By Staff Reporter

Whilst the uptake of electric vehicles has been slow in South Africa partly due to infrastructure, cost and government red tape, Lexus has sought to champion a “third way” with a comprehensive offering of hybrid models. The reception of these models has been impressive with them making a healthy portion of Lexus sales locally. As such, Lexus has decided to extend its hybrid offering by introducing a new 250 hybrid EX (entry-level) grade with a host of technological and standard features. This now brings the total number of UX hybrid model grades to two.

Plenty Standard features

As with the SE Hybrid model grade, the new UX 250h EX is similarly-specced, and comes standard with features such as park distance control with a reverse camera (without panoramic view), push start system, Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to tailor the driving experience by selecting from three different drive modes (Normal, ECO and Sport), as well as two rear USB charging ports, a navigation system and a hands-free rear boot. In addition, other standard features include Normal Cruise Control, Heated Power Retractable Side Mirrors as well as Day and Night Mirrors.

Exterior

The model features front LED daytime running lights, arranged in an arrowhead motif above the headlights which complement the Lexus L-shaped lighting signature. The UX 250h EX also comes standard with 18-inch aluminum alloy aero-ventilating wheels which are available in a standard silver metallic colour.

This model is available in 11 exterior colours: Platinum Silver, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, Mercury Grey, Black, Graphite Black, Madder Red, Amber, Blazing Carnelian, Terrane Khaki and Celestial Blue.

Interior

In the cabin, the UX 250h EX model is available with five standard Nulux (simulated leather) interior options, namely Black, White Ash, Rich Cream, B Ocher and Cobalt. It also features the Lexus 8-Speaker Premium Sound System which uses bamboo charcoal speaker diaphragms to reduce mass and deliver natural-sounding voices and improved mid-range sound.

An all-new feature across the UX 2020 range is the revised infotainment system which now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard, this includes free Wi-Fi connectivity for the driver and passengers under the ‘Lexus Connect’ banner.

Power

The Lexus UX 250h EX offers the same powertrain as the ES model.  The EX makes 135 kW with the 2.0-litre petrol engine alone delivering 107kW of power at 6000rpm and 180Nm of torque at 4400rpm, equating to a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.5 seconds, topped off by a maximum speed of 177 km/h. Lexus claims that it produces fuel economy figures of 4.5-litres/100km combined, CO2 emissions of 103g/km.

Pricing

The Lexus UX 250h EX retails for R 690,300. The entry-level petrol UX 200 EX retails for R654,700, the UX 250h SE model retails for R756,200 and the F Sport for R785,400. Pricing includes a standard and best-in-class 7-year/105,000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan.