Category Archives: SUV

Crossover, electric, Lexus, Manufacturer, SUV

Premium performance from Lexus

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Lexus UX 300e

By Bill McCarthy

LEXUS styling and build quality has always been impeccable, not to mention its brand desirability as a premium vehicle.

And as the rush to electrification gathers pace, the brand is in a pretty unique position to take advantage, having been a leader in the hybrid market for a good 15 years, when the RX 400h hit the roads. Parent firm Toyota goes even further back with the iconic Prius.

Now Lexus has gone the whole hog with the compact UX 300e, a stylish car that is now available in full electric mode as well as hybrid.

It has a striking design, all sharp angles and creases with sculpted side panels. It features the now familiar spindle grille, together with eye-catching light clusters, distinctive bespoke 18-inch aerodynamic alloys on this model. In addition, the chiselled-looking rear end with full width light bar gives it a real road presence.

As with the growing trend with full electric cars, it is barely distinguishable from other UX models, with just the word ‘electric’ on the door.

It is offered with single equipment grade, UX, but options like the Premium  pack here and Takumi Packs provide additional equipment features.

The interior is typical Lexus quality, refined with high-end leather hand stitched leather seats and finish to dash and doors together with soft materials throughout. Major functions are controlled by a central touchscreen and can also be operated from a small keypad next to the drive selector. 

The standard specification includes aluminium roof rails, bi-LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, illuminated entry, eight-way power front seat adjustment, power steering wheel adjustment, seven-inch display, reversing camera, six-speaker audio system with DAB, four USB ports and Aux socket and smartphone connectivity using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Premium Plus Pack here adds smooth leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outer rear seats, rear privacy glass, smart keyless entry, card key, smartphone wireless charger and illuminated door handles with puddle lights.

On the road, the front-wheel drive battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) system uses the latest lithium-ion technology, and high performance motor to deliver a claimed range of up to 196 miles and rapid acceleration from a standing start, so typical of electric cars.

A clever touch is the heating element system under each of the battery’s modules. This minimises the impact of low temperatures on the driving range, ensuring full power is available from start-up.

It hits 60 in under eight seconds, however despite feeling stable, piling on the power causes the steering to snatch, or torque steer slightly.

Otherwise it accelerates away smoothly, with only a hint of road noise intruding into the cabin. The handling is good and it feels agile when cornering, while the steering is direct and nicely weighted.

It also offers a stable ride, with low centre of gravity, thanks to the battery being located under the car body and the electric motor set low in the engine compartment, while new shock absorbers give greater control.

Despite the large battery, boot space  has actually increased by 47 litres to 486 litres, when loaded to the roof, which is made easier with the availability of a hands-free power tailgate.

In practical terms front head and legroom are excellent but it is a bit more cramped in the back and three adults might feel some discomfort over longer journeys.

You would expect a hushed interior with a premium vehicle and cabin noise is reduced by the thickness and weight of the battery pack under the cabin floor, which acts as a sound-insulating barrier. In addition, undercovers and wing liners reduce the noise generated by small stones, dirt, water and the road surface, while acoustic window glass reduces wind noise.

Safety kit is comprehensive and includes full complement of airbags Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beam

Lexus rarely disappoints and this model is no exception.

FAST FACTS

Lexus UX 300e Premium Plus Pack

Price: £45,995

Mechanical: 201bhp, 150kW electric motors driving front wheels via auto transmission

Max Speed: 99mph

0-62mph: 7.5 seconds

Electric range: 196

Insurance Group: 38-39

C02 emissions: 0 g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/62,000 miles

SUV, SUV/4X4, Suzuki

Big change with Suzuki SUV

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Suzuki Across hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

Suzuki is justifiably lauded for its small cars and four-wheel drive capability, but like most manufacturers is increasingly turning to electric power and in this case, a large SUV.

And like other manufacturers, Suzuki is collaborating with others in model production, sharing engines and body architecture.

The Across has been produced in collaboration with Toyota, who now have a stake in Suzuki, and vice versa and looks suspiciously like a RAV 4, because that’s pretty much what it is.

So Suzuki has joined the big boys, literally, with the Across, a AWD hybrid that looks good, has excellent range and delivers blistering performance.

OK, people buying SUVs don’t necessarily go for performance, but in typical electric vehicle style, the Across is extremely rapid off the mark, capable of hitting 60mph in six, seconds, proper hot hatch territory. The performance comes via a combination of electric motors, one on each axle, and 2.5 litre petrol engine, mated to the CVT transmission delivers a brutal 306bhp.

Add to this low emissions of just 22g/km a theoretical 282mpg economy and the ability to charge the battery on the move via the petrol engine and you have a versatile, practical performer.

This is particularly useful when entering low emission zones, where the claimed range of 46 miles on electric power only, means it is not subject to emission and congestion charging.

It is stylish and offers a comprehensive array of standard kit, but for a Suzuki it is expensive, up there in the near premium range.

It has just one specification and offers Suzuki’s E-Four electronic 4×4 system, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, dual zone automatic air conditioning, auto function opening tailgate and nine-inch multimedia touchscreen as standard, together with all the electric and electronic aids you would expect from a vehicle costing north of £45k.

It is a striking looking SUV, with a sporty stance, with a large deep grille, slim headlights, muscular wheel arches and eye-catching 19-inch alloy wheels.

 The interior too, feels high end and features  quality upholstery with soft touch finish throughout, powered leather seats, multi-function steering wheel and the centrepiece touchscreen which controls sound system and connectivity through Apple CarPlay Android Auto and MirrorLink for smartphones.

There are also various storage spaces including driver’s and passenger’s side trays, centre tray, cupholders and a console box.

They hybrid system works in tandem with the 4×4 system and allows a rear motor that works in conjunction with the front motor to provide drive to either front or rear wheels, or both, depending on road conditions such  as icy road, or genuine off road conditions.

It can run on electric only at up to 84mph. Driving modes are selected by two central buttons which allows the driver to choose electric only, full hybrid, engine only or charge mode where the engine is used to replenish the battery in preparation for entering low emission areas. This obviously has a detrimental effect on fuel economy.

In addition, Trail Mode is an automatic limited slip differential control feature that ensures the best possible grip and control on slippery surfaces. It all sounds great and while it is no wallowing beast, cornering too rapidly causes the vehicle to become unsettled. Having said, that I can’t think of any SUV driver who demands sporty handling.

In practical terms. The Across has much to offer with a total of 490 litres of stowage space and the luggage compartment is equipped with a mains voltage (220V) electrical outlet and 12V accessory socket and can be accessed via kick operation electronic tailgate

It is packed with safety kit including airbags, traction and stability controls, collision prevention, radar cruise control, lane warning and rear traffic alert. If the vehicle is involved in a traffic accident, the eCall system alerts emergency services with a phone message that includes the precise location of the vehicle.

Factfile

Suzuki Across PHEV

Price: £45,599

Mechanical: 307bhp, 2487cc, 4-cylinder, petrol engine and electric motors driving all wheels via CVT transmission

Max Speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 6 seconds

Combined MPG: 282

Insurance Group: TBC

C02 emissions: 26g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/62,000 miles