Lexus Indonesia
has brought the Lexus UX to the 2018 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto
Show (GIIAS) for an Asian premiere. Unveiled in March at the Geneva show, the
UX is Lexus’ smallest SUV, slotting under the NX as “a new gateway to the
brand.”
To go up against the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA,
the UX is the first Lexus to use the brand’s GA-C (Global Architecture –
Compact) platform. Lexus says that the rigid structure and low center of gravity
help the UX deliver exemplary handling agility and ride comfort, along with a
distinctive driving personality.
The UX is 4,496 mm long and has a 2,639 mm
wheelbase, which makes it 144 mm shorter than the NX, although the wheelbase
deficit is just 21 mm. Design highlights include flared front and rear square
fenders and a simple rear design featuring full-width tail lights are formed by
a sequence of 120 LEDs that taper toward the centre.
The air vents use a
new single-knob control for airflow direction and volume, while the vents
themselves are illuminated using a new wireless system. Each control’s LED is
wirelessly powered using electromagnetic resonance between two coils vibrating
at the same frequency. Using the same design principle as the Lexus LC’s rear
lamps, the vent LEDs use mirror optics to create the effect of floating
lighting depth, even though the reflector element is just 3 mm thick. The Lexus UX comes in two
versions – the UX 200 and the UX 250h hybrid. The UX 200 introduces the new 168
hp Dynamic Force 2.0 litre naturally aspirated engine coupled with the new
Direct-Shift CVT.
The UX 250h takes the same engine and
pairs it to a fourth-generation hybrid system with a projected output of 176
hp. The hybrid system has a compact and lightweight new transaxle and Power
Control Unit, designed to minimise power losses through heat and friction. Locating the nickel metal-hydride
(NiMH) battery and compact cooling system below the rear seat helps maximise
cabin and cargo space, while supporting the low centre of gravity.
The E-Four system gives the UX 250h AWD capability
by using an additional electric motor on the rear axle. Power distribution
between the front and rear axles is automatically optimised when accelerating,
cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces. When a loss of rear-wheel grip is
detected, power directed to the rear is increased to around 80%, at speeds up
to 70 km/h, contributing to handling and stability.
This showcar is in F Sport trim, which brings
specific springs and stabiliser bars, plus rear performance dampers to sharpen
handling. Exterior features include a different spindle grille mesh, large fog
lamp bezels with L-shaped chrome moldings and detailing that repeats the F-mesh
grille pattern, a unique rear bumper, 18-inch alloys and jet-black body trim.
Inside, F Sport cars get front sports seats, a
moving meter, F Sport steering wheel with dimpled leather (also on the shift
knob), eight-inch TFT colour display and aluminium pedals. Active Sound Control
(ASC) generates the aural effect of gearshifts (CVT, remember) and there’s a
sportier “S+ Sound” in the Sport S+ mode.
