FOLLOWING AN ENQUIRY BY A reader, we were reminded that the disparity between Lexus hybrid prices and other brands has been shrinking. Now, Lexus is making things even more appealing with a solid $2000 reduction in the price of the UX 200 Luxury and a raft of enhancements.
On sale from December 2, UX models will include more responsive acceleration, smoother gearshifts, quieter cabin, increased luggage space, upgraded rear USB ports and school-zone speed-sign detection.
Drivers aspiring to the Lexus luxury lifestyle will be able to choose the UX 200 Luxury from $44,445 – $2,000 less than the outgoing UX 200 Luxury.
It’s not quite as good as it sounds, however, as previously standard features have now been moved to a new, optional Enhancement Pack 1 that bundles up LED fog lamps, roof rails, parking support brake (PKSB), blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, smart entry and DAB+ digital radio.
A more engaging and comfortable driving experience has been achieved with refinements to the Lexus Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
A smoother drive when starting off and coming to a halt has been pursued with revised control of clutch oil pressure, producing more seamless switching between the mechanical first gear and belt transfer mechanisms.
Acceleration is more refined and responsive due to recalibration of the integrated powertrain control electronics.
The UX cabin, which already benefits from acoustic glass, is now quieter and more relaxing due to the strategic placement of additional sound-absorbing materials and the adoption of thicker insulation around key areas of the boot floor.
UX luggage space has been expanded with a lower deck height in UX 200 petrol variants releasing between approximately 50 and 90 litres – a total of 419 litres (17-inch wheels) and 424 litres (18-inch wheels).
The flexible cargo area for all hybrid UX 250h variants is now 368 litres with the adoption of a double deck-tray adding between four litres (for UX 250h F Sport and Sports Luxury 2WD) and 44 litres (for UX 250h Luxury 2WD).
Safety technology also features in the updated UX, which is now designed to detect school-zone speed signs, as part of the wider Road Sign Assist.
This latest feature expands on a broad suite of Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) technologies, including Pre-Collision Safety (PCS) system with Pedestrian and Daylight Cyclist Detection, all-speed Active Cruise Control and Lane Trace Assist.
A further handy upgrade for UX is the inclusion of two Type-C USB ports in the rear console, replacing the previous Type-A USB ports for faster charging of compatible devices. Both ports have inlet lighting to enhance visibility.
In addition to the repositioned UX 200 Luxury grade, all other petrol variants have had price reductions from $75 to $325 compared with the equivalent outgoing model. The more accessible UX 200 Luxury grade and the creation of a new Enhancement Pack 1 has had a flow-on effect for the previous Enhancement Pack 1 and 2, which are now renumbered 2 and 3.
The front-wheel drive UX 250h range now starts with the Luxury with Enhancement Pack 2 which adds features including power-operated tailgate, wireless phone charging, privacy glass, cornering lamps, alloy scuff plates and headlamp washers.
UX 250h AWD remains available in F Sport and Sports Luxury grades only.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive Scott Thompson said the updated UX embodies the Lexus commitment to continual and thoughtful upgrades across its entire line-up.
“The new UX is packed with improvements across all grades in terms of practicality, refinement and technology, and now our entry UX 200 unlocks the Lexus luxury lifestyle at an even more accessible price,” Mr Thompson said.
This year (to October) the UX has achieved 1,090 sales, of which an impressive 42.1 percent have been self-charging hybrids. The ongoing success of the UX 200 will be complemented by additional allocation of the UX 250h to further boost the joint appeal of the luxury compact SUV.
Across the Lexus range, hybrids account for one-third of sales.
2020 Lexus UX pricing
| UX 200 | UX 250h 2WD | UX 250h AWD | |
| Luxury | $44,445 | – | – |
| + EP1 | $46,425 | – | – |
| + EP2 | $48,175 | $52,025 | – |
| + EP3 | $50,225 | $54,075 | – |
| F Sport | $55,750 | $59,600 | $64,100 |
| + EP1 | $58,250 | $62,100 | $66,600 |
| + EP2 | $61,350 | $65,200 | $69,700 |
| Sports Luxury | $55,250 | $59,100 | $63,600 |
| + EP | $58,750 | $62,600 | $67,100 |
All prices plus on road costs.
UX 200 Luxury highlights
• 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/60R17 96H Bridgestone tyres
• LED headlamps
• Heated Exterior Mirrors
• Rear Spoiler
• Self-dimming Interior Mirror
• Smart Start
• Leather Accented Steering Wheel and Shift Lever
• Heated Front Seats
• 10-way Driver and 8-way Passenger Power Adjustable Seats
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Lexus App Suite (LAS)
• 7-inch LCD Meter with Multi Information Display
• 10.3-inch Audio Display
• Satellite Navigation
• Power Adjustable Steering Column
• 8-Speaker Audio System including a 16cm subwoofer
• Lexus Safety System+
– Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection and Daylight Cyclist Detection
– All-Speed Active Cruise Control (ACC)
– Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
– Automatic High Beam (AHB)
– Road Sign Assist (Speed signs only)
• Eight SRS Airbags
• Alarm System with Tilt Sensor and Ultrasonic Break-In Sensor
• Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS)
UX 200 Luxury with Enhancement Pack 1 adds
• LED Fog Lamps
• Roof Rails
• Smart Entry
• DAB+ Digital Radio
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Parking Support Brake (PKSB), including Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Optional 18-inch Alloy wheels with 225/50RF18 95V Dunlop run-flat tyres ($1,595)
UX 200 Luxury / UX 250h Luxury with Enhancement Pack 2 highlights
Luxury and Luxury with Enhancement Pack 1 plus:
• Power Tailgate
• Wireless phone charging
• Cornering lamps
• Alloy scuff plates
• Headlamp washer
• Privacy glass
• Optional 18-inch Alloy wheels with 225/50RF18 95V Dunlop run-flat tyres ($1,595 UX 200, $1,520 UX 250h)
UX 200 Luxury / UX 250h Luxury with Enhancement Pack 3 adds
• Power Tailgate
• Wireless phone charging
• Cornering lamps
• Alloy scuff plates
• Headlamp washer
• Privacy glass
• Moonroof
• Optional 18-inch Alloy wheels with 225/50RF18 95V Dunlop run-flat tyres (UX 250h only – $1,520)
UX 200 Sports Luxury / UX 250h Sports Luxury highlights
• 18-inch Alloy wheels with 225/50RF18 95V Dunlop run-flat tyres
• Exterior Mirrors with Memory
• 3-eye Bi-Beam LED headlamps
• Power Tailgate
• Cornering Lamps
• Alloy Scuff Plates
• Headlamp Washer
• Privacy Glass
• 13-Speaker Mark Levinson Audio System including a 20cm subwoofer
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Wireless phone charging
• Lexus Safety System+
– Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) replacing Auto High Beam (AHB)
• Panoramic View Monitor (PVM)
UX 200 Sports Luxury / UX 250h Sports Luxury with Enhancement Pack adds
• Moonroof
• Head Up Display
• Smart Key Card
UX 200 F Sport / UX 250h F Sport highlights
• 18-inch F Sport Alloy wheels with 225/50RF18 95V Dunlop run-flat tyres
• Exclusive F Sport grille, front and rear bumpers
• 5 drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom)
• Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
• Active Sound Control
• Exterior mirrors with memory
• 3-eye Bi-Beam LED headlamps
• Power Tailgate
• Cornering Lamps
• Alloy Scuff Plates
• Headlamp Washer
• Privacy Glass
• 8-inch LCD Meter with Multi Information Display including G-force monitor
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Wireless phone charging
• Lexus Safety System+
– Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) replacing Auto High Beam (AHB)
UX 200 F Sport / UX 250h F Sport with Enhancement Pack 1 adds
• Moonroof
UX 200 F Sport / UX 250h F Sport with Enhancement Pack 2 adds
• Moonroof
• 13-Speaker Mark Levinson Audio System including a 20cm subwoofer
• Head-Up Display
• Panoramic View Monitor (PVM)
• Smart Key Card
Once we have tested and assessed the new Lexus UX range, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.