Motoring

Luxury brands are nowhere these days without SUVs. And in 2019, they’re nowhere without a compact-SUV to tempt fashionconscious urban buyers, who don’t seem to mind paying big-car prices for small product as long as it has the right crossover look and feel.

Lexus sales are more than 70 per cent SUV in New Zealand, but to date it hasn’t had a baby model. That’s now changed in a big way with seven different variants of its all-new hatch-cum-SUV, the UX. Lexus talks about UX being based on a new global ‘‘GA-C’’ platform, but that’s just the Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA) by another name.

Specification levels are Lexusfamiliar: there’s a standard model, F Sport and Limited – the top one of the trio restricted to the 250h hybrid. All models are front-drive, save the option of ‘‘E-Four’’ AWD on that 250h Limited ($3000 extra).

So yes, there’s a fair bit of Corolla under there, including the UX 200’s petrol engine and CVT. Nothing that you can see or touch, of course, and in fact UX is also a little larger than the Corolla: same wheelbase, but 125mm longer and 105mm taller.

The UX could easily be a replacement for the Lexus CT200h hatchback – but it’s not. The CT will continue for another couple of years, below the UX at $51,690.

It’s a big step up from CT to the entry UX at $59,990, but that price is line-ball with the car’s European rivals and the Lexus is arguably the best-equipped car in the segment.

The entry 200 and 250h have 18-inch wheels, three drive modes, keyless entry/start, 10.3-inch display with sat-nav (still no Apple/Android phone projection though), heated front seats with 10-way adjustment for the driver (eight for the passenger), dualzone climate air conditioning and automatic wipers.

Lexus Safety System+ is also standard across the range, with all-speed adaptive cruise, blindspot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and autonomous braking. The system also includes daytime cyclist detection and night-time pedestrian recognition.

The F Sport adds a customisable drive mode, adaptive suspension, special wheels and trim, front-seat ventilation, leather-accented interior, shift paddles, head-up display and full LED lights with self-levelling.

The Limited is more luxuryfocused, with ‘‘paper textured’’

PHOTOS: DAVID LINKLATER/STUFF Chunky styling detail, says SUV, but the UX is more like a raised hatchback.

All models get the full Lexus Safety System+ suite of equipment, including adaptive cruise and pedestrian recognition. Lexus has been a bit brave with the UX colour palette. This is the top 250h Limited model.