PHILIPPINE ARRIVAL
placement. When viewed from outside the vehicle, the hood appears to connect directly to the instrument panel through the windshield, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior,” reports the company in a statement. The field of vision is something personally noticed and lauded by Toyota head Akio Toyoda himself, said Ms. Kako in response to a question from BusinessWorld.
The UX highlights a so-called “seat-in-control” concept where critical vehicle functions are collected in the driver’s side of the cabin, and the seatback shape allows the driver to operate them while maintaining a comfortable, natural posture. A three-spoke steering wheel and analog clock are exclusive touches previously seen in the Lexus LS flagship. The UX also receives the Lexus Climate Concierge which used to be confined to more premium models. This “automatically links heating and cooling airflow with the heated and ventilated seats to optimize interior temperature comfort.”
The UX is expected to be launched in the Philippines within the year, with final local specifications still pending. But
the test units made available boast two main power plants. Powering the UX 200 variant is a 2.0-liter, inline-four engine delivering 168 hp and 205 Nm — mated to a new Direct-Shift CVT which “combines the smooth, fuel-efficient performance of a continuously variable transmission with a more direct driving feel.” The UX 250h, armed with a “new new-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive power train with 175 total system horsepower… the UX 250h is not only the fuel efficiency leader in the UX family, but also the performance leader. This hybrid provides exhilarating driving with high-speed responsiveness and a feeling of smooth, natural acceleration. The UX 250h is available with either front-wheel drive or E Four electric all-wheel drive.”
Driving the F-Sport-specification variant on a pre-programmed short loop here past suburban sections and pristine highways, the UX yielded healthy power on demand — with the Direct-Shift CVT providing motivation without the deadened feel common to some conventional CVT systems. Key controls are indeed within reach of the driver, and one will not be overwhelmed with an assortment of controls. Rather, the UX rewards enthusiasm and sense of discovery with intuitive controls — such as the new scroll wheels just at the tip of the central driver armrest.
Mr. Nordstrom revealed that Lexus envisions the UX as appealing to “loyal Lexus owner looking for a crossover alternative to their sedan,” those who want to “downsize their SUV, upgrade from mass-market brand, or [simply] change their luxury brand.” It’s also generally a younger set — an “even mix of male and female customers in their 30s, with an average household income of $110,000.” These “urban explorers” are “stylish, tech savvy and seeking experiences [as] they make the most of their time and opportunities.”