LEXUS OFFERING VERSATILE LUXURY
Hybrid version smart way to go with new subcompact crossover sporting rosy future
STOCKHOLM With the sales of compact crossovers rising faster than the price of gas, Lexus has decided to get in on the action.
The company’s latest is the Urban X-over (crossover) or UX aimed at those who enjoy versatile luxury.
Stylistically, it has an inyour-face look with available triple LED headlights and sharp creases everywhere; it’s destined to stand out in a crowded market.
The starting point is the UX 200. It arrives with an all-new 2.0-litre engine that pushes 168 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque through the front wheels, and a direct-shift continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The direct-shift part is found in a mechanical first gear. Its use allows more torque to be fired through the transmission on take off because there’s no risk of slipping the steel drive belt.
Once out of first gear, it functions like any other CVT, including having pre-determined shift points when the gas pedal is mashed. The shifts mimic a regular automatic, which dispenses with the annoying “motorboating ” feeling that’s the bane of most CVTs.
The second — and better — choice is the UX 250h hybrid. It uses the same 2.0-L engine, but is tuned to run on the Atkinson cycle, and paired to two electric motors along with a 24-kilowatt nickel-metal hydride battery.
The second electric motor drives the rear wheels, which gives the UX 250h all-wheel drive (eAWD). The rear motor is a straight induction unit; it reduces the drag effect caused by a permanent magnet motor, which improves fuel economy.
The combination delivers a net system output of 175 hp.
Lexus didn’t specify exact torque but, based on the drive, the electric input gives the UX 250h a stronger launch and better mid-range when compared to the UX 200. It also has a better tonal quality.
For the record, the UX 200 takes 9.2 seconds to run from rest to 100 km/ h; the AWD UX 250h cuts that to 8.7 seconds. More impressive is the hybrid’s economy. On the test route, it returned an average of 6.1 L/100 kilometres. That’s good by any standard and exceptional for a ride with all-wheel-drive.
Lexus’ Drive Mode Select feature is standard on the UX.
It offers Normal mode for everyday city driving and Eco for those chasing the best fuel economy, while Sport delivers a quicker throttle response and sharper driving characteristics.
It was the most fun, although it’s a little too hyper for city use.
In other parts of the world, the UX will be offered with two suspension configurations.
The base setup uses conventional springs and dampers.
The ride is cushioned and it does a good job of controlling body roll without giving up on ride comfort; the platform’s stiffness certainly helps here. Throw in the sharp steering and the tester’s P225/50R18 tires and the UX actually drives more like a compact hatchback than it does a crossover. Such is its nimbleness when pushed down a twisty road.
The second suspension setup uses adaptive damping. It did a better overall job of keeping things on the level.
The test cars equipped with this suspension displayed less roll and had better steering feel. Sadly, all of this is moot because Canada will not get the adaptive suspension, which is a pity.
An F Sport package is offered on both the gas and hybrid models. It brings a stronger look, a better sport-tuned suspension and nicer 18-inch wheels. Inside, it adds a larger instrument cluster, bolder front seats and an F Sport steering wheel.
Regardless of whether it’s the gas or hybrid model, the package adds to the UX’s overall appeal; it has a more planted feel and it’s faster to respond to driver input.
The cabin is a classy affair with top-class materials, the usual Lexus fit-and-finish and excellent seats, especially those in the F- Sport. As for the infotainment, the UX uses Lexus’ Remote Touch Interface (RTI) to access the various functions. While a little finicky in operation, it finally works with Apple CarPlay.
The back seat is up to snuff for a compact ride, but if the driver is tall, leg room shrinks quickly.
With the 60/40 split/folding seats upright, the UX accommodates 486 litres of space.
The only real difference between the gas and hybrid derivatives boils down to the size of the under-floor storage. It is generous in the gas model, but tight in the hybrid.
Finally, the UX arrives with a full suite of safety equipment.
Lexus Safety System Plus — which includes adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision alert system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with keep assist and automatic high beams — comes standard along with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
While the Lexus UX is based on the same platform as the Toyota C-HR, it’s a very different ride that has been given the full Lexus treatment. The UX has a rosy future. There’s quality throughout and the intriguing hybrid powertrain delivers perky performance and excellent fuel economy. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date later this year.