SOUTH AFRICA CONFIRMS HYBRID-ONLY UX CROSSOVER RANGE

Lexus has eclipsed the major milestone of two million global sales of electrified vehicles at the end of the first quarter of 2021, reflecting a commitment to the reduction of CO2 emissions across a significant number of luxury segments and a clear indication that like sister-brand Toyota, Lexus is firmly on the path to carbon-neutrality.

This commitment will continue with confirmation that Lexus International will reveal the first Lexus plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in 2021, and the first Lexus battery electric vehicle (BEV) on a dedicated platform in 2022.

By 2025, Lexus International will debut 20 new or improved models, including more than 10 BEVs, PHEVs, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). In the same year, Lexus International will make available an electrified version of every model in its line-up.

The future expectation on a global level is that sales of electrified models will exceed those of petrol/diesel-only variety. Globally, 33% of Lexus models sold were of the electrified variety during 2020. In South Africa, Lexus has already established itself as the leading luxury brand for hybrid electrification and this just further demonstrates TSAM’s commitment to this technology.

In fact, for almost every Lexus model (other than LX, RC, LS and LC) sold in the country, there is a hybrid variant available. In addition, Lexus has two hybrid-exclusive model ranges – the newly-minted IS and the premium compact UX SUV.

LEXUS SA INTRODUCES ALL-HYBRID RANGE FOR UX

The UX was introduced in 2019 and has been one of the brand’s top sales drivers since its inception in South Africa. The UX offers luxury and safety in a luxury compact crossover package that combines charismatic design elements and an ultra-efficient powertrain.

The UX name is derived from the design team’s guiding concept and describes the vehicle’s mission: Urban + X-over (crossover) = UX.

“The Lexus UX was designed for the modern urban explorer seeking a fresh, contemporary and dynamic take on luxury driving,” says Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Lexus Sales and Marketing.

“The UX appeals to young buyers who seek not only what is new and exciting, but what’s also relevant to their lifestyles.”

HYBRID DIRECTION

Lexus is fully committed to lowering fuel emissions and will continue to expand its hybrid offering across the product line-up where possible. The UX 250 hybrid line-up was a natural extension for the model, and the UX has furthermore, had a good market share in hybrid sales since the model’s introduction.

As a result, the business took the decision to offer the UX in hybrid only. The model range now comprises, UX 250h EX (entry grade) and UX 250h SE (top spec). This means the UX 200 EX petrol grade and F Sport derivatives are no longer available for sale in the country.

Lexus continued to command market leadership in electrified technology and achieved a 29% market share in 2020 within the luxury segment. The UX was among the top contributors of this achievement.

SPOILT FOR CHOICE

Both the model grades are equipped with Lexus Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to tailor the driving experience by selecting from three different drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport.

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; Sport S+ (F Sport model) dramatically changes the handling dynamics.

From the driver’s seat, the upper section of the instrument panel appears to extend out beyond the windshield into the fenders giving the driver an excellent field of vision and a clear sense of the vehicle’s dimensions and tyre placement. When viewed from outside the vehicle, the hood appears to connect directly to the instrument panel through the windshield, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior.