If your next purchase is a small premium crossover,
get ready to add a new competitor to your shortlist in the recently unveiled
Lexus UX, awaiting its North American debut at this year’s NY Auto Show.
The UX is built on the automaker’s new GA-C (Global
Architecture – Compact) platform, which also lays the foundation for the Toyota
Prius, C-HR, Auris, Corolla and even the Avensis.
US buyers will choose between two powertrains in the
front-wheel driven UX 200, and the UX 250h, which features eAWD. The latter
also comes with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a new fourth generation hybrid
drive system producing a total of 176 HP, while the entry-level 200 version
uses just gas power, rated at 168 HP, coupled with a new CVT gearbox.
According to the Japanese automaker, you will be
able to average 33 combined mpg (7.1 l/100km) in the UX 200, whereas the UX
250h will offer you an estimated 38 combined mpg (6.2 l/100km).
As for features and safety tech, all UX models come
standard with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration, while the Lexus
Safety System+ brings with it Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise
Control, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist and a Pre-Collision System that
can spot pedestrians at night.
The Lexus UX 200 and UX 250h will go into production
this fall, with sales expected to commence in December. The new crossover will
also be Lexus’ first ever model to be offered through a subscription service.
