Lexus will offer customers more preventive safety technology, improved driving dynamics and the latest available advances in multimedia on its luxury compact UX SUV range.
The enhancements are part of the Lexus “Always On” philosophy of continual product improvement, bringing subtle but significant additions to the petrol and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) variants of the popular UX range which debuted in Australia in 2019.
The Lexus Driving Signature, defined by linear vehicle operation faithful to the driver’s input, is further evolved with the addition of 20 spot-welding points on the UX body for greater body stiffness, improved road holding and inspired driver feedback.
The electric power steering (EPS) system and suspension shock absorbers have also been retuned accordingly to help provide a seamless transition between braking, steering and acceleration through bends and on a variety of road surfaces.
A stronger body and more faithful vehicle response adds to the dynamic safety of the UX, as does evolutionary improvements to the Lexus Safety System+1 suite of advance safety technologies which appear on the UX 200 Luxury and UX 250h 2WD and AWD models.
More features and equipment for UX 200 Luxury
The UX 200 Luxury’s driving efficiency is bolstered with the inclusion of the engine stop start system, while occupant comfort and convenience are augmented with the latest-generation 12.3-inch HD touchscreen display replacing the previous 10.3-inch version. The touchscreen display offers operation for satellite navigation2, Apple CarPlay®3 and Android Auto™4 and other useful vehicle functions.
DAB+ digital radio5 is now standard on the UX 200 Luxury and the audio system is upgraded to now include 10 speakers – two more than previous.
A multimedia highlight of the updated UX is the “Hey Lexus” voice recognition function which can be activated by pressing the talk button on the steering wheel, the microphone icon on the display, or simply through voice activation. The system is set up to recognise prescribed standard phrases through conversational language.
The UX 200 Luxury also gains Lexus Connected Services6 which provides further assurance for owners with valuable safety, security and vehicle information features. These benefits can be accessed by downloading the Lexus Connected7 smartphone app which turns a smartphone into a digital key through an Internet connection utilising a Data Communication Module (DCM).
All UX models, therefore, now have the larger touchscreen and Lexus Connected Services6 functionality.
Evolution of the F Sport driving experience
The UX 200 and UX 250h F Sport models have their driving image and sportiness further enhanced, both visually and technically.
Body coloured wheel arches and aluminium trim for the driver’s footrest add to the sporty aesthetics, while the addition of a brace to the steering gear complements the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system and rear performance dampers that quickly absorb body flex and minor vibrations to further sharpen handling and improve overall ride comfort and quietness.
With its excellent responding damping force adjustment, the AVS simultaneously maintains a flat posture and absorbs excess shock, even on road surfaces with a combination of large undulations and minor bumps. This results in excellent steering response and stability faithful to the driver’s inputs.
Lexus Safety System+1 expands preventive safety technology functions
The updated UX 200 Luxury and UX 250 2WD and AWD models have expanded functionality of the Lexus Safety System+1 preventive safety technology.
Primary among them is the single-lens camera and millimetre-wave radar which have been improved to expand the response range of the Pre-Collision System1, which itself is designed to detect daytime bicyclists and pedestrians in low-light conditions as well as oncoming vehicles before turns.
The lane-recognition functions of Lane Tracing Assist1 (LTA) – the advanced driving support function that aids steering to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane – have also been improved through the application of AI technologies that expand the assist range, resulting in smoother and more-continuous steering assist.
A curve speed-control function that can decelerate the UX ahead of an approaching curve has been added to dynamic radar cruise control1 (with an all-speed tracking function), which controls acceleration and deceleration to keep a safe distance to the vehicle in front.
The standard Panoramic View Monitor1 – which combines images from the front, rear, left and right side cameras of the vehicle and projects them on the centre screen – now has a new underbody transparent display function.
This combines images of road surface conditions taken in the past with an image of the vehicle underbody, helping the driver to fully recognize vehicle position in relation to road surface conditions below.
The updated UX 200 Luxury and UX 250h 2WD and AWD models is expected in Lexus showrooms during the second half of 2022, with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date.
