Lexus has strengthened the appeal of one of its best-selling models in South Africa, the UX compact urban SUV, with upgrades for the full self-charging hybrid UX 250h range.
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.
The highly anticipated F&I Industry Awards 2024, which were held recently, showcased the pinnacle of excellence and innovation in the automotive financial and insurance sector.
In a groundbreaking move towards offering a comprehensive, one-stop integrated service to its customers, Absa has introduced an integrated Finance & Insurance solution for dealer partners across South Africa. This innovative initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing customer experience and streamlining financial services.
The three-point seatbelt stands out as one of the most important innovations in automotive safety. Invented by Volvo in 1959, the Swedish automaker chose to share this life-saving device with the world instead of patenting it. As a result, the three-point seatbelt is estimated to have saved over one million lives since its introduction.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Toyota announced that it has expanded its Land Cruiser 70 Series with the addition of new 5-speed manual gearbox option in the range. The manual powertrain will be offered in both the Single Cab and Station Wagon variants.
Peugeot has updated its Landtrek bakkie with the big news of the addition of a new, more powerful engine. The Landtrek continues to establish itself in the one-ton pick-up segment, which represents 2.5 million annual sales worldwide. It is sold in around 40 countries, predominantly in Africa, the Middle East and South America.
Ulterio Motiv, the newly launched sister company of respected armouring establishment, SVI Engineering, has launched its most affordable product to date, this time based on one of the best-selling bakkies in South Africa – the Ford Ranger.
