Name: 2020 Lexus UX 200 2.0L CVT Quick Review, Most Refined City Crossover You Can Buy
Uploaded: 2020-03-06T14:29:33
Description: 2020 Lexus UX 200 2.0L CVT Quick Review, Most Refined City Crossover You Can Buy

Overview
Exterior
Interior
Features
Powertrain
Driving Performance
Ride Comfort
Fuel Consumption
Conclusion

Overview
LEXUS UX – Overview
The Lexus UX is the company’s first venture into the compact SUV or crossover segment, after many long years establishing itself in the medium size RX and large size LX SUVs.
This is however not Lexus’ first product in the compact segment, as consumer trends made the company shift from offering the CT 200h to this new Lexus UX.
The Lexus UX, fully-imported from Japan, is offered in three variants- UX 200 Urban at RM236,443.50, UX 200 Luxury at RM274,998.50 and UX 200 F Sport at RM290,335. It goes up against the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 with the Lexus being the latest entry to the playing field.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 is priced from RM244,199.82, while the all-new Audi Q3 from RM285,900. The locally-assembled pair consisting of the BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport with the larger engine (2.0-litre, 4-cylinder) is priced from RM230,410.37 and Volvo XC40 Recharge from RM241,997.
Exterior
LEXUS UX Series – Exterior
The Lexus UX is the smallest in the family, taking over the role of the CT 200h and as such, has rather compact dimensions. The Lexus UX looks really good, and we especially like the car when viewed from the rear three quarters. The 3D sculpted tail lamps that glow with the Lexus arrowhead motif actually contributes to aerodynamic efficiency.
Standard features include 3-beam LED projector headlights, the large spindle-grille and Smart Entry system.
2021 Lexus UX Dimensions
Length
4,495 mm
Width
1,840 mm
Height
1,520 mm
Wheelbase
2,640 mm
17-inch wheels are fitted to the UX 200 Urban, while 18-inch for the upper variants. The F Sport model gets an exclusive design and dark metallic finish.
The upper variants also add rain-sensing wipers, roof rails and hands-free powered tailgate.
Interior
LEXUS UX Series – Interior
Dashboard
The driver-centric design approach of the Lexus UX's cabin is a departure from Lexus models of old. The centre console is angled towards the driver and buttons all aligned within reach. The cabin layout is more driver-centric than even the sporty Lexus LC coupe!
All variants also have a classy analogue clock fitted within the surrounds of the central display.
The Lexus UX 200 F Sport gets sportier touches such as aluminium foot pedals, markings on the steering wheel and shift lever, paddle shifters and leather-feeling trim insert on the dashboard and door panels.
One cool feature of the Lexus UX 200 is the world-first illuminated air-cond direction knob, in which a soft glow is emitted on the knob itself. High tech looking too!
Instrument cluster
The F Sport variant gets an exclusive 8-inch instrument cluster with a movable surround ring plus head-up display. The instrument cluster also displays sportier content such as a G-Force meter and the coolant temperature and fuel gauges in bar graph rather than traditional needle gauges. The overall design comes from the LFA supercar from 2012.
Standard fitted instrument cluster is a 7-inch display that projects a round tachometer with other key information at the side.
Space and practicality
The cabin of the Lexus UX is not as practical as some of its rivals. For starters, there aren't as many usable storages at the front as you'd get in a Volvo XC40. Rear passengers are also devoid of side door bins.
If you plan to seat 4 most of the time, taller passengers (over 180 cm) will find it to be a squeeze at the rear. Having said that, the Lexus UX is infinitely more spacious than the previous-generation 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Boot space is also the smallest in class at a mere 271 litres.
Features
LEXUS UX Series – Features
Safety features
There are eight airbags in the Lexus UX, inclusive of driver and front passenger knee airbags. Lexus is using its full ADAS suite as the main selling point for the Lexus UX. Competitors have no match for the full suite Lexus Safety System Plus that includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go Function, Lane Keeping System with Lane Tracing Assist and Front Pre-Collision System.
To be specific, the forward ADAS suite is standard across all three variants. The UX 200 Luxury and UX 200 F Sport only add rear sensors that perform the Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor versus the UX 200 Urban with a reverse camera.
Comfort features
Standard features across all three variants are two-zone automatic air-conditioning with a rear duct, world-first illuminated air-cond direction knob, power-adjustable front seats, drive mode selector and a dual-opening lower console box that allows opening by both the driver and front passenger.
The UX 200 Urban being the entry-level, understandably is fitted with less cool and advanced features. This variant misses the automatic rain-sensor, power-adjustable steering column, powered tailgate and wireless smartphone charger.
The UX 200 Luxury and F Sport gets those features plus smooth leather seats with memory-setting, auto-dimming rear view mirror and ventilated front seats.
To further heighten the sporty sensation in the Lexus UX 200 F Sport, the variant gets more body-hugging F Sport seats with bright red upholstery.
Infotainment
The Lexus UX continues to use the Lexus tracer pad called Remote Touch Interface. Compared to competitors, it is not the easiest to get used to. Both the UX 200 Luxury and UX 200 F Sport are fitted with the larger 10.3-inch display screen and an 8-speaker system with boot-mounted subwoofer and amplifier.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity are standard on all variants.
Powertrain
LEXUS UX Series – Powertrain
Engine
All three variants of the Lexus UX in Malaysia are equipped with the latest M20A 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine from the Toyota Motor group. Thanks to the Dynamic Force architecture, high outputs of 171 PS and 205 Nm of torque are achieved with low fuel consumption, responsive power delivery and quiet operation.
The engine features electric-actuated intake variable-valve timing called VVTi-E and D4-S direct and port injection dual-fuel delivery system.
Transmission
Power goes to the front wheels via new Direct-Shift CVT-type transmission. The uniqueness of this CVT is the fitment of a physical gear for responsive acceleration at low speeds. A manual mode allows the driver to enter a 10-speed ratio system.
Chassis
The front suspension features MacPherson Strut design with the rear features trailing wishbone for added agility and sure-footedness.
The Lexus UX 200 F Sport meanwhile has adaptive variable suspension system that automatically adjusts the damping level according to road condition as well as drive mode setting. The drive mode Sport S+ put the adaptive suspension profile into its most aggressive setting.
A front performance rod or damper is standard fitment on all three variants.
The F Sport variant also adds a rear horizontal performance damper that further improves the absorption of body flex and minute vibrations for a more comfortable ride and contributes to a stiffer body shell too.
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.
Drivetrain
The Lexus UX is a front-wheel drive premium compact SUV or crossover. In Malaysia, there is no all-wheel drive variant of the Lexus UX.
A rotary drive mode switch is beautifully crafted onto the meter hood of the UX 200, allowing drivers to select Sport or Eco mode easily. The F Sport variant meanwhile adds Sport S+ mode as well as a Custom drive mode.
The Custom mode enables the user to freely combine the modes of the powertrain, chassis, and air conditioning functions.
Driving Performance
LEXUS UX Series – Driving Performance
Engine performance
The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and CVT automatic transmission sounds underwhelming on paper. But these are not your ordinary 2.0L CVT powertrain.
The engine is also quiet once on the highway, as expected of a Lexus. What's also important is that the Lexus UX 200 doesn't feel strained even when accelerating from highway speeds. There's ample pulling power even from 110 km/h and not once I felt that it needed more grunt.
Anyway, back to the figures- 0 to 100 km/h is completed in 9.2 seconds. The Lexus UX 200 offers the most sophisticated and refined powertrain in the segment, by far.
Transmission performance
Off the line, throttle response is instant and sharp thanks to the mechanical launch gear (hence the name Direct-Shift CVT). Power delivery is also linear without that dreaded rubber band effect. If anything, it feels more like a conventional torque converter than a CVT, that's how good the transmission is.
The Lexus UX 200 F Sport is the only variant that comes with paddle shifters for a more involving drive.
Steering and handling
We cannot stress enough how exciting new-generation Lexus models that are underpinned by Lexus Global Architecture platform drives. It's a variation of the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform which has a low centre of gravity, independent rear wishbone suspension set up and rigid structure for a fun and dynamic driving experience.
The UX 200, despite being the most entry-level Lexus SUV, is the most dynamically capable one yet. Firstly the seating position is spot on thanks to the powered adjustable front seats and steering column, which gives you the impression that you're driving a hatchback rather than an SUV.
The steering is incredibly communicative and sharp while the chassis has plenty of talent to keep up with your inputs. During our emergency lane change and slalom activity, the Lexus UX 200 was highly predictable and reactive to your inputs, more engaging than a BMW in fact.
Ride Comfort
LEXUS UX Series – Ride Comfort
Soundproofing
Sound insulation is again class-leading levels, only beaten by the Volvo XC40 thanks to partial electric drive. Tyre noise is also well isolated in both 17-inch and 18-inch wheels.
Passenger comfort
Ride quality is also not compromised either as the Lexus UX 200 Luxury which rides on sensible 18-inch alloys and run-flat tyres irons out undulations elegantly as a premium car should. Coupled with its muted cabin, this makes the Lexus UX 200 one of the most comfortable cars in the segment.
Fuel Consumption
LEXUS UX Series – Fuel Economy
The UX 200 is rated at 6.2 litres per 100 km (16.1 km/L).
Conclusion
LEXUS UX Series – Conclusion
The Lexus UX 200 has a clear advantage over its rival in areas of refinement and driving dynamics. Equipment levels are also on par, if not better, with those of the same segment and price point.
Lexus Safety System+ ADAS, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and powered front seats are standard across the range. Which makes the entry-level Lexus UX 200 Urban competitively priced against class rivals.
The Lexus UX 200, given its size and tight cabin space, is more suited for individuals looking for a compact premium car that offers unrivalled refinement for their everyday driving needs.
It certainly is not spacious nor practical enough for a family. But as a second car in the household, the Lexus UX 200 is an excellent choice.