LEXUS UX HYBRID EX
The Targa story. That could easily pass as a title to a coffee book of sorts regarding the semi-open top version of the perennial sports car, the Porsche 911. And, indeed, there is method to the madness that is the 911 Targa. Being the third body style af
First, though, I’ll clarify the lettering extensions in its name. The 250 implies that this is the most powerful engine configuration that is available in the range thanks to the hybrid-engine (h). The ‘EX,’ and this is the part that is always infinitely confusing for me, means that it’s the least specified trim within the UX range.
LUXURY OR PERFORMANCE
Now stark contrasts it might be, considering that ‘most powerful’ and ‘least luxurious’ don’t often go hand-in-hand – or in sentences come to think of it… In any case, after the local launch of the UX (yes that’s the car and not a trim level) I had my share of opinions on the matter of engine vs specifications etcetera.
When I had the UX 200 F Sport car on test, I wrote in Driven that “the interior is class-leading” and that “the engine might not be all that awe-inspiring with the hybrid powertrain being our choice of the lot”. But in real-world terms, there was a problem: you could have the UX 200 EX which is quite unLexus considering it’s the least powerful engine (126 kW and 205 Nm) with the most basic trim. Or you could fork out another R100,000 for the UX 250h SE that has mid-range levels of equipment but the most powerful engine. The other, and most expensive option, on the table is full-fat Lexus-like luxury with that 200 engine but at a price point of nearly R800,000.
And while luxury is all grand, most of the expensive features like the driver’s side electric seat memory function is just nice to have. A more powerful engine to go with the CVT gearbox, though, well that’s slightly more important than a seat or a mirror remembering where it should go in my opinion.
A CLEVER APPROACH
Which is why Lexus is now offering its most powerful hybrid engine in the EX that is the most basic of all the trims. And from an observer’s point of view, I think this might just be the perfect combination considering the uncertainty of our economy. Standard fare includes Park Distance Control with a standard reversing camera (not the bird’s-eye view that comes with the pricier trims),
There are many phrases that I deem apt to describe the South African launch of the Lexus UX 250h EX. ‘Less is more’ is one such axiom that I consider completely appropriate, to sum up the newest crossover derivative for the Japanese marque.
Drive Mode Select (Normal, Eco and Sport), Cruise Control, navigation … the list goes on.
In terms of niceties, it’s also not lacking with a choice of five different synthetic leather choices, the Lexus Remote Touch Interface as well as an eightspeaker sound system.
On the exterior front, the UX 250h EX comes with 18” wheels, Daytime Running-Lights and a choice of 11 different paint schemes.
According to Lexus Sales and Marketing Vice President, Glenn Crompton: “Expanding the UX 250h line-up was a natural extension for the Lexus newbie, which has been a sales driver in the local market for the brand. Lexus has furthermore enjoyed a good market share for hybrid sales over the last year. In 2019 Lexus commanded a 39% market share of all hybrid and electric sales in the premium sector.”
LAST WORD
The engine, which is also the headline grabber on this model, is the 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 107 kW and 180 Nm of torque that is supplemented by the hybrid motor that takes the system output to 135 kW
Ultimately, though, this might just be the push Lexus needs to convert all the great qualities this crossover has, however pricey, into signatures on the dotted line.
So yes, less is more I expect.
Harking back to 1965, the inception of the Targa (named after Porsche’s victories in the Targa Floria races) was born out by the company wanting to introduce in the US market, an open-top version of the 911. However, due to stricter safety regulations in that market, a conventional convertible would not have passed legislation and thus, to overcome this, the Targa came fitted as standard with a unique full roll hoop to increase the vehicle’s overall structural rigidity and safety in the event of a rollover situation. And thus, the Targa was born and the roll hoop a signature hallmark of each succeeding model – save for the 993 and 996 models that had a sliding glass roof instead.
LATEST MODEL
Based on the latest 992 generation 911, the latest Targa continues the unique design. The distinguishing feature of the Targa remains its innovative, fully automatic roof system and, just like the legendary original Targa model from 1965, it features a characteristic wide roll hoop, a movable roof section above the front seats and a wraparound rear window. The roof, meanwhile, can be comfortably opened and closed in just 19 seconds.
MOTIVATION
Mirroring its Carrera 4 siblings, the Targa is powered by the 3.0-litre flat-six twin-turbo with 283 kW and 450 Nm in the Targa 4, while the Targa 4S thumps out 331 kW and 530 Nm. Both models are allied to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive. Should the more enthusiastic driver so wish, a 7-speed manual can be optioned in the 4S at no additional cost.
The driving dynamics set up for the 911 Targa 4 includes 235/40 ZR tyres on 19” alloy wheels on the front axle and 295/35 ZR tyres on 20” wheels at the rear. As standard, the 4S model is fitted with 245/35 ZR tyres and 20” wheels at the front and 305/30 ZR tyres with 21” rears.
On the Targa 4, braking performance is taken care of on both axles by 330 mm brake discs with black four-piston monobloc fixed callipers. The red-painted brake callipers on the Targa 4S have six pistons at the front axle, four at the rear while its discs measure 350 mm all round. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) can be ordered as an option.
SPECIAL HERITAGE EDITION
The limited 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition features design elements from the 1950s and early 60s and is the first of four collector’s pieces of the Heritage Design strategy. Historical exterior and interior design elements have been reinterpreted and combined with the latest technology in a special limited edition from the Porsche Exclusive
Manufaktur arm. The new model is available to order now and will be in dealerships from autumn 2020.
Only 992 examples will be built, matching the internal model series code. Along with the introduction of the special edition, selected interior elements will be available as part of the Heritage Design package for all current 911 models. Porsche Design has also created a high-quality chronograph, to be built in restricted numbers as well, exclusively available to purchasers of the new limited-edition model.
LAST WORD
The Porsche 911 Targa has a niche following and the latest model will continue this trajectory as the style icon with an interesting history. All Targa models are currently available for order in Mzansi.