The new Lexus UX compact SUV crossover arrives in the UK in March 2019 and the firm has announced prices will start from £29,900.
A rival to the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Jaguar E-Pace, the long-awaited junior Lexus SUV will offer an all-hybrid line-up, based around a 2.0-litre UX 250h petrol motor.
The firm is continuing with its rather ambitious ‘self-charging hybrid’ phrase for the conventional hybrid system.
Base models will be front-wheel drive, with the E-Four all-wheel drive system offered for £1,250 extra: it is standard on the top-spec version. The UX is the first Lexus to be based on the firm’s new C-platform global architecture, called Lexus GA-C.
Lexus will be hoping the UX proves considerably more successful than its current compact offering, the Lexus CT200h.
There will be three variants – the base UX, F Sport and Takumi. All models feature climate control, sat nav and the Lexus Safety System+.
F Sport upgrades base 17-inch alloys to 18-inch, and adds an F Sport spindle grille and sports seats, rear privacy glass, electric heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Then there’s a big jump in price up to the Takumi, with the haul of equipment to match: ventilated ‘smooth leather’ seats, 13-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, 10-inch infotainment display, head-up display, sunroof and various other gadgets. Five options packs are offered, for UX and F Sport: the Takumi gets it all as standard.
A combination of hybrid technology as standard and strong equipment levels means the Lexus UX seems fairly competitively priced alongside rivals. The outgoing Audi Q3 starts from £27,915, the BMW X1 is priced from £28,930 and a Jaguar E-Pace costs from £29,280
2019 Lexus UX prices
- UX: £29,900
- F Sport: £33,900
- Takumi: £39,100
