Lexus recently introduced the entry-level hybrid UX model to the South African market.
And while it might be the cheapest new hybrid UX you can buy, there’s nothing cheap about it. It retails for R630 900, but in return, you do get a lot of car for the money.
The latest UX to join the line-up is officially called the 250h EX.
As with the SE Hybrid model grade, the new UX 250h EX is similarly-specified, and comes standard with features such as park distance control with a reverse camera (without panoramic view), push start system, Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to tailor the driving experience by selecting from three different drive modes (Normal, ECO and Sport), as well as niceties such as two rear USB charging ports (ideal for passengers), a navigation system and a hands-free rear boot. In addition, other standard features include Normal Cruise Control, Heated Power Retractable Side Mirrors as well as Day and Night Mirrors.
In the cabin, the UX 250h EX model is available with five standard Nulux (simulated leather) interior options, namely Black, White Ash, Rich Cream, B Ocher and Cobalt. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) with haptic feedback is designed to feel as familiar to use as a smartphone. It also features the Lexus 8-Speaker Premium Sound System which uses bamboo charcoal speaker diaphragms to reduce mass and deliver natural-sounding voices and improved mid-range sound.
Exterior-wise, the UX 250h EX comes standard with 18-inch aluminum alloy aero-ventilating wheels which are available in a standard silver metallic colour. The model also features front LED daytime running lights, arranged in an arrowhead motif above the headlights which complement the Lexus L-shaped lighting signature.
This model is available in 11 exterior colours: Platinum Silver, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, Mercury Grey, Black, Graphite Black, Madder Red, Amber, Blazing Carnelian, Terrane Khaki and Celestial Blue.
The new Lexus UX 250h EX boasts the same efficiency and performance as its SE grade sibling. With 135kW total system output, the UX 250h is not only the fuel efficiency leader in the UX family, but also the performance leader.
This hybrid provides exhilarating driving with high-speed responsiveness and a feeling of smooth, natural acceleration. The UX 250h is available with front-wheel drive. The 2.0-litre petrol engine alone delivers 107kW of power at 6000rpm and 180Nm of torque at 4400rpm, equating to a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.5 seconds, topped off by a maximum speed of 177 km/h. It produces fuel economy figures of 4.5-litres/100km combined, CO2 emissions of 103g/km.
An all-new feature across the UX 2020 range is the revised infotainment system which now includes Apple CarPlay2 and Android3 Auto compatibility as standard, this includes free Wi-Fi connectivity for the driver and passengers under the ‘Lexus Connect’ banner.
The Lexus UX 250h EX retails for R 690 300. The entry-level petrol UX 200 EX retails for R654 700, the UX 250h SE model retails for R756 200 and the F Sport for R785 400.
The EX Hybrid model joins the rest of the Lexus models with a standard and best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. Vehicle service intervals are set at every 15 000km, alternatively once a year.
