Lexus Australia has introduced a range of upgrades for the UX 200 and UX 250h compact
SUV models.
The Lexus UX 200 Luxury, is now incorporating the latest Lexus multimedia system onto a
larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, replacing the previous 10.3-inch interface.
Now supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, the new multimedia
system also offers DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation and an expanded10-speaker
audio system replacing the outgoing eight-speaker system.
Passengers and the driver can now use the “Hey Lexus” dynamic voice recognition feature
for commands such as changing radio station or automatically lowering the windows.
The interior of the UX 200 Luxury also gains a touch of Takumi craftsmanship, with the
adoption of Washi paper trim and stitching on the instrument panel.
A new sharkfin antenna is introduced across the UX range, as is a three-year
complimentary period for Lexus Connected Services, which introduces a range of
customer-focused features enhancing both safety and convenience.
Using an inbuilt Data Communication Module connected to a mobile network, Lexus
Connected Services offers a three-year complimentary period for connectivity features for
owners through the state-of-the-art Lexus Connected app.
Highlights of Lexus Connected Services includes Lexus Multimedia Connect, which
synchronises the app with the UX’s multimedia system, offering cloud-based connected
navigation with live traffic, weather, parking and map updates, location searching, and first-
and last-mile routing.
Lexus Remote Connect allows owners to activate a range of functions from outside the
vehicle, including remotely activating engine start, door and boot lock/unlock, hazard lights
and buzzer.
The Lexus UX is offered with a number of Enhancement Packs, starting with the UX 200
Luxury + EP1 which adds LED fog lamps, parking support alert, parking support brake,
blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert12 and smart entry.
Stepping up to the Luxury + EP2 marks the entry point for the UX 250h 2WD, which builds
on the specification of the UX 200 Luxury + EP1 and adds a power back door (plus kick
sensor for hybrid grades), wireless phone charger13, cornering lamps, alloy scuff plates,
headlamp cleaner, rear privacy glass, roof rails and illuminated entry.
Finally, Luxury grades are also offered with an EP3 which adds a moonroof, and on UX
250h can be further optioned with 18-inch wheels.
The UX 200, 250h 2WD and 250h AWD are all available in F Sport and Sports Luxury
guise, providing the option of a flagship model geared more towards either performance or
comfort.
Upgraded specification highlights shared by the F Sport and Sports Luxury include high-
grade LED headlights with dynamic auto-levelling, LED front turn signals, adaptive high-
beam system, and auto power-folding exterior mirrors with heating, reverse link, memory
function and driver’s side electrochromatic finish.
Inside, Sports Luxury grades and above adds 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.
Features exclusive to 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 Levinson14 hi-fi audio system and a panoramic view monitor.
A single Enhancement Pack is available for Sports Luxury, further adding a moon roof,
smart key card and head-up display.
The F Sport variants have 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 UX, body-coloured wheel arches.
There is the F Sport-exclusive shift lever, steering wheel, pedals, aluminium foot rest,
Active Sound Control, an eight-inch TFT digital instrument cluster and special F Sport
seats.
Further dynamic enhancements include a retuned version of the Adaptive Variable
Suspension system, rear performance damper and a five-mode drive mode select
comprising Eco, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom modes.
Two Enhancement Packs are available on F Sport, with EP1 adding a moon roof, and EP2
further adding the panoramic view monitor, smart key card, head up display and 13-
speaker Mark Levinson14 system.
On the Lexus F Sport, the top part of the steering gearbox mount and suspension member
have been joined more rigidly to enhance steering feel.
The UX 200’s 2.0-litre petrol engine now has a stop-start system helping to reduce fuel
consumption.
It drives the front wheels via a Direct Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT). The
engine produces 126kW at 6600rpm and 205Nm from 4400 to 4800rpm.
Available with two-wheel drive or E-Four all-wheel drive, the UX 250h teams a 2.0-litre
four-cylinder 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 at 6000rpm and 188Nm from 4400-5200rpm,
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 afford very good start-off
grip.
Combined power output for both hybrids is 135kW, with combined fuel consumption as low
as 4.5 litres per 100km on 2WD grades.
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.
This sounds like an impressive update in many areas. We will borrow a car from Lexus to
road test for a week and get back to you with our thoughts and opinions.
