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Motoring

The compact Lexus premium SUV that offers plenty

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Lexus LBX Premium Plus

By Bill McCarthy

The Lexus LBX represents a bold departure for Toyota’s luxury division. Starting at just £29,995, this compact SUV brings premium quality at a reasonable price. During a week of testing, the car offered an engaging drive, a luxurious cabin, decent economy and a sensible price tag

How good is the LBX?

Yes. The LBX delivers genuine Lexus quality in a smaller, more affordable package. It’s not the prettiest small SUV on sale, but it looks more expensive than it is – which is exactly the point.

Lexus LBX performance

The 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid is the standout feature of the LBX. It’s smooth, quiet, and surprisingly eager off the line. The hybrid system provides adequate power for town driving and motorway cruising.

On the road, the Lexus LBX delivers:

  • Precise steering with good feedback
  • Comfortable ride over bumps
  • Excellent low-speed agility for city driving
  • Refined motorway manners

During testing on Devon’s narrow lanes, the LBX chassis impressed with its composure and handling. It’s not a hot hatch, but it’s genuinely enjoyable to drive.

Decent economy

Real-world fuel economy of 52mpg was achieved during testing, compared to the official 61.4mpg WLTP figure. Most driving was at high motorway speeds, making this result particularly impressive for a petrol-electric hybrid.

Interior and technology

Cabin quality

The LBX interior follows Lexus’s Tazuna cockpit concept, putting the driver at the centre. Materials are mostly top-notch, with comfortable heated seats and excellent visibility. A few cheaper plastics exist low down, but you’d have to search for them.

Infotainment and connectivity

Lexus Link Connect includes:

  • Cloud-based navigation
  • Over-the-air updates
  • “Hey Lexus” voice control
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay
  • Wireless Android Auto
  • Bluetooth and DAB radio
  • Multiple USB-C ports
  • Wireless charging pad

The Lexus Link app adds remote locking, vehicle status monitoring, and climate pre-conditioning.

Physical controls

Unlike many modern cars, the LBX retains proper physical controls for climate and key audio functions. A head-up display is available on top trims.

Lexus LBX practicality

Boot Space:

  • 332 litres with rear seats up
  • 994 litres with rear seats folded

The load bay is conveniently accessed and practical for weekly shopping or weekend bags, which we took to Devon. The LBX coped well with a trip to the local tip during testing.

Safety

The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 comes as standard and includes:

  • Pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Dynamic radar cruise control
  • Lane departure alert
  • Lane tracing assist
  • Road sign assist
  • Automatic high beam

Available depending on grade:

  • Blind spot monitor
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Safe exit assist
  • Parking support brake

The Lexus LBX achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

LBX Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Premium interior quality at under £30k
  • Excellent fuel economy from hybrid powertrain
  • Smooth, quiet ride with impressive refinement
  • Comprehensive standard safety equipment
  • Five-star Euro NCAP rating
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Cons:

  • Some cheap plastics in lower cabin areas
  • Not the roomiest small SUV
  • Not the fastest in class

Verdict

The Lexus LBX is small for the brand but still exudes quality and desirability. It’s not perfect, but there’s little to criticise. For buyers seeking a premium small SUV under £30,000, the LBX represents excellent value.

Factfile

  • Model: Lexus LBX Premium Plus
  • Price: £35,695
  • Mechanical: 136 PS, 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid petrol and electric motor, driving the front wheels, via an e-CVT automatic transmission
  • Max speed: 106 mph
  • 0 to 62mph: 9.2 sec
  • Combined mpg: 61.4 (WLTP)
  • Insurance group: 24e
  • CO2 emissions: 102 g/km
  • BiK rating: 26%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

FAQs

How much is it?

The Lexus LBX starts at £29,995, with the Premium Plus model tested costing £35,695.

What about fuel economy?

Official WLTP combined economy is 61.4mpg. Real-world testing achieved 52mpg at motorway speeds.

Is it a full hybrid?

Yes, the LBX uses a 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid petrol-electric powertrain.

How big is the boot?

Boot space is 332 litres with rear seats up, expanding to 994 litres with seats folded.

Is it safe?

Yes, the LBX achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating with comprehensive standard safety equipment.

Motoring, Family hatchback, Supermini, Hyundai

Hyundai’s spacious and well equipped supermini

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Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 90 PS Tech Line

By Bill McCarthy

I have driven a few i20s over the years, from the entry-level cars to the firecracker i20 N. Time and again, they’ve proved worthy. It’s one of the most rounded superminis on sale.

With the 1.0-litre turbocharged 90 PS petrol engine, it promises low running costs without stripping out equipment. It isn’t a hot hatch – except maybe for the now-departed N – but it’s a genuinely likeable, practical, economical everyday car.

It’s been a familiar sight on the roads for a few years now. There’s a new model on the way but in the meantime, the current car is still worth a look.

Performance and driving

Under the bonnet is a 998cc three-cylinder turbo petrol producing 90 PS.. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed intelligent manual gearbox, which can decouple the engine when coasting to save fuel. 

The numbers are modest: 0-62mph in about 11.5 seconds and a 112mph top speed. Yet it feels quicker than that. The rasp of the three-pot engine gives a sporty feel when you floor it, even if the figures don’t bear it out. It’s eager enough around town, the gearbox shifts cleanly, and the light steering makes city driving effortless.

On smooth roads, the i20 feels composed, with a tight turning circle and good visibility. The trade-off is a firm ride, especially over potholes, but it rewards with decent body control. Drive modes adjust throttle response and steering weight, while cruise control makes longer journeys relaxed.

It also proved surprisingly able around the twisting lanes and steep ascents of the Lake District.

The little three-cylinder turbo had enough low-down torque to pull cleanly out of tight bends and up the climbs, while the compact dimensions and light steering made narrow, hedged roads feel easy to place rather than intimidating.

That kind of driving – constant gradients, slow corners and repeated gear changes – made the official economy figure of 47.9mpg was slightlyoptimistic. In my real world this was nearer 45mpg. Still respectable for a petrol supermini.

Interior and equipment

The Tech Line cabin offers plenty, with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and multi-colour ambient lighting make cold mornings far more bearable. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, and the rear bench splits 60:40. Electric front and rear windows, luggage hooks and a front cup holder add everyday usability.

TThe dual-screen setup is the highlight: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control and drive modes are all standard. Parking is easy thanks to front sensors and a rear-view camera, while automatic wipers, wireless charging and USB ports front and rear keep life simple. 

There’s also a smart key with engine start button, immobiliser and steering wheel remote controls. A temporary mobility kit, privacy glass and aero wiper blades complete the package. Some plastics are hard to the touch, but the layout is logical and the kit count embarrasses pricier rivals.

Practicality and safety

Boot space is 352 litres, expanding to 1,165 litres with the rear seats folded – among the best in class and enough for a weekly tip run or a weekend away with plenty of baggage. The 60:40 split makes carrying longer items easy and they benefit from a USB-C charging port,

The i20 is well protected, too. Standard safety kit includes lane keep assist, lane follow assist, intelligent speed limit assist, forward collision avoidance, driver and front passenger airbags, side and curtain airbags, ABS, ISOFIX and childproof rear door locks. An eCall system adds peace of mind in an emergency.

Verdict

The i20 isn’t the fastest or most exciting supermini. But it is efficient, practical and well equipped. The firm ride and some cheap interior materials are minor flaws in an otherwise sensible package. With a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, it still makes the current model worth a look offers an impressive package without the premium price tag.

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Factfile

  • Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 90 PS Tech Line
  • Price: from £24,245
  • Mechanical: 90ps, 998cc, 3-cyl turbo petrol, front-wheel drive, 6-speed intelligent manual
  • Max speed: 112mph
  • 0-62mph: 11.5 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 47.9
  • Insurance group: 13E
  • CO2 emissions: 134g/km
  • BiK rating: 32%
  • Warranty: 5yrs/unlimited miles