Lexus UX hybrid a frugal fuel-sipper

Despite being owned and produced by Toyota, we haven’t quite bought into the idea of the premium Japanese automaker. I struggle to see why, Lexus products are beautifully built, incredibly comfortable and well-specified. I had the brand’s ‘baby’ SUV, the UX for review recently, and it left me with mixed emotions.

The UX is an important model for Lexus, at the price point at which it competes it is poised to attract a younger market, and with the millennial push towards cleaner mobility and more environmentally conscious mindset, my hybrid test car may be just the thing. An important aspect of any car within the premium crossover segment is styling. The UX, like its siblings, features a sharp, unmistakable design language, providing an angular aesthetic that should sit well with the millennial consumers.

Much like its exterior, the interior of the UX is befitting of a car within the premium space. The problem comes in with the touchpad that controls the infotainment system which isn’t intuitive as many others in this segment. This foible aside, the UX offers reasonable space for four, however, the boot is less than impressive with a capacity of 272-litres. My test car was the SE derivative, meaning that it was crammed with specification. Highlights include eight airbags, adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist, LED headlights and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to name a few.

Being a hybrid, fuel consumption is massively important, with Lexus claiming a consumption figure of 4.5-L/100km, however, my stint with the car resulted in around 5.2-L/100km, which is still admirable for a 2.0-litre hybrid mated to a CVT. In terms of power, the detuned 2.0-litre in combination with the electric motor produces 135 kW and 180 N.m + e, according to the Japanese brand. In an urban environment, the seamless petrol and electric motor integration make for almost silent operation, however, if the need to overtake someone or accelerate quickly arises, expect the usual CVT-induced drone to reverberate through the usually whisper-quiet cabin.

Verdict 

The UX is the very definition of a modern soft-roader, with a mildly raised ride height versus a regular hatchback and similar driving dynamics. It epitomises the sort of vehicle that the world is shifting towards as we slowly transition to electric power. The problem with the UX is that is expensive and lacks the practicality and polish of rivals such as the Volvo XC40 and Audi’s Q3.

Pricing

Lexus UX 250h SE R 741 400