Lexus updates UX range, in showrooms soon

LEXUS has introduced a suite of upgrades for its UX200 and UX250h compact SUV range, accompanied by modest price increases of between $1640 and $1895.

No changes have been announced for the two all-electric UX300e variants.

The updated UX range, which now starts from $46,085 plus on-road costs, is expected to arrive in local showrooms from mid-September and bring with it a higher level of standard equipment, as well as new multimedia and vehicle functionality.

Upgrades to the UX range commence with the UX200 Luxury, which receives a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display, replacing the previous 10.3-inch interface.

Now supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, the new multimedia system also offers DAB+ digital radio reception, native satellite navigation and an expanded 10-speaker sound system replacing the outgoing eight-speaker system.

Further, the interface offers “Hey Lexus” dynamic voice control for commands including the changing of a radio station or automatically lowering the windows.

Lexus says the interior of the UX200 Luxury also gains “a touch of Takumi craftsmanship” with the adoption of Washi paper trim and stitching on the instrument panel.

The ornamentation is inspired by the art of traditional hand-made Japanese paper production, used in applications including Shoji doors and origami. It is available on the UX range in a black shade.

A new shark-fin-style antenna is introduced across the UX range as is a three-year complimentary period for Lexus Connected Services. The system provides services including cloud-based connected navigation with live traffic, weather, parking and map updates, location searching and first- and last-mile routing.

Further, Lexus says its status connect system provides a wealth of vehicle data and information all accessible at the owner's fingertips, including odometer and fuel level readings, remaining range, the vehicle's last known location, vehicle diagnostics data and recent trip details.

Owners may also remotely check the vehicle’s windows, boot and bonnet are closed and locked, and receive alerts if unlocked or open. Tyre pressures may also be monitored remotely while a feature known as Drive Pulse enables the driver to analyse acceleration, braking and cornering speeds to give the driver an overall rating out of 100.

Finally, Lexus Remote Connect enables owners to remotely start the car's engine, lock and unlock the boot and doors, or activate the horn. It can also provide automatic collision notification, SOS emergency call and stolen vehicle tracking.

Upgraded specification highlights shared by F Sport and Sports Luxury variants include high-grade LED headlights with dynamic auto-levelling and adaptive high beam, LED front turn signals, auto power-folding exterior mirrors with heating, memory function and driver's side electrochromatic finish. The mirrors can also be set to automatically angle towards the kerb when reverse gear is selected.

Inside, Sports Luxury grades and above add a high-grade metallic finish for the door garnish and instrument cluster, driver and front passenger seat ventilation, driver's side seat memory and easy access system.

A perforation pattern named Kagome has been adopted on the seats, employing a hexagonal pattern inspired by traditional Japanese basket weaving.

Features exclusive to the Sports Luxury includes the same 18-inch alloys offered on Luxury Enhancement Packs, acoustic front and side glass, luxury leather-accented seats, a premium 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a 360-degree camera system.

Meanwhile, F Sport variants gain a raft of unique features starting with exclusive exterior styling touches including front and rear bumper design, F Sport grille and badging, dark premium metallic 18-inch wheels with a five dual-spoke design and, for the first time on the UX, body-coloured wheel arches.

Inside the cabin, customers gain F Sport-exclusive gear selector, steering wheel, pedals and aluminium footrest. A unique 8.0-inch TFT digital instrument cluster and special F Sport seats are also included, along with synthesised engine sound enhancement.

Dynamic upgrades applied under the skin of the F Sport include retuned adaptive suspension with rear performance damper and five drive modes comprising Eco, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom settings.

On F Sport variants, the top part of the steering gear mount and suspension member have been joined more rigidly to enhance steering feel.

Lexus says it has further enhanced the driving feel and handling of the UX range by adding 20 spot weld points throughout the chassis to improve body rigidity, while the stiffness of the back door reinforcement has also been improved.

The UX200 continues to be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with the addition of an idle-stop system for reduced fuel consumption. Driving the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the UX200 produces 126kW and 205Nm.

Meanwhile, the UX250h, which is available in front- and all-wheel drive configurations, teams a 2.0-litre petrol engine with either one or two permanent magnet motors respectively and a 216V nickel-metal hydride battery.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 107kW and 188Nm, while the front electric motor contributes a further 80kW and 202Nm.

Versions equipped with the E-Four AWD system gain the second 5.3kW motor on the rear axle, capable of splitting front/rear torque from 100:0 to 20:80 to aid traction.

Combined power output for both hybrids is 135kW, with combined fuel consumption as low as 4.5 litres per 100km on front-drive variants.

A total of 12 exterior colours are available, consisting of Sonic Quartz, Titanium, Sonic Chrome, Onyx, Graphite Black, Caliente, Khaki Metal, Celestial Blue and the newly available Sonic Iridium on Luxury and Sports Luxury.

F Sport grades are available with the exclusive Carnelian, White Nova and Cobalt Mica hues, replacing Sonic Quartz and Celestial Blue.

Seven interior colour schemes can be selected, starting with Black and White Ash on Luxury grades, which expands to include Rich Cream and Hazel on Sports Luxury.

F Sport grades are offered with a trio of exclusive colours: F Sport Black, White and Flare Red. The existing two-tone Cobalt hue has been discontinued.

2022 Lexus UX pricing*: