WORLD PREMIERE OF THE NEW LEXUS UX

The Urban Compact Crossover undergoes further development and enhancements
Strengthen vehicle fundamentals for a refined & exhilarating performance
Latest multimedia system & improved cockpit usability

Introduced to the Lexus line-up in 2018 as an urban compact cross-over, the UX uses the “Creative Urban Explorer” concept, the “CUE” to exploring a new lifestyle. The muscular body exudes toughness and strength, while the flared fenders evoke agile driving to create a bold and refined exterior. The interior cockpit combines a sense of driving excitement with a visually expansive space. In addition, Lexus has pursued excellent steering response, handling stability, and refined ride quality.

Since its launch in 2018, a cumulative total of approximately 240,000 units have been sold in more than 80 countries and regions as at the end of March 2022. In South Africa, the UX has maintained its top sales position within Lexus since 2019.

The expanding line-up of electrified vehicles of Hybrid (HEV) and Battery EV (BEV), achieved the percentage of electrified vehicles of approximately 80% of sales globally, making it the leading model in the Lexus electrified line-up.

Currently, the UX in South Africa is available in hybrid only, once again taking another confident step on the path to Carbon Neutral by further lowering fuel emissions and providing a realistic entry to electrified motoring. (It’s worth noting that Lexus’ New Energy Vehicle (NEV) share has grown from 8% in 2017 to 34% in 2021 – and of that share, UX hybrids account for a 76% average.)

Going forward, Lexus will continue to contribute to the practical spread of electrified vehicles toward the realisation of a carbon-neutral society, while tailoring to the diversifying needs and lifestyles of customers.

What’s new in the UX?

Based on the “Always On” philosophy of continuous improvement through agile development, the new (big spec change) UX250h has been further refined and boasts an exhilarating driving performance. Enhancements include its advanced safety systems by expanding the preventive safety technology functions and added the latest multimedia system.

To enhance the driving experience, structural rigidity was improved by adding 20 spot welding points on the body and the EPS and shock absorbers tuning was performed accordingly. The UX’s improved quietness is aided by the newly-developed 18-inch run-flat tyres as well as the redesigned tread pattern which mninimises road noise.

For advanced safety system enhancements, Lexus aimed to make driving safer and more reassuring by enhancing the functionality of the Lexus Safety System preventive safety technology. The UX also features a new state-of-the-art multimedia system with a larger/higher-resolution touch screen display. Usability has been improved by optimising the shapes and switch layout of the instrument panel and console area. Two USB charging connectors (Type-C) have also been added in the front of the console.

Evolution of the F SPORT Driving Experience

Performance dampers® and AVS will be standard on the F SPORT. The rear performance dampers quickly absorb body flex and minor vibrations to further sharpen handling and improve overall ride comfort and quietness. In addition, with its excellent responding damping force adjustment, the AVS simultaneously maintains a flat posture and absorbs excess shock, even on road surfaces with a combination of large undulations and minor bumps. This results in excellent steering response, stability, and a comfortable ride. Steering response is further improved by adding a brace to the steering gear. The aim is to achieve sporty driving performance faithful to driver operation.

For the interior, an aluminum footrest and scuff plate have been newly added in addition to the F SPORT exclusive sports seats, steering wheel, shift knob, meters, and aluminum sports pedals. The F SPORT’s driving image and sportiness have been further enhanced.

Furthermore, an advanced digital key feature enhances customer usability, enabling door lock/unlock and engine start via smartphone.

The vehicle can be operated with just one smartphone, even if there are multiple vehicles compatible with the digital key that you own. In addition, because digital keys can be passed between smartphones, it becomes easier and convenient to lend or borrow vehicles between far-away family members or friends.

A panoramic view monitor with transparent ground surface image display has also been added to show road surface conditions and tyre position underneath the vehicle.

Lexus Safety System

The performance of the single-lens camera and millimetre-wave radar has been improved to expand the response range of the Pre-Collision System, which is designed to detect daytime bicyclists and pedestrians in low-light conditions and, at intersections, to detect oncoming vehicles before right turns and pedestrians crossing the street from the direction toward which the vehicle was traveling before it started to make a right or left turn. Also featured are functions such as Emergency Steering Assist, which assists steering within the vehicle’s lane as cued by the driver.

Latest Multimedia System & Improved Cockpit Usability

The multimedia system and connected services have been dramatically re-envisioned for an improved customer experience. As mentioned, the system features the latest 12.3-inch/8-inch touch display with larger size/higher resolution and intuitive state-of-the-art multimedia system for ease of use.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which features certain exclusive functions of the iPhone and Android devices on the in-vehicle display is now available. Apple CarPlay supports Wi-Fi wireless connection in addition to the conventional USB connection.

“We will continue to further the personalised customer experience by updating our multimedia systems through OTA (Over the Air) software updates. In addition, the shapes and switch layout of the instrument panel and console area have been optimised in accordance with the use of the touch-screen display, and two new charging USB connectors (Type-C) have been added to the front of the console for improved usability”, confirms Lexus South Africa.

Improved Cockpit Usability

The larger/higher resolution touch display is now mounted closer to the driver, allowing touch screen operation without compromising driving posture. In addition, the shapes and switch layout of the instrument panel and console area have been optimised in accordance with the use of the touch-screen display. The seat heater switches previously mounted in the centre of the instrument panel have been placed on top of the console, and two USB charging connectors (Type-C) have been newly installed in the space in front of the console created by this change. In addition, the wireless charging space has been vertically extended and LED lighting has been added at the top for improved usability.

Last, but not least, there will be some cosmetic enhancements which will include some stylistic fettling of the front headlamps and rear combination lamps. New exterior and interior colours will also be introduced, alongside all-new interior illumination.

Ends