All-New Lexus UX Compact SUV Goes For Sale In Japan, Malaysia Bound In The Future

The all-new Lexus UX, the brand’s smallest SUV which will be taking on the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, is now officially on sale today at all Lexus dealerships across Japan.

The UX, which is the first Lexus to use the new Global Architecture-Compact (GA-C) platform, features a lightweight super-rigid structure, low centre of gravity, as well as refined suspension tuning which promises to deliver car-like handling without compromising comfort.

Measuring 4,495 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, 1,540 in height, with a 2,640 mm long wheelbase, key exterior features of the Lexus UX include Lexus’ spindle grille, arrow shaped LED headlights with DRLs, 17-inch wheels, as well as wide and bulging wheel arches.

Inside, the UX offers a low driving and seating position, with the upper section of the instrument panel appearing to extend out beyond the windshield into the fenders, delivering good field of vision and a clear sense of the tire placement.

The centre console box and palm rest are melded into one unit, creating a long armrest that provides maximum convenience and ease of use. The "functional and aesthetically pleasing" theme has also been incorporated in the front seats through Sashiko quilting―an age-old Japanese embroidery art. 

In addition, the ornamentation on the top part of the instrument panel was inspired by traditional Japanese paper called Washi.

The UX also features the world's first air-condition knob with LED illumination sources wirelessly powered by electromagnetic resonance, providing a unique depth to the interior lighting.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre direct-injection inline-4 engine which is paired to a Direct-Shift CVT gearbox, producing 169 PS and 205 Nm of torque. Available in two variants in Japan (UX 200 and UX 250h) in ‘Version L’, F Sport, and ‘Version C’ trims, the UX 200 comes with the aforementioned powertrain package in front-wheel drive configuration.

Meanwhile, the UX 250h variant is available both in FWD and AWD layouts, powered by the same engine and gearbox, but with an electric motor which brings the total output figures to 181 PS.

The list of safety features on the other hand, comprises the latest version of Lexus Safety System+ which includes Lane Tracing Assist, Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Adaptive High-Beam System, Road Sign Assist, as well as Parking Support Brakes.

Having said that, the new Lexus UX 200 can be expected to be offered in Malaysia in the future as it was among the models previewed by Lexus at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS 2018).