Category Archives: Lexus

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

Executive saloon, Lexus, Manufacturer, Motor reviews, Vehicle type

Hybrid lap of luxury

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Lexus ES

By Bill McCarthy

FEW may have heard of this stunning looking Lexus, but it has been around for 30 years – but not in the UK.

In fact it is the brand’s most popular saloon, having sold 3.5 million worldwide.

You can see why. It is a luxury motor taking on the likes of the BMW 5 series, Mercedes E-Class, Jaguar XF and Volvo S90.

A stiff challenge then, but it has the advantage of being something new and offering tested hybrid technology. Based on the firm’s Global Architecture-K platform, it has what is described as ‘Provocative Elegance’

It looks a real great with chiselled and sculpted angular lines, while F-Sport  bespoke features include a close-mesh pattern in the signature spindle grille made up of interlocking ‘L’ shapes, set within a jet black frame, discreet, integrated bootlid spoiler, lower rear bumper valance and F Sport badging.

Despite the 2.5-litre engine and battery producing 215bhp, acceleration is not going to throw you back in your seat. The car hits 62mph in nearly nine seconds and on to a  top speed is 112mph where permitted. 

But this model adds Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) which provides 650 levels of automatic, adjustment to the damping force at each wheel. AVS adds Sport S and Sport S+ settings for the Drive Mode Select system which sharpens up throttle, transmission and steering parameters along with the adaptive dampers.

If performance isn’t exactly electric, economy certainly is.

Official consumption figures are around 52mpg (WLTP figures) and CO2 emissions from 106g/km. This puts it in the highly competitive 25 per cent benefit in kind figure for business user.

The front wheels are driven by the electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) which is a a world away from early CVT efforts. As a full hybrid, it has the benefit of a fully electric EV driving mode, perfect in slow moving traffic and above a certain speed kicks in where driving conditions warrant it.

The interior, is a luxurious place to be with F Sport  styling including sports front seats embossed with the F Sport emblem and a striking new aluminium trim.

Also exclusive to the F Sport, the leather upholstery can be specified in a bold Flare Red colour, while the rest of the cab is finished with leather trim and high quality soft touch finish to the luxury to dash and doors.

The central console features a track/pad mouse which control the major functions  through the central eight-inch display screen. It can be a bit fiddly and is very sensitive, especially on the move, but you can use voice commands.

The touchscreen  controls sat nav, climate control, connectivity and  sound system and there is also a multi-display system incorporated into the binnacle.

At under £40,000 the list of kit represents good value, with a comprehensive list including DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera, power-adjustable, heated front seats, power-adjustable steering column, sunroof, rear privacy glass and  dual-zone climate control.

It also features LED headlights, cruise control, parking sensors, with camera, smart entry and push-button start.

The list continues with the comprehensive safety kit to gain a Euro NCAP five star rating which includes 10 air bags, traction and stability control and on this model blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and new daytime cyclist and night-time pedestrian detection.

This is a big car as evidenced trying to park in out 1960s designed car parks. But it is a comfortable place to be with a long, if slightly shallow boot.

Space is compromised by the battery, but is adequate for the style of car at 454 litres.

Ride and handling are good, but it really scores when cruising on the motorway or uncluttered long country roads. It is hugely refined, with the advanced suspension soaking up bumps and potholes, occupants are cosseted in comfort, with the hybrid combo just a whisper in the back ground. 

The Lexus is up against top premium opposition, but it is a luxurious alternative which is supremely refined and cheap to run.

Oh, and it does look pretty sensational.

Factfile

Lexus ES 300h F-Sport

Price: £38,150

Mechanical: 215bhp, 2,487cc, 4cyl petrol engine/battery hybrid driving front wheels wheels via automatic gearbox

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 8.9 seconds

Combined mpg: 52.9

Insurance group: 34

CO2 emissions: 106g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles