NEW LEXUS UX250h

A latecomer to the busy premium crossover scene, the new UX stands out with its ‘cuts and creases’ design, sumptuous cabin and pleasing tactility of controls. It’s a true cross between a five-door hatchback and a compact SUV, with 4WD as an option.
The profile is unusually sleek and you sit up front in a semi-command position with good outward visibility for petite drivers and excellent headroom for the tallest. The centre of gravity is set low for car-like handling and a tight turning circle assists in city manoeuvres. Road manners and general ease of use are exemplary, especially with a plethora of driver assistance systems on board and a brilliant 360-degree camera always on the lookout.
You don’t have to search hard for exterior highlights. How about the LED tail-light bar that stretches across the entire width of the car and is bookended by corner lamps that resemble upturned blades. One of the architectural concepts employed is ‘kansei’ engineering, which aims to create an emotional bond between the customer and product and is the inspiration for the cabin design. In the top-spec Limited hybrid that found its way to Urbis, we were struck by the richness of materials and precision build (Takumi master craftsmanship), and the structured layering of the dashboard with a non-reflective top surface inspired by Japanese paper used in sliding doors.
Self-charging hybrids will make up the bulk of local sales. They deliver total system output of 135kW and consume as little as 4.5L/100km. It’s easy to appreciate the simple joys of the petrol-electric car, chiefly the smoothness, silence, obvious efficiency (plenty of electric-only bursts) and welcome low-speed responsiveness.