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Motoring and travel journalist, opinionated gob on a stick
Crossover, Lexus, Motor reviews

UX-tra special

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Lexus UX hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

It would be some surprise if a Lexus didn’t have eye-catching looks, even in the form of an SUV.

The firm says the UX hybrid presents a premium vehicle with innovative luxury and safety in a package that combines bold new designs and the fourth generation of parent firm Toyota’s self-charging hybrid system, featuring a two litre petrol engine mated with electric motor.

This combo, delivers a combined 181bhp for excellent economy, lowish emissions and at times sporty performance – not forgetting the practicality offered by and SUV. It can hit 60mph in a shade over eight seconds, which is pretty sharp acceleration, while the driver can select from three drive modes via a rotary knob on the side of the steering column.

It is the first Lexus to be constructed using the new Global Architecture – Compact (GA-C) platform, with lightweight, rigid structure. Combined with low centre of gravity and Lexus’s Adaptive Variable Suspension, it feels particularly stable when cornering, a big bonus for an SUV.

It does look good and features all the usual stylish light clusters, sharp edged styling and body creases long associated with the brand. These include the signature deep grille and lower spindle grille with an eye-catching new mesh pattern.

The wheel arch mouldings surrounding the 18-inch alloys on this model are designed to protect the bodywork from gravel thrown up by the tyres, they also give the motor a slightly rugged appeal, although off road is not an option on this model, but it does look good at the school gates.

The interior has a real high-end feel with a mixture of leather and chrome and and the semi wraparound dash has the feeling of a cockpit. Luxury extends throughout the cabin. For example, the three-spoke steering wheel and analogue clock are from the Lexus LS flagship saloon

‘Toyota are no slouches with hybrid technology after the success of the Prius all those years ago’

Controls include a in a seven-inch TFT display which display power readings from the hybrid and the Lexus Remote Touch Interface on the central console next to the gearshift, which is a touchpad/keypad controller. I found it a bit fiddly getting the cursor in the right position, but it’s a clever bit of kit, designed to mimic common phone gesture controls, such as double tapping and flicking.

Centrepiece is 10.3-inch multi-function screen controlling navigation, infotainment and connectivity, including Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, and also monitoring how the hybrid system is working. The interior also includes white LEDs illuminate the front footwells, glovebox, and console switches and are featured in the dome light, map lights and cargo area light.

Toyota are no slouches with hybrid technology after the initial success of the Prius all those years ago. Depress the EV button when driving slowly and the front electric motor runs the car from the hybrid battery to deliver zero emissions. In real-world city driving it can use electric power for a significant proportion of every journey – up to 55 per cent, depending on the driving conditions, says the firm.

Increase speed and the engine cuts in while still receiving assistance from the electric motor when required. Under hard acceleration, the electric motor instantaneously supplements the performance, but the transmission can get a bit noisy before calming down.

For practicality, it goes without saying that an SUV is practical, even the more compact models like this one. It features standard roof rails for extra cargo capacity, while the folding, tumbling seats offer cargo space from 320 up the 1,231 litres of space. There are also other cubby holes, large central bin and various other compartments.

All models are packed with equipment, with this model including 18-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors, heated, multi-function steering wheel, rear privacy glass, integrated heating in the front seats and steering wheel and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The comprehensive safety kit includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control , lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beam. In addition there is a full complement of airbags and hill start assist.

This is a premium car and as electric power continues to take over, it has plenty to offer.

Factfile

Lexus UX Premium pack with Navi

Price: £33,000

Mechanical: Combined 181bhp, 2,487cc, four cylinder petrol engine and electric motor driving front via CVT auto gearbox

Max speed: 110mph

0-62mph: 8.3 seconds

Combined mpg: 49-53 (WLTP)

Insurance group: 22E

CO2 emissions: 124g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Motoring news

Hot driving for youngsters

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Young Driver has launched a ‘hot’ new driving experience which allows anyone aged from 10 to 100 to drive a fire engine. 

Young Driver is the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school and has delivered over 900,000 lessons to 10-17 year olds. Usually delivered in the latest state-of-the-art Vauxhall Corsas, now the scheme has added something a little larger to the fleet – an ex-service fire engine, complete with sirens, flashing lights, pumps and hoses. 

The fire engine is a Dennis Sabre model designed to carry 1,800 litres of water and six fire fighters in full kit. Originally deployed with the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, it was decommissioned last year and has been adapted by Young Driver for learner drivers.

Anyone over the age of 10, whether inspired by Fireman Sam or Chicago Fire, can now get behind the wheel and drive, manoeuvre, reverse and park the fire engine, accompanied by a fully qualified instructor. 

The experience will initially be available at the NEC, Birmingham and British Motor Museum in Warwickshire on selected weekends this year and throughout 2021, with further nationwide venues to be announced shortly. The first event, held on October 4th, sold out in two hours.

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing for Young Driver, said: “Who hasn’t seen a fire engine drive past and thought it would be good to have a go at driving one?

Obviously we normally provide lessons for those under the legal driving age, but on our test day so many mums and dads wanted to drive the fire engine that we thought it made sense to open it up to kids of all ages, from 10 to 100!”

Motoring expert and Young Driver Patron, Quentin Willson, added: “Whatever your age it is great fun to drive on ‘blues and twos’. But for those just starting out on their driving journey, driving a large vehicle teaches the craft of driving, builds confidence, improves spatial awareness and shows youngsters what drivers of large vehicles can – and can’t – see from the cab. Being able to successfully reverse a fire engine is a special skill that will benefit any driver – young or old.”

A 20-minute driving experience in Young Driver’s fire engine costs £49. To find out more or to book visit http://www.youngdriver.com 

Young Driver also recently launched driving experiences in three classic cars – a 1963 Vauxhall VX490 HB, a 1959 Morris Minor and a 1934 Austin 7 Ulster Replica.

Young Driver was established in 2009 with the aim of revolutionising the learning to drive journey, helping to reduce the high accident rate for newly qualified drivers by extending the learning period. Research shows that early driver tuition can halve the likelihood of an accident in those dangerous first six months after passing their test.

Young Driver was established in 2009 with the aim of helping to teach youngsters to drive over a longer period, therefore encouraging a safer generation of new drivers at 17. The scheme is sponsored by Vauxhall and is the only driving school in the UK to offer carbon negative driving lessons.

Anyone aged 10 and over and above 1.42 metres tall can get behind the wheel of a brand new dual controlled Vauxhall Corsa SE Premium car with a fully qualified ADI driving instructor. Lessons take place on private property which has been developed into a realistic road system complete with road signs, junctions and car parks. A free 36 page Drive Diary helps each pupil to monitor progress. More than 900,000 lessons have now been delivered and there are more than 70 venues to choose from across the UK.

All Drive Diaries and leaflets are printed on carbon capture paper and Young Driver’s office only uses Woodland Trust FSC paper.

Young Driver Motor Cars Ltd, a subsidiary of Young Driver, launched Firefly, the world’s first electric cars developed specially for 5-10 year olds, in September 2016. These cars are available to drive throughout the year at selected venues.

Driving experiences for 10-17s (and adults) are also available in three classic cars – a Vauxhall VX490, Morris Minor or Austin 7, along with a genuine ex-service fire engine.

For more information log on to www.youngdriver.com or call 0333 577 9010