Details of the upcoming 2019 Lexus UX have been announced, the compact SUV will be an important addition to the line-up as it gives the Japanese marque a model to compete against the Jaguar E-PACE, Volvo XC40 and a plethora of German options such as the BMW X1 and X2.
The UX will be built on the new GA-C platform and offer two new powertrains including a hybrid.
The GA-C platform is related to the Toyota New Global Architecture, however, Lexus tells us a number of elements are engineered specifically for Lexus applications.
Lexus claims the new platform delivers the lowest centre of gravity in its class, exceptional body rigidity and an agile, hatchback-like driving experience. A big statement indeed.
The UX is the fourth addition to the range over the last 18 months joining the LC500, RX L and the incoming LS sedan.
Lexus has high expectations for the UX, Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the UX would be the most important new model for Lexus sales since the NX Line arrived in 2014.
"The UX with its all-inclusive luxury will further broaden our range and enable Lexus sales to cross over the 10,000 sales barrier for the first time in our history," Mr Thompson said.
"For the first time, Lexus can compete in the luxury small-SUV segment, growing that category by attracting new, younger customers while offering an aspirational alternative to our long-standing customers," he said.
Dimensionally, the UX is 4495mm long, 1520mm high and 1840mm wide, with a 2640mm wheelbase.
Two powertrain options have been announced, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that will drive the entry-variant UX200, while a petrol-electric hybrid set-up will drive the UX250h.
Outputs for the 2.0-litre engine haven’t been confirmed, however, the hybrid will offer a combined 131kW of power sent through a continuously-variable transmission (CVT).
Lexus will offer the UX with either front-wheel drive or an E-Four all-wheel drive system.
On the outside, the UX offers sharp lines with muscular rear shoulders and wheel arches contrasting with a compact cabin profile and high beltline. There’s also the now familiar Lexus spindle grille.
Moving to the cabin, the UX has the dash and controls angled towards the driver, an 8.0-inch TFT instrument cluster and a freestanding widescreen infotainment screen.
In terms of safety tech, the UX will feature the latest version of Lexus Safety System+, which includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, intelligent high-beam, radar cruise control, sway warning and road sign assist.
At this stage, Australian specifications and pricing are still to be confirmed, expect more detail to be released in the lead-up to the UX’s local launch scheduled for early 2019.
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