Lexus introduced its “Urban X-over”, or UX, in 2019, and since then, much has changed in the brand’s local offering. For one, the entire Lexus range is now hybrid only, paving the way for high-performance models such as the UX 250h F Sport in the country.
As an urban crossover, the Lexus UX was designed for city dwellers who want a car with a sense of adventure and crave the exclusivity that Lexus offers. With its commanding seating position, bold and assertive styling, and now sportiness that rivals many others, the UX is certainly not your ordinary urbanite.
The full UX range includes the EX grade (entry-level) hybrid, the UX 250h SE, and the newly-minted UX 250h F Sport.
POWER & PERFORMANCE
Akin to its siblings, the front-wheel-drive Lexus UX 250h F Sport boasts excellent performance thanks to fourth-generation self-charging hybrid powertrain technology that not only provides high-speed responsiveness but also lends itself to a feeling of smooth, natural acceleration regardless of your speed.
Alone, the 2.0-litre petrol engine generates 107 kW of power at 6,000 r/min and 180 Nm of torque at 4,400 r/min, but when combined with the electric motor, it produces a total system output of 135 kW. This allows the F Sport UX to accelerate to a very laudable zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 8.5 seconds without compromising fuel economy, which is stated at 4.5 l/100 km combined with emissions of just 103 g/km.
DESIGN & AERODYNAMICS
Based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture – Compact platform (the first to use it), the UX offers a sensual combination of hatchback and crossover, with strong design cues drawn from others in the Lexus range. It might be a five-door crossover, but its beguiling coupé-like lines disguise this well, especially in the rear where the sloping roofline doesn’t affect available luggage space, which comes in at a respectable 272 litres. Moreover, a hidden extra storage compartment under the boot floor is the ideal hiding place for your laptop or handbag.
The Global Architecture – Compact (GA-C) platform is a lightweight yet super-rigid structure with a low centre of gravity and sharp suspension tuning that grants the UX taut handling agility and surprisingly supple ride comfort. Lexus cars already have a distinctive driving character, and in the range-topping UX, this is sharpened even more thanks to some bespoke F Sport fettling under the skin.
The overall UX design theme combines strength with refinement and is stylish yet functional. While I find it isn’t necessarily as handsome from every angle (the rear lights are somewhat of an acquired taste), the treatment of the spindle grille is unique to the UX and is a design highlight for me. Combined with the all-LED headlamps that feature L-shaped Daytime running lights, the front-end treatment distinguishes the UX from other Lexus SUVs.
Individualistic F Sport highlights include an exclusive grille design with a vertical mesh pattern created by individual L-shaped pieces. The front and rear bumpers are also unique to the F Sport, as are jet-black trim on the front and rear mouldings and unique alloy wheel ornamentation. Also worth mentioning are the large fog lamp bezels with L-shaped chrome mouldings that show off the same mesh pattern as the grille.
MORE ABOUT F SPORT
Bespoke F Sport suspension tuning includes specific springs and stabiliser bars, plus a rear performance damper for a more refined ride. Also, its 18”, five twin-spoke aluminium alloy wheels are more rigid than standard UX 250h wheels, contributing to responsiveness and handling agility.
The F Sport package comes standard with a UX-tailored version of the new high-response Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system debuted on the Lexus LC and LS flagship coupé and sedan. The system increases damping force to minimise roll when cornering or changing lanes and reduces damping force in straight-line driving to preserve ride quality. With AVS, the vehicle’s Drive Mode Selector adds the Sport S+ mode, which activates the system.
The F Sport-exclusive cabin features include front sports seats made with a highly supportive integrated-foaming technique first developed for Lexus F models. The digitally-rendered instrument meter features a movable virtual ring inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar. A leather-covered F Sport steering wheel, leather-trimmed shift knob, 8” TFT colour display, and aluminium pedals and footrest round off the interior package.
NO COMPROMISE ON SAFETY
Advanced safety technology is expected from a Lexus. In the UX, all models are equipped with eight airbags: driver and front passenger; driver and front passenger knee airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags; and front to rear side curtain airbags. The Lexus Safety System is standard in the hybrid F Sport. It includes Standard Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Crash System (PCS) – Brake Synchronised, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and LED Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).
LAST WORD
While the UX will undoubtedly appeal to a broad spectrum of adventurous-at-heart drivers, it aims to welcome a new, younger set of drivers into the Lexus fold. At this level and price point, niche buyers demand a high level of individuality, style, technological advancement, and forward-thinking style. The UX range owns this look like few others in its class, and the F Sport version elevates it almost into its own category.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG | Images © LEXUS SOUTH AFRICA
