Lexus UX (UX 200, UX 300h, 300e) Megathread
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internalaudit
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Seems this UX is more a CT200H replacement than a Toyota CH-R equivalent.
Joaquin Ruhi
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The Lexus Europe Newsroom has released new images, videos and information on the UX in a lengthy news release, presumably on the sidelines of the European long-lead press preview:
https://newsroom.lexus.eu/2018-the-new-lexus-ux/
Here are some of the more interesting new tidbits and passages. Bear in mind, however, that, as with CT, a number of these Euro-market UX equipment, trim and interior options might not be offered in other markets such as North America or even within certain individual European countries.
- Alongside the well-established CT hatchback, UX will take its place as a gateway model for Lexus and will play a key role in helping the company achieve its target of 100,000 annual sales in Europe* by 2020.
- The standard 5-spoke 17x6.5-inch aluminium alloy aero ventilating wheels feature Gurney flaps along the spoke edges designed to reduce wind resistance while also increasing the airflow to cool the disc brakes.
The design pulls air from the inside of the wheel, while the air flow on the outer side of the vehicle is regulated to follow the wheel surface. The aero wheels are available in a choice of silver metallic and dark grey metallic colours. The UX also offers (non-aero) 18-inch aluminium wheel designs including exclusive F SPORT-specific wheels.
- Depending on model configuration, tyres and markets, the UX features a repair kit, run-flat tyres or a spare tire. The newly-developed 2nd generation run-flat tyres are quieter and more comfortable, while now allowing the vehicle to travel with a flat tire at speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph) for up to 160 km (99 miles).
Standard 17 x 6.5-inch alloy aero ventilating wheels feature 215/60R17 tyres. The optional 18-inch alloy wheels get 225/50RF18 95V run-flat tyres. F SPORT models are available with performance summer tyres.
- The Lexus UX is offered in a total of 13 exterior colours that accentuate the vehicle’s bold lines. Two of the available 13 exterior colours, White Nova and Heat Blue, are exclusive to the F SPORT.
Three exclusive new colours were developed for the UX: Blazing Carnelian creates vividness and a sense of depth using a multi-layer painting process that combines a red colour base layer with a yellow interference mica layer.
Terrane Khaki offers a strong contrast between bright highlights and dark, calm shades. The mica particles have been enlarged as much as possible without creating colour unevenness, achieving high brilliance while expressing toughness.
Celestial Blue creates a solid blue colour with glass flakes that sparkle in sunlight.
- The UX offers 6-way manual or 8-way power adjustable front seats, the latter with adjustable lumbar support for the driver.
- An optional leather upholstery finish is inspired by sashiko, a customary Japanese stitching technique that is also used in the making of judo and kendo martial arts uniforms. It’s combined with a “calculated art” perforation pattern on the lower part of the seat that is derived from mathematical curves and gradations in perfect alignment.
The Lexus UX offers a wide choice of interior colour combinations, each of which conveys a specific mood and accentuates the premium design. The seating is available in fabric, leather or a combination of fabric and Tahara leather (NuLuxe). The standard models offer a choice of five colours, including Cobalt, Black, White Ash, Rich Cream and Ochre. In addition to Black, the F SPORT also offers exclusive Flare Red and White seat colours.
The sweeping instrument panel and cabin trim offer a choice of two different grain patterns and four colours. In a Lexus first, the UX offers a new trim finish inspired by Japanese paper, known as washi. It’s common in traditional Japanese homes and it evokes a calm and warm feeling. A leather-like grain finish, also featured in the Lexus LC coupe and LS sedan, is also available.
- The Lexus UX models offer the latest in the brand’s multimedia and navigation technology. A 7-inch EMV (Electro Multi Vision) display is standard, and a 10.25-in. EMV display is used with the available Lexus Navigation system.
The standard Lexus Premium Sound System can play back the highest-resolution digital audio formats (WAV, FLAC, ALAC, and OGG Orbis) from a USB device, conveying more musical data than a CD. Dual rear-seat USB ports enable passengers to use and recharge their smartphones or tablets.
The standard 6-speaker system and available 8-speaker upgrade system use bamboo charcoal speaker diaphragms to reduce mass and deliver natural-sounding voices and improved mid-range sound. Both systems create a more lifelike soundstage by using tweeters mounted at the sides of the instrument panel, and reflecting sound off the windshield. The 8-speaker system adds a centre-dash tweeter, a subwoofer mounted in the luggage area and a more powerful amplifier.
The available Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System – a segment exclusive – uses a 13-speaker array, low-distortion 668W Class D 8-channel amplifier, Quantum Logic Surround Sound and ClariFi™ 2.0 technology to deliver an immersive concert-like sound experience in the UX.
- By using aluminium for the side doors, wings (fenders) and hood and composite materials for the tailgate, the UX has the lowest centre of gravity of any vehicle in its class (594mm / 23.4 in.). As a result, the UX delivers a secure, agile feeling normally associated with lower dynamic hatches. A unique ring structure around the hatch opening and behind the rear seats increases torsional rigidity to enhance crash performance, improve handling and reduce noise and vibration.
The MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear suspension with trailing arms, both mounted to subframes, are specially tuned to deliver a combination of agility and comfort over well-worn urban street surfaces. Carefully refined details such as the quality of the damper oil, oil seals and friction control in the shock absorbers make a significant positive impact on ride quality.
An upper strut brace increases torsional rigidity of the engine bay, and the steering rack bolts directly to the subframe without rubber bushings for improved steering feel.
Active Cornering Assist (ACA), a function integrated with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), helps the vehicle trace the driver’s desired line through a turn by applying some brake control on the inside wheels, suppressing the tendency to understeer. As a result, the UX drives through corners with greater precision while maintaining stability.
- The latest version of Lexus Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which debuted on the flagship LC Coupe, is available for the UX F SPORT and Luxury grades. The new AVS system decreases body roll when cornering and enhances ride comfort over bumpy urban streets.
AVS uses linear control solenoids to vary the amounts of shock fluid to bypass the shock absorber’s piston assembly. Thus, the system can vary suspension damping through 650 levels, making its operation transparent to the vehicle occupants.
Based on signal inputs from the steering, yaw rate and linear G sensors, AVS continually adjusts damping force to minimize body roll in cornering while maintaining optimum tire contact and ride comfort on all surfaces. Damping force is reduced at low speeds and increased at high speeds. Integrated functions including Roll Posture Control, Anti-pitch Control, Repercussion Control and Roughness Sensing Control adapt AVS performance to all road surfaces and driving dynamics.
The driver can set damping performance using the Drive Select controller. When Eco, Normal or Sport S mode is selected, or when Custom mode is selected with the chassis setting in NORMAL, the damping force remains unchanged to maintain an optimal balance of ride comfort, steering response and a flat ride.
By selecting Sport S+, or Custom mode with the chassis setting in SPORT, the damping force control mode switches to firmer dampers settings to provide the most dynamic driving feel.
In addition, using Pre-Collision System Cooperative Control, AVS can instantly increase damping force to limit vehicle pitch or roll when the driving support computer judges that there is a possibility of rapid driver input to avoid a collision. VSC Cooperative Control applies appropriate damping in response to vehicle side-skid and changes in the road surface friction, helping to maintain the effectiveness of VSC.
- The UX 250h is available with either front-wheel drive or E-Four electric all-wheel drive.
The E-Four all-wheel drive system uses a separate, dedicated electric motor generator integrated into the rear differential. Power distribution between the front and rear axles is automatically optimised by the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when accelerating, cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces. E-Four provides stable driving on uphill slopes or snow-covered roads with lower fuel consumption than a conventional all-wheel drive system that employs a power split device and driveshaft. E-Four does more than assist traction in slippery conditions: The system can actively improve stability by adjusting rear-wheel power to help correct an over- or understeer condition.
- Both the UX 200 and UX 250h Hybrid are equipped with Lexus Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to tailor the driving experience by selecting from three different drive modes.
Normal mode provides an optimal balance between driving performance and fuel efficiency; ECO mode maximises fuel savings across all driving conditions by smoothing the throttle response, and by moderating air conditioning operation; Sport Mode delivers quicker throttle response and increased power steering feel.
In Luxury and F SPORT models equipped with AVS, five different driving modes are available: normal, ECO, Sport S, Sport S+, and custom.
- The F SPORT features a larger 8-in. TFT LCD display that varies depending on the powertrain (petrol or hybrid) and the selected drive mode. For the F SPORT only, the movable meter ring, which originated in the Lexus LFA supercar and is also featured in the LC premium coupe, allows displayed content to be easily changed. Pushing a switch on the steering wheel moves the ring to the right and enlarges the multi-information display.
The UX F SPORT can be equipped with a UX tailored version of the high response Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that debuted on the Lexus LC and LS flagship models. The system increases damping force to minimize roll when cornering or changing lanes and reduces damping force in straight line driving to preserve ride quality.
Exclusive F SPORT suspension tuning includes specific springs and stabiliser bars, plus a rear performance damper for a more refined ride. The 18-inch, five twin-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, which are unique to the F SPORT, are even more rigid than standard UX wheels, contributing to responsiveness and handling agility.
The UX F SPORT driving experience can be further enhanced with Active Sound Control (ASC), which generates the aural effect of up- and down-shifts like those of a geared automatic transmission. An additional Sonic Interaction Design (SID) function adjusts the sound the vehicle makes when driving in Sport S+ mode (S+ Sound).
https://newsroom.lexus.eu/2018-the-new-lexus-ux/
Here are some of the more interesting new tidbits and passages. Bear in mind, however, that, as with CT, a number of these Euro-market UX equipment, trim and interior options might not be offered in other markets such as North America or even within certain individual European countries.
- Alongside the well-established CT hatchback, UX will take its place as a gateway model for Lexus and will play a key role in helping the company achieve its target of 100,000 annual sales in Europe* by 2020.
- The standard 5-spoke 17x6.5-inch aluminium alloy aero ventilating wheels feature Gurney flaps along the spoke edges designed to reduce wind resistance while also increasing the airflow to cool the disc brakes.
The design pulls air from the inside of the wheel, while the air flow on the outer side of the vehicle is regulated to follow the wheel surface. The aero wheels are available in a choice of silver metallic and dark grey metallic colours. The UX also offers (non-aero) 18-inch aluminium wheel designs including exclusive F SPORT-specific wheels.
- Depending on model configuration, tyres and markets, the UX features a repair kit, run-flat tyres or a spare tire. The newly-developed 2nd generation run-flat tyres are quieter and more comfortable, while now allowing the vehicle to travel with a flat tire at speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph) for up to 160 km (99 miles).
Standard 17 x 6.5-inch alloy aero ventilating wheels feature 215/60R17 tyres. The optional 18-inch alloy wheels get 225/50RF18 95V run-flat tyres. F SPORT models are available with performance summer tyres.
- The Lexus UX is offered in a total of 13 exterior colours that accentuate the vehicle’s bold lines. Two of the available 13 exterior colours, White Nova and Heat Blue, are exclusive to the F SPORT.
Three exclusive new colours were developed for the UX: Blazing Carnelian creates vividness and a sense of depth using a multi-layer painting process that combines a red colour base layer with a yellow interference mica layer.
Terrane Khaki offers a strong contrast between bright highlights and dark, calm shades. The mica particles have been enlarged as much as possible without creating colour unevenness, achieving high brilliance while expressing toughness.
Celestial Blue creates a solid blue colour with glass flakes that sparkle in sunlight.
- The UX offers 6-way manual or 8-way power adjustable front seats, the latter with adjustable lumbar support for the driver.
- An optional leather upholstery finish is inspired by sashiko, a customary Japanese stitching technique that is also used in the making of judo and kendo martial arts uniforms. It’s combined with a “calculated art” perforation pattern on the lower part of the seat that is derived from mathematical curves and gradations in perfect alignment.
The Lexus UX offers a wide choice of interior colour combinations, each of which conveys a specific mood and accentuates the premium design. The seating is available in fabric, leather or a combination of fabric and Tahara leather (NuLuxe). The standard models offer a choice of five colours, including Cobalt, Black, White Ash, Rich Cream and Ochre. In addition to Black, the F SPORT also offers exclusive Flare Red and White seat colours.
The sweeping instrument panel and cabin trim offer a choice of two different grain patterns and four colours. In a Lexus first, the UX offers a new trim finish inspired by Japanese paper, known as washi. It’s common in traditional Japanese homes and it evokes a calm and warm feeling. A leather-like grain finish, also featured in the Lexus LC coupe and LS sedan, is also available.
- The Lexus UX models offer the latest in the brand’s multimedia and navigation technology. A 7-inch EMV (Electro Multi Vision) display is standard, and a 10.25-in. EMV display is used with the available Lexus Navigation system.
The standard Lexus Premium Sound System can play back the highest-resolution digital audio formats (WAV, FLAC, ALAC, and OGG Orbis) from a USB device, conveying more musical data than a CD. Dual rear-seat USB ports enable passengers to use and recharge their smartphones or tablets.
The standard 6-speaker system and available 8-speaker upgrade system use bamboo charcoal speaker diaphragms to reduce mass and deliver natural-sounding voices and improved mid-range sound. Both systems create a more lifelike soundstage by using tweeters mounted at the sides of the instrument panel, and reflecting sound off the windshield. The 8-speaker system adds a centre-dash tweeter, a subwoofer mounted in the luggage area and a more powerful amplifier.
The available Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System – a segment exclusive – uses a 13-speaker array, low-distortion 668W Class D 8-channel amplifier, Quantum Logic Surround Sound and ClariFi™ 2.0 technology to deliver an immersive concert-like sound experience in the UX.
- By using aluminium for the side doors, wings (fenders) and hood and composite materials for the tailgate, the UX has the lowest centre of gravity of any vehicle in its class (594mm / 23.4 in.). As a result, the UX delivers a secure, agile feeling normally associated with lower dynamic hatches. A unique ring structure around the hatch opening and behind the rear seats increases torsional rigidity to enhance crash performance, improve handling and reduce noise and vibration.
The MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear suspension with trailing arms, both mounted to subframes, are specially tuned to deliver a combination of agility and comfort over well-worn urban street surfaces. Carefully refined details such as the quality of the damper oil, oil seals and friction control in the shock absorbers make a significant positive impact on ride quality.
An upper strut brace increases torsional rigidity of the engine bay, and the steering rack bolts directly to the subframe without rubber bushings for improved steering feel.
Active Cornering Assist (ACA), a function integrated with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), helps the vehicle trace the driver’s desired line through a turn by applying some brake control on the inside wheels, suppressing the tendency to understeer. As a result, the UX drives through corners with greater precision while maintaining stability.
- The latest version of Lexus Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which debuted on the flagship LC Coupe, is available for the UX F SPORT and Luxury grades. The new AVS system decreases body roll when cornering and enhances ride comfort over bumpy urban streets.
AVS uses linear control solenoids to vary the amounts of shock fluid to bypass the shock absorber’s piston assembly. Thus, the system can vary suspension damping through 650 levels, making its operation transparent to the vehicle occupants.
Based on signal inputs from the steering, yaw rate and linear G sensors, AVS continually adjusts damping force to minimize body roll in cornering while maintaining optimum tire contact and ride comfort on all surfaces. Damping force is reduced at low speeds and increased at high speeds. Integrated functions including Roll Posture Control, Anti-pitch Control, Repercussion Control and Roughness Sensing Control adapt AVS performance to all road surfaces and driving dynamics.
The driver can set damping performance using the Drive Select controller. When Eco, Normal or Sport S mode is selected, or when Custom mode is selected with the chassis setting in NORMAL, the damping force remains unchanged to maintain an optimal balance of ride comfort, steering response and a flat ride.
By selecting Sport S+, or Custom mode with the chassis setting in SPORT, the damping force control mode switches to firmer dampers settings to provide the most dynamic driving feel.
In addition, using Pre-Collision System Cooperative Control, AVS can instantly increase damping force to limit vehicle pitch or roll when the driving support computer judges that there is a possibility of rapid driver input to avoid a collision. VSC Cooperative Control applies appropriate damping in response to vehicle side-skid and changes in the road surface friction, helping to maintain the effectiveness of VSC.
- The UX 250h is available with either front-wheel drive or E-Four electric all-wheel drive.
The E-Four all-wheel drive system uses a separate, dedicated electric motor generator integrated into the rear differential. Power distribution between the front and rear axles is automatically optimised by the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when accelerating, cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces. E-Four provides stable driving on uphill slopes or snow-covered roads with lower fuel consumption than a conventional all-wheel drive system that employs a power split device and driveshaft. E-Four does more than assist traction in slippery conditions: The system can actively improve stability by adjusting rear-wheel power to help correct an over- or understeer condition.
- Both the UX 200 and UX 250h Hybrid are equipped with Lexus Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to tailor the driving experience by selecting from three different drive modes.
Normal mode provides an optimal balance between driving performance and fuel efficiency; ECO mode maximises fuel savings across all driving conditions by smoothing the throttle response, and by moderating air conditioning operation; Sport Mode delivers quicker throttle response and increased power steering feel.
In Luxury and F SPORT models equipped with AVS, five different driving modes are available: normal, ECO, Sport S, Sport S+, and custom.
- The F SPORT features a larger 8-in. TFT LCD display that varies depending on the powertrain (petrol or hybrid) and the selected drive mode. For the F SPORT only, the movable meter ring, which originated in the Lexus LFA supercar and is also featured in the LC premium coupe, allows displayed content to be easily changed. Pushing a switch on the steering wheel moves the ring to the right and enlarges the multi-information display.
The UX F SPORT can be equipped with a UX tailored version of the high response Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that debuted on the Lexus LC and LS flagship models. The system increases damping force to minimize roll when cornering or changing lanes and reduces damping force in straight line driving to preserve ride quality.
Exclusive F SPORT suspension tuning includes specific springs and stabiliser bars, plus a rear performance damper for a more refined ride. The 18-inch, five twin-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, which are unique to the F SPORT, are even more rigid than standard UX wheels, contributing to responsiveness and handling agility.
The UX F SPORT driving experience can be further enhanced with Active Sound Control (ASC), which generates the aural effect of up- and down-shifts like those of a geared automatic transmission. An additional Sonic Interaction Design (SID) function adjusts the sound the vehicle makes when driving in Sport S+ mode (S+ Sound).
i think those videos on Lexus EU Press site look quite good... especially white model. I dont like wheel arches in static pics. Cant wait to see it live!
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They're happening right now. I was unable to attend.
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ah, too bad... do you know until when are test drives embargoed?
maiaramdan
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Cute-small High-rider Hatchback
corradoMR2
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It's growing on me but still not warmed up to the rear especially the fenders and asymmetrically squared off arches and offset/large wheel gap it creates. (Still gives me flashes of the Pontiac Aztec).
Wife likes it more and she's considering downsizing from the RX as her daily. We'll be checking it out at a preview event at my dealership on Sep 10th and hoping it's better in the flesh.
Wife likes it more and she's considering downsizing from the RX as her daily. We'll be checking it out at a preview event at my dealership on Sep 10th and hoping it's better in the flesh.
let us know your impressions when you see it live.
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maiaramdan
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Honestly it's good designed in and out just the side, for me there's something wrong between the wheels the wheel fender and the car from the side
corradoMR2
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Agree, however the silver lining is that bigger wheels and a drop can fix this, though then it starts to look more like a hot hatch and less so a crossover.
Joaquin Ruhi
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I think you're talking about the one big issue/complaint I have with the UX's exterior styling: the fact that the rear doors are a bit narrow, compounded by the large exterior door handles and, most of all, by how far from the rear edge of the doors the rear door handles are positioned, which makes the rear doors look even stubbier. If the rear door handles were positioned as close to the rear edge of the doors as the front ones are, it would look notably better.
This has become an aesthetic pet peeve of mine, and Lexus is hardly the sole perpetrator. A number of recent Mercedes and Cadillac sedans suffer from the same malady. I imagine there's some engineering/structural reason for it, but those rear door handles positioned so far forward from the rear door edges look like crap.
dunno, CT today looks stale and boring. And it is still expensive.
C-HR looks like a space ship next to it, that is why it is selling like crazy.
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