Bookings for the Lexus UX has just been opened by Lexus Malaysia. It is fully imported from Japan and there are three variants to choose from – Urban, Luxury, and F Sport with prices from RM 243,888 to RM 299,888.
Let me guess, it shares the same platform with another Toyota
It rides on the TNGA (GA-C) platform that is shared with the Toyota CH-R. They share similar suspension setup with MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear.
In theory, this should give it an edge over the Audi Q3’s multi-link rear suspension, but it remains to be seen (and tested) which is better.
Power comes from a Dynamic Force 2.0-litre engine making 171 PS at 6,600 rpm and maximum torque 205 Nm at 4,800 rpm. Unlike its turbocharged rivals, it makes the least torque in its segment. 0-100 km/h takes 9.2 seconds.
If outright firepower is what you’re looking for, the Volvo XC40 is the one for you.
The Direct-Shift CVT boasts improved fuel efficiency by 6% with response and shift time equal or better than dual clutch transmissions. Which both the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 have, while the XC40 uses an 8-speed Aisin sourced automatic transmission.
For driving engagement, DCT has the upper hand but for absolute seamlessness, the CVT trumps. The conventional automatic is a compromise of the two.
In terms of rated fuel economy, the Lexus UX returns the best fuel ecomony, coming in at 6.2 litres/100 km, followed closely by the BMW X1 at 6.5 litres/100 km. The Audi Q3 returns 7.2 litres/100 km and the Volvo XC40 does 7.7 litres/100 km.
Again, these are figures quoted by the manufacturers and may not reflect real-world driving conditions.
As expected from a Lexus, the UX’s interior is designed with flair and built with Japanese craftsmanship. But as its size suggests, the cabin can feel a little cramped.
Where storage is concerned, the Volvo XC40 leads the pack with large door pockets and clever storage spaces. The Audi Q3 has the Audi-famed build quality. And the BMW X1 has the most pedestrian interior among them.
Yes, but one of its rivals is a Volvo. The XC40 has the full suite of IntelliSafe with:
The Lexus UX is right there behind with Lexus Safety System+ that includes AEB, ACC, LKA. Luxury and F Sport variants get BSM and RCTA. Meanwhile the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 make do without any form of ADAS.
Being a fully imported model, the Lexus UX is at a price disadvantage. The "base" Urban (RM 243,888) costs RM 10,000 more than the BMW X1 (RM 233,800), while the Luxury variant (RM 283,888) is priced higher than the made-in-Hungary Audi Q3 (RM 269,900). The Volvo XC40 has only one variant, which retails at RM 255,888 and it has everything you need.
Then again, buying a Lexus has never been about value proposition, it is about feeling and being special, standing out from the crowd. And buying a Lexus UX does just that.
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