New Lexus UX unveiled
Lexus New Zealand will offer seven variants of its UX urban crossover when it is launched here in February next year.
A highly tractable and efficient 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine can be found in the conventional UX 200 or self-charging hybrid electric UX 250h configurations.
Customers have a choice of front-wheel drive in both powertrains or all-wheel drive in the self-charging hybrid electric powertrain option, with prices starting from $59,900 for the UX 200 FWD petrol model.
The innovative all-wheel drive E-Four provides electric motor drive to the rear axle, automatically providing extra grip in slippery conditions at lower speeds.
“It will be the gateway model into the Lexus family,” says Paul Carroll, senior general manager of Lexus New Zealand. “The UX will offer Lexus possibilities to introduce new customers to the brand and increase our total sales from an area of the market we haven’t been in before.”
Five of the variants are powered by Lexus’ fourth generation self-charging hybrid electric engine.
“The advanced drive platform, aerodynamics and refined powertrain create a more responsive steering feel and elegant ride comfort to make driving the UX a truly amazing experience,” says Carroll.
“The UX design team have thoughtfully designed interior features that add to the depth, richness and playfulness of the vehicle, elevating the pleasure of every drive,” he says.
Some of the colour and trim combinations in the cabin are inspired by Washi which is the paper used in traditional Japanese interior sliding doors to provide a modern sense of décor. While the interior layout is derived from the concept of Omotenashi, with the steering and instrument panel controls all placed for ease of operation for the driver.
The Lexus Safety System+ package comes as standard including a pre-crash safety system with day and night-time pedestrian detection and day-time cyclist detection, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist with lane centring function, automatic high beam (adaptive high beam system for F Sport and Limited), and road sign assist.
Every Lexus purchased includes a transferrable four-year unlimited kilometre, full maintenance service coverage, warranty plan and AA roadside service. The Lexus self-charging hybrid electric battery has an eight-year warranty.
The all-new UX model range is priced at:
UX 200 2.0P CVT FWD $59,900
UX 200 F Sport 2.0P CVT FWD $69,900
UX 250h 2.0P HV ECVT FWD $62,900
UX 250h F Sport 2.0P HV ECVT FWD $72,900
UX 250h Limited 2.0P HV ECVT FWD $72,900
UX 250h 2.0P HV ECVT AWD $65,900
UX 250h Limited 2.0P HV ECVT AWD $75,900
