The future is electric as they say, and we are now seeing many car manufacturers slowly merging into developing more hybrids and some even producing fully electric vehicles.
Lexus may have just nailed it with the UX 250h (H stands for Hybrid). With Lexus’s aim to own the hybrid space in the premium vehicle market and improve accessibility with the alternative fuel market, they decided to introduce Hybrid Ex on all volume sedan and SUV models.
I Previously spent time with the new 2020 Lexus UX 250h, and man let me tell you that it was such a great experience.
Exterior
The exterior of the UX 250h is very eye-catching with its Beautiful and Bold design. A sporty and very confident looking font-end from the 3D shaped mesh grille to the stylish LED Headlight coming along with standard L shaped LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) giving it a very attractive look.
Sharp body lines, heated and power retractable side mirrors, plastic side cladding around the wheel arches for a more rugged look and riding on standard 18 inches alloy wheels.
Interior
The interior of the UX 250h is very well put together from very comfortable soft leather seats, leather steering wheel, and leather dashboard cover projecting a luxurious feel with standard features such as keyless entry. Push start button, wireless charger, electric powered adjustable front seats, park distance control with a reverse camera, and two rear USB charging ports.
A Drive mode select which allows the diver to select different driving modes (Normal. ECO and Sport), updated 10.3 inches infotainment system supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Powertrain and Performance
Powered by a 2.0 Litre Four-cylinder Petrol engine combined with a new fourth-generation hybrid drive system, delivering a total output power of 137 kW (184 HP) mated to a CVT transmission.
The 2.0 Litre petrol engine alone delivers 107kW (143 Hp) at 6000 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm.
The UX 250h Reaches a speed of 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 177 km/h, managing a combined fuel consumption of 4.5 litres/100km as Lexus claims.
The Drive and Thoughts
The UX 250h has a very impressive smooth and quiet drive, a very quiet almost silent start up and even at high speed. Responsive and fun to drive with a very smooth and barely noticeable the transition from the petrol engine to electric when going at slow speed which makes it very fuel efficient.
The interior is very well put together with high-quality materials giving it a very comfortable and luxurious feel with all the standard features.
When it comes to practicality the UX 250h is very practical but some how a bit limited due to the lack of space, the rear not being spacious enough for when 3 adults are seated as well as the boot space being quite limited to about one large and a medium-sized suitcase.
The updated infotainment and navigation system seem to be quite laggy to use especially with the trackpad.
Pricing
The Lexus UX range is priced as follow
The entry-level in the UX range is the UX 200 EX priced at R654 700
UX 250h EX – 690 300 (Inc. VAT)
UX 250h SE -R756 200
These prices also include a Service and Warranty Plan
Best-in-class 7 years/ 105 000 km warranty, full maintenance plan, and a Service interval every 15 000 km, alternatively once a year.
