2019 Lexus UX is the very first. It was revealed in March at the Geneva Auto Show and is placed below its NX model, in the subcompact segment. For urbanites, it means a package of cool design, easy mobility, and yes… funky fun! The UX indeed stands for ‘urban eXplorer’ and my meeting with the new Lexus began with a totally urban discovery!
The automated parking lot tucked into the earth under the Emirates Financial Towers in DIFC is usually inaccessible to visitors. There is a team of valet to take care of it, once you say au revoir to your car at the gates. This time, the guests were allowed to sit inside the car, watching all the robotic movement around, feeling one’s car – and oneself – being precisely scooped and silently shunted from one bay to another – before finally descending on the party like the spirit of ‘urban cool’ itself! And then, the car went its way doing what it normally does – finding a parking slot.
Just as the SUV segment is growing, the size of the crossover is reducing as well, once every few new launches. It’s like the new ones are trying squeeze into a suit-size between the sedan and hatchback within the crossover framework. The new Lexus UX does that nicely. WATCH THE VIDEO REVIEW.
As some cool entertainment numbers dimmed their lights, the digital presence of Mohammed Maktari, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Lexus filled the stage and talked to us, just before the car was unveiled and ‘Mak’ emerged in person. The first glimpse of the new Lexus UX makes you think that it is so gracefully poised and balances a robust crossover body with a glossy exterior (The brand calls this harmonious concept “Cross-Create”.) that a woman had to be behind this success. And that is the reality. Ms. Chika Kako, Executive Vice President of Lexus International has been the Chief Engineer on this project – the first woman to handle that role at Lexus. She says about the UX, “We designed the UX to appeal to young buyers who seek not only what is new and exciting, but also what is relevant to their lifestyles. I wanted to positively overturn the image of a crossover and offer a car with nimble performance and excellent maneuverability that makes it easy to drive like a sedan.” The first Global Architecture Compact platform of Lexus, shared by the Toyota C-HR, gives the UX a lower center of gravity emphasizing high agility, stability, and ride quality.
The 2019 Lexus UX
Powered by a new high-efficiency 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine, which is coupled with a new 10-speed Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (D-CVT), the UX delivers its power to the front wheels – 169 hp and 205 Nm of torque. Improving the driving character is a Drive Select controller with up to five modes.
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE TEST DRIVE
Lexus says this one of the most efficient engines with lower emissions (hang on as I wind up the technicals in two quick bursts.) – thanks to revolutionary laser-clad intake valve seats with an all-new intake port profile, D-4S direct plus port fuel injection and addition of a Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE) motor on the intake side.
What is interesting and unique is that the UX features a first gear before engaging the CVT. The technique uses a mechanical gearset to start from a standstill and accelerate, before handing over to the continuously variable transmission pulley system. So, the Lexus UX is able to deliver a direct, linear and immediate initial acceleration, while maintaining the CVT benefits from then on. This combo is a world first, claims Lexus. Another first is the aero ventilation design, which was developed to reduce air turbulence over the wheel surface.
Designer chic
The brand’s design direction is evident inside out while a commendable use of new material and innovative surfaces add emotion appeal to the new Lexus UX cabin. It starts with the latest iteration of the brand’s signature Spindle Grille that creates an intriguing three-dimensional appearance that keeps changing with the viewing angle.
The sleek and robust form continues into the sculpted surfaces and dramatically flared front and rear fenders. The large wheels are pushed to the corners while the most striking feature in the rear is the nighttime signature of the thin and wide strip of rear lamps, formed by a sequence of 120 LEDs.
The urban cool within
The refined informatics experience includes a 10.3 inch multimedia display, a 10.2-inch colored and adjustable head-up display (HUD), and a 7-inch color multi-information display (MID). Contemporary features like wireless charging, Lexus connect mobile application and a 2-zone independent temperature control system (Lexus Climate Concierge). Convenience comes in multi-adjustable power front seats, 60:40 split folding rear seats and a hands-free power trunk with a kick motion sensor.
The convenience of being compact
Lexus UX lives up to its ‘compact’ tag but there is enough space in the front and in the rear too, for not-so-tall passengers. While the boot space looks just enough for a city crossover, the option of having run flat tyres saves the stepney space and gives additional stowaway space under the false base.
Lexus UX Safety features
8 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Parking Support Alert (PKSA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Active Cornering Assist (ACA), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) – what is becoming the standard of safe urban driving is all there in the UX, and then some more!
The Lexus UX offers 13 distinctive exterior colors and two exclusive colors for the F SPORT version. The three sound out of this world: Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic, Blazing Carnelian Contrast Layering, and Celestial Blue Glass Flake. Interiors offer eight color combinations, with two newly developed combinations called Cobalt and White Ash, and, an F SPORT exclusive, Flare Red.
THREE GRADES OF LEXUS UX: UX 200 Premier for AED 150,000, UX 200 F Sport Prestige for AED 160,000 and UX 200 F Sport Platinum for AED 180,000 – inclusive of VAT. WATCH UAE’S FIRST TEST DRIVE VIDEO
Just as the reveal was unconventional and unusual, inspired by Japanese robotics, I like how Lexus has chosen to describe it – bold, young, upbeat, head turner. I couldn’t have said it better.
