Cars & Autos | Friday 21 December, 2018 2:39 am |

Imbuing a youthful appeal to its lineup, Abdul Latif Jameel Lexus launches the all-new Lexus UX in the KSA ,an innovativeaddition to the Luxury Compact Crossover segment. The all-new model combinesthe brand’s latest luxury offerings and safety technologies in a package that combines new charismaticdesign elements and ultra-efficient powertrains. 

 

While the UX name is derived from the guiding concept of the vehicle’s design team and describes the vehicle’s mission as Urban + X-over (crossover), the all-new model is engineered to deliver a quick and engaging driving experience with a Lexus-smooth demeanor, making it a unique entry in the luxury compact crossover segment. 

 

“The Lexus UX is designedfor the modern urban explorer seeking a fresh, contemporary, and dynamic take on luxury driving,” said Chika Kako, ExecutiveVicePresidentof Lexus International and ChiefEngineerof the UX. “We designed the UX to appeal to young buyers who seek not only what is new and exciting, but what is also relevant to their lifestyles.” 

 

She added: “I wanted to positively overturn the image of a crossover and offer a car with nimble performance and excellent maneuverability that makes it as easy to drive likea sedan.” 

 

The all-new model is the first Lexus vehicle to be constructed on the new Global Architecture Compact (GA-C) platform. With a lightweight yet super-rigid structure, extremely lowcenter of gravity, and a refined suspension tuning, the GA-C platform provides the UX with exemplaryhandling agility and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving personality. 

 

“We are very excited to launch the all-new Lexus UX, an innovative vehicle that is tailoredto the evolving needs and aspirations of our customers in the region,” commented Yugo Miyamoto, Chief Representative, Middle East andNorth Africa Representative ‎Office, Toyota Motor Corporation. He added:“Inspired by the vibrant energy of urban environments, its bravedesign andengagingdriving dynamics area reflection of our ongoing quest to create Amazing Experiences. We are grateful to our customers,whoremain a constant source of inspiration, and are confident that they will embrace the UX’s singular style and exciting performance as an expression of their individuality.” 

 

The 2019 Lexus UX has a front-wheel drive configuration and is powered by a new high-efficiency 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine, which is coupledwith a new 10-speed Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT). It offers a host of exciting features, including aDrive Select controller with up to five modes that allows the driver to tailor the driving experience. The 2019 Lexus UX introduces world-firsts such as wireless lighting for the airflow knob and a unique aero ventilation design, which was developed to reduce air turbulence over the wheel surface.The all-new model also has a Lexus-first palm rest integrated audio control system, as well as Lexus’ advanced safety technology package, Lexus Safety System+. 

 

The introduction of the all-new Lexus UX continues the expression of the brand’s design direction and commitment towards crafting vehicles with heightened excitement and passion, expanding the vision of the brand’s future to a broader audience. The provocative elegance of the design starts up front with the latest iteration of the brand’s signature Spindle Grille. It features a new block-shape mesh pattern with individual elements that gradually change in shape as they radiate out from the central Lexus emblem. The grille also creates an intriguingthree-dimensional appearance thatvariesaccording to the viewing angle. 

 

The streamlined headlamp design completes the UX’s face, giving it a determined, confident gaze. Arranged in an arrowhead motif above the headlights, the LED daytime running lights complementthe Lexus L-shaped lighting signature. These appear like brows above the standard single-projector dual-beam LED headlights orthe optional ultra-small 3-projector LED units. 

 

The vehicle’s sleek form flows out from the lines of the signature grille to envelop the cabin. Crisp, prominent sculpted surfaces and dramatically flared front andrear fenders reflect the vehicle’s robust inspiration, while an aerodynamic profile, large wheels pushed to the corners and an impressivefront fascia createan agile, sporty stance. The boldLexus UX design culminates at the full-width rear lights, which project a distinctive nighttime signature formed by a sequence of 120 LEDs tapering towards the center, that measures just 3.17 millimeters thin at its narrowest point. 

 

Complementing the all-new Lexus UX’s emotional design is a thrilling drive personality. The UX 200 delivers a combination of engaging performance and high efficiency from a newly developed 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which produces 168 hp and 205 Nm of torque. Combining revolutionary laser-clad intake valve seats with an all-new intake port profile, and D-4S direct plus port fuel injection makes this one of the most efficient engines on the market. The addition of a Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE) motor on the intake side enhances drivability while also reducing emissions. 

 

The new Direct-Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT) combines the smooth, fuel-efficient performance of a continuously variable transmission with a moredirect driving experience. The key to its distinct performance feel is a mechanical gearset that is used to start from a stand-still and accelerate, before handing off to the continuously variable transmission pulley system. The result is a direct, linear, and quick initial acceleration,while maintaining the benefits of a continuously variable transmission at mid- and higher speeds. 

 

The Lexus UX’s distinct personality is completed by its exquisite interior, which invites the driver and passengers to enjoy a range of advanced features that offer a refined cabin experience. These include an enhanced in-vehicle 10.25-inch multimedia display, 10.2-inch colored and adjustable head-up display (HUD), 7-inch color multi-information display (MID), a wireless charging system for smartphones, and an analog clock with GPS correction function. The vehicle also offers the Lexus Climate Concierge with a 2-zone independent temperature control system, and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system that incorporates advanced features such as Quantum Logic Immersion (QLI) to create a naturally enveloping soundstage, and Clari-Fi 2.0, which extrapolates compressed audio to achieve a sound as faithful to the original as possible. Additional features include multi-adjustable power front seats, as well as 60:40 split folding rear seats with cup holders, and a hands-free power trunk with a kick motion sensor. 

 

UX Available in 10 distinctive exterior colors, the all-new Lexus UX allows customers to express their individuality with two exclusive colors for the F SPORTversion. Three newly-developed exterior colors, Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic, Blazing Carnelian Contrast Layering, and Celestial Blue Glass Flake, further evoke the luxurious and glamorous atmosphere. On the other hand, the interior comesin a total of3 color, and the  F SPORTexclusive, FLARE RED. Furthermore, the all-new model has been rearmedwith four new wheel designs; two 17-inch wheels - incorporating a world-first aero ventilation design developed to reduce air turbulence over the wheel surface, an 18-inch wheel with run-flat tires designed for excellent handling stability, and an F SPORT exclusive 18-inch wheel.