Tag Archives: SUV

Electric/hybrid, Lexus, Manufacturer, SUV

Smart all-new Lexus targets younger market

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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%
City cars, Manufacturer, MG

New MG a brilliant performer

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MG3 Hybrid+

By Bill McCarthy

The first time I drove an MG3, it was a bit underwhelming, despite the rock bottom price. Now Chinese owned, the name MG has a proud heritage as a sporty and desirable vehicle.
The firm now produces value for money cars, which are practical and well equipped and with some industry leading offers.
The new hybrid model is an altogether different proposition from the original and, says the company, represents a landmark in MG’s powertrain development, as the first pure hybrid model to be launched. There are two models, and both are packed with kit you would expect on more expensive rivals. 
It delivers an advanced hybrid system that  includes a separate generator, allowing for multiple hybrid modes. 
Starting at  £18,495 OTR, it is available in SE or Trophy specifications and both come with the seven-year/80,000 mile warranty.
Prices are still low and you get plenty from this impressive supermini. It also looks good, with a full frame grille, sporting the larger, iconic MG badge and other neat style touches in the rear such as high-mounted tail lamps.
To be fair, it blew me away, a supermini almost defying the description, with a large interior and excellent boot space.


It delivers a unique hybrid system that  includes a separate generator, allowing for multiple hybrid modes which include:

  • EV – Running on electric-only power for as long as charge allows
  • Series – Engine runs through to the generator, which powers the electric motor for drive
  • Series and Charge – Series driving, plus topping-up the battery when under low-load
  • Drive and Charge – Engine drives the wheels, while also charging the battery through the generator
  • Parallel – Both engine and electric motor power the wheels

The hybrid 1.5 internal combustion engine and 100kW electric motor deliver an excellent drive and can pretty astonishing economy figures of nearly 70mpg reported by colleagues. I managed ‘only’ 63mpg, nearer the official figure and this was with predominantly motorway driving. Impressive or what? It is bigger than before with good interior space and an excellent stowage area.
It now features  a twin-screen cockpit with a seven-inch digital instrument screen and a 10.25-inch central infotainment system which also controls navigation and connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Other high end equipment includes air conditioning, six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connection, four USB ports, and rear parking sensors and camera, while this range topper  add leather-style upholstery, keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, and 360-degree camera. The spacious cabin offers excellent headroom, while legroom is reasonably good as well.
You will not find high quality soft touch finish, but the plastic finish is hard wearing and easy to keep clean, particularly with young children in the car. Boot space, like most hatchbacks, space can be increased by folding the rear seats. 
Despite the huge economy, it still delivers a sporty performance with good handling which came into play on twisty Devon roads.
 There are three driving modes: Eco, Standard and Sport, with the latter powering the car to 60mph in just eight seconds. The chassis and suspension has also been specifically tuned for UK roads according to MG.
However, hit a pothole or uneven surface where the car is unsettled by imperfections and can be uncomfortable until you are on a better surface.

A bigger, better, high quality little car, but still  a real snip of a price.
The new car is packed with safety kit including rear view camera and MG Pilot technology, which includes a full set of airbags, lane dpearture warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and traffic jam assist.

A brilliant little performer that wears the MG badge proudly.

  • Factfile
  • MG3 3 Hybrid+ Trophy
  • Price: £20,495
  • Mechanical: 143PS, 1,498cc, 4cyl petrol engine and 100kW electric motor combined, driving front wheels wheels via auto gearbox
  • Max speed: 128mph
  • 0-60mph: 8 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 64
  • Insurance group: 24
  • CO2 emissions: 100g/km (provisional)
  • Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles