The UX has its origins in Lexus’s ambition to develop a “Creative Urban Explorer”, a vehicle that offers both the secure feeling of a crossover/SUV and the driving quality of a sophisticated hatchback.

Available in three model grades and exclusive in hybrid, all derivatives adopt a new multimedia system that provides improved connectivity, faster performance and easier operation. New features include user-friendly 12.3-inch touchscreens, an improved navigation system and the introduction of wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto (cable).

Other changes include enhanced and additional Lexus Safety System+ functions, as well as a new F Sport bi-tone paintwork option for the UX 250h F Sport.

The new UX 250h comes in EX grade (entry level), SE grade as well as F Sport.

The self-charging hybrid electric UX 250h is powered by a combination of a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine alone delivers 107kW of power at 6000r/min and 180Nm of torque at 4400r/min, but when combined with the electric motor, provides a total system output of 135kW.

This equates to a very laudable 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.5 seconds. Fuel economy, though, is a real eye-opener – returning figures of 4.5-litres/100km combined and CO₂ emissions of just 103g/km.

The F Sport package comes standard with a UX-tailored version of the new high-response Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that debuted on the Lexus LC and LS flagship coupé and sedan.

Moving indoors, the F Sport’s 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, eight-inch TFT colour display, aluminium pedals and footrest round off the interior package.

In the cabin, there is one new colour trim being introduced, namely Hazel Brown – an upholstery option that’s available in synthetic (EX grade) and genuine leather (SE).

The UX is available with a new exterior paintwork option, Sonic Iridium and Poseidon Blue now become a standard option for the F Sport models. The new bi-tone colours include White Nova, Sonic Iridium, Sonic Chrome, Madder Red, Blazing Carnelian and Poseidon Blue.

Pricing And Service Information

The Lexus UX models retail from R792 700 for the EX-grade, R874 300 for the SE-grade, R928 900 for the F Sport and R939 300 for the F Sport Bi-tone grade. The entire UX range boasts a best-in-class 7-years/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicles’ service intervals are pegged at every 15 000km, alternatively once a year. The models furthermore come with an additional 8-year/195 000km hybrid battery warranty.