Lexus LBX
By Bill McCarthy
Lexus has set out to introduce a compact premium SUV with stylish looks aimed at the younger European market that delivers brilliant economy and an engaging drive, and they appear to have cracked it with the LBX.
The new compact SUV along with others in the Lexus stable have buried the old ‘pipe and slippers image’ of being driven mostly by older drivers – given the models produced over the last few years have cutting edge design and high-end technology.
The new model comes in seven versions with a starting price of £29,995.
Compact with a muscular profile, the familiar Lexus ‘spindle’ grille sitting below a slim grille has been modified; the firm says it’s part of Lexus’s “Resolute Look” design heritage.
There is a new headlight design that integrates daytime running lights and turn indicators
The new face of the vehicle is to improve the drag coefficient, directing the flow of air from the front bumper down the sides of the vehicle.
The interior is, as you would expect from Lexus, high quality with leather style seats and a premium feel throughout.
It features plush soft touch finish with logical controls well positioned for optimum use.
Also new is a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, upholstered side knee pads, a padded centre arm rest and a lower storage box with 12V accessory socket and C-type USB port.
Central is a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen which controls major functions through Lexus Link multimedia which includes navigation, smartphone integration and a high-end Mark Levinson sound system on this model.
An optional digital key is compatible with both Apple and Android devices, and up to five individuals per car to use an app on their smartphone to unlock and start the vehicle.
A premium vehicle, it is packed with kit, including, on the entry model, automatic LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, all-round parking sensors and a rear-view camera and 17-inch alloys, while this upper mid-range model adds leather style upholstery, tinted rear windows, a wireless phone-charging pad, ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, and powered tailgate.
It clearly has a mainstream European look, a deliberate choice, and is powered by an efficient self-charging hybrid combination of three cylinder petrol engine and electric motor with a total system output of 134 bhp.
Hybrid engines, whatever the future holds, are more and more efficient matching and exceeding in many cases the most economical of diesel engines, and the LBX is no different.
This combination delivers brisk performance hitting 60mph in just over nine seconds, while the WLTP combined figures shows fuel economy of up to a stunning 62.8 mpg and CO2 emissions from 102 g/km
On the road it offers fun as well as economy. It feels stable on corners while the suspension is firm enough for excellent handling, but not so firm as to make the ride uncomfortable.
It may be the smallest Lexus, but stowage space is decent with 402 litres, with space to carry two 75-litre suitcases beneath the rear boot cover.
Like all Lexus models it is packed with safety equipment including the latest Lexus Safety System+ active system which includes hazard detection capabilities and new braking, steering and drive force control functions to help avoid collisions
Facftile
- Lexus LBX Premium Plus Design
- Price: £35,595
- Mechanical: 134bhp, 1,490cc, three-cyl petrol engine and 67kWelectric motor driving front wheels via automatic gearbox
- Max speed: 106mph
- 0-60mph: 9.2 seconds
- Combined mpg: 62.8
- Insurance group: tbc
- CO2 emissions: 102g/km
- BiK rating: 27%
