THE LEXUS UX FACTOR(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 44

One of the market's most profitable segments at present is that for premium-branded mid-sized SUVs of the more compact sort. Lexus is a late-comer to this sector but in characteristic style, has brought something different to it in the form of this UX model.

Background word count: 139

The UX competes directly against cars like the Volvo XC40, the Jaguar E-PACE, the Audi Q3, the BMW X1 and the Mercedes GLA. The angular Lexus NX, which previously represented the company against rivals such as these, has been repositioned a little further up-market as an alternative to slightly larger medium-sized models (think Audi Q5s and BMW X3s). So, does the UX stand a chance against such an army of fiercely talented competitors? Well the looks are certainly a little different to what's on offer elsewhere in this sector - and so is the core powertrain, a non-Plug-in petrol/electric hybrid. There's also an alternative UX 300e battery full-electric version available if you want it. Lexus believes that over 80% of buyers will never have owned one of the company's products before. Will they like this one? Let's find out.

Driving Experience word count: 352

A few engineering changes have enhanced the handling of this revised UX. Steering feel has been improved with a redesigned rigid joint between the top of the steering gearbox mount and the suspension member, plus shock absorber damping force has been re-tuned. The 'F Sport' model now gets standard Adaptive Variable Suspension too. Otherwise, things are as before, which means that all models get 250h badging and use the same 2.0-litre self-charging full-Hybrid petrol engine, with fourth generation Lexus Hybrid technology and 181bhp on tap. So you can't plug it in but you will get exemplary fuel returns, even though this unit has to be had mated to electronic continuously variable transmission CVT auto transmission. It's available both with front-wheel drive and with Lexus's E-Four AWD system. Performance is good enough to take the car to 62mph in about 8.5s en route to 110mph. Lexus says that particular efforts have been made to reduce any "rubber band" effect in the operation of the hybrid system and transmission, by optimising the level of electric motor assistance and engine rpm to generate a sense of linear acceleration without the engine running at high revs. You'll still feel this issue a little though if you stab your right foot down. Handling's better than you might expect thanks to the impressively stiff GA-C global architecture platform. This model's surprisingly light for a Hybrid too, thanks to weight-saving measures in the body construction, including the use of lightweight aluminium for the side doors, wings and bonnet, as well as a resin material for the back door. The alternative version of this model is the all-electric UX 300e. This derivative now gets a larger 72.8kWh lithium-ion battery which powers a motor generating 201bhp, with 300Nm of almost instantly available torque which spears you away from rest like a hot hatch. 62mph from rest occupies 7.5s but top speed is limited to 100mph and you can use steering wheel paddleshifters to alter the level of braking regeneration. Driving range is much improved over the original old 54.3kWh battery model, now rated 84 miles higher at up to 280 miles.