchor points

Front and rear curtain shield airbags

Front and rear seatbelt audible and visual warning indicator

Front outer seatbelt+pre-tensioners,force limiter+tension reduction: 3-point with active safety link to PCS

Passenger airbag cut-off device

Rear outer seatbelt+pre-tensioners,force limiter+tension reduction: 3-point with active safety link to PCS,Centre belt w/o pre tensioner+force limiter

Tailgate push button release

Tyre pressure warning

Seats

2 way manually adjustable front headrests

2 way manually adjustable rear headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

6 way driver and passenger manually adjustable front seats

60/40 split folding rear seat

Heated front seats

i-Size attachment outer rear seats

Map pockets in the rear of passenger's front seat

Single front passenger seat

Security

2 x remote key fobs

Anti theft system ultra wideband : Alarm instruction sensor,glass breakage sensor and engine immobiliser,Tilt sensor and intrusion sensor

Intrusion sensor

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central door locking

Smart start system

Speed sensitive auto door locking

Tilt sensors

Two motion door lock with double lock

Ultra wide band security

Ultra wide band smart key

VIN Window etching

Wireless door lock

Towing

750kg towing capacity

Towing preparation

Vanity Mirrors

2 x sun visors with vanity mirror and lamp

Wheels

Lexus high centre ornament

Resin moulding wheel arches

Wheels - Alloy

17" 5 wide spoke black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.6

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.224

HC: 0.012

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 64

NOx: 0.002

Particles: 0.0002

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 113

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 119

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 113

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 145

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 151

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 144

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 99

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 105

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 98

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 99

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 103

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 98

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 89

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 95

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 89

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1987

Compression Ratio: 14.0:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 80.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 97.6

Engine Code: M20A-FXS

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: 16

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 4.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 4.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 4.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 3.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 4.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 56.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 56.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - High: 64.2

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 61.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 65.7

WLTP - MPG - Low: 64.2

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 62.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 65.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 72.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 67.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 72.4

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Badge Power: 199

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: h

Coin Series: Premium

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: 24E

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

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): 8.1

Engine Power - BHP: 199

Engine Power - KW: 146

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 140

Engine Torque - MKG: 19.4

Engine Torque - NM: 190

Engine Torque - RPM: 4400

Top Speed: 110

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: 5 wide spoke

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1540

Length: 4495

Wheelbase: 2640

Width: 1840

Width (including mirrors): 2080

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 43

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2110

Max. Loading Weight: 615

Max. Roof Load: 75

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1495

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.4

Exterior Body Features

Special metallic paint

Packs

Black design pack - UX

Chrome design pack - UX

Protection film pack - UX

Protection plus Pack - UX

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Graphite black

Metallic - Nova white

Metallic - Terrane khaki

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Sonic copper

Special metallic - Sonic grey

Special metallic - Sonic platinum

Special metallic - Sonic titanium

Trim - Cloth

Premium fabric - Black

Premium fabric - Hazel