The Lexus UX compact SUV has received some minor updates across its line-up, things which Malaysian customers can expect to receive (by virtue of it being fully imported from Japan) after the upgraded car makes its global debut in the second half of 2022.

At the point of writing full specifications and pricing are still yet to be confirmed for our market, but the suite of upgrades for the UX range encapsulates safety, technology, and performance updates below a slightly enhanced exterior.

Enhanced driving performance

The 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated powertrain (169 PS/205 Nm) is a carryover from the current model, though Lexus engineers have improved the car in other areas.

Key tweaks are improved structural rigidity, aided by 20 additional spot welds to the body, as well as improvements to its electric power steering system (EPS), shock absorbers, and suspension components - all of which are honed at Toyota's Shimoyama proving grounds.

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Beyond that, it's got newly-developed 18-inch run-flat tyres with new tread patterns to reduce road noise.

On top of that, the F Sport variant gains performance dampers and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). This variant also gets an aluminium footrest and scuff plate, in addition to exclusive sports seats, steering wheel, shift knob, instrument cluster, and pedals.

Improved Lexus Safety Sense

The Lexus Safety Sense+ (LSS+) ADAS system has been updated too, with its Pre-Collision System now able to detect daytime bicyclists and pedestrians in low-light conditions, as well as detect oncoming vehicles at junctions.

There's now also Emergency Steering Assist, which assists steering within the vehicle's lane as cued by the driver. Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) has also been improved to expand assist range as well.

Also read: Review: 2020 Lexus UX 200 2.0L CVT, compact SUV with BMW handling, Lexus refinement

It's all-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system is also suitably updated, now able to control acceleration and deceleration so that distance to an immediately preceding vehicle is constant within the speed set.

Capping off the improvements to active safety is the Emergency Driving Stop System, which supports the driver through audio-visual alerts and gentle deceleration if the driver is found to be non-responsive. This function slows the car to a stop automatically, and after that, it locks the doors to contribute to early driver rescue.

Better functionality, new infotainment

The 2023 Lexus UX now gains a Digital Key function, allowing owners to use their smartphone to control the locks and starting the engine.

Meanwhile, the UX also gets a Panoramic View Monitor, with newly-added under-body display function that combines pictures of road surface conditions taken in the past with an image of the vehicle's chassis, a la Range Rover's Clearsight Ground View.

At the same time, its multimedia system and connected services have been updated too, with its 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen now getting Over The Air (OTA) software update capabilities.

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The corresponding shapes and switches of the instrument panel and console area have also been lightly-tweaked to be more driver-centric, and there's a pair of two new USB-C connectors up front too.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard fitments, and complementing that is 'Hey Lexus!' voice activation functions.

Conclusion

Like all other imported Lexus models, the updated 2023 UX will also be coming to Malaysia - however the timeline is as yet unconfirmed. At present, the UX range is priced as below:

• UX 200 Urban - RM 237,191.00
• UX 200 Luxury - RM 275,746.00
• UX 200 F Sport - RM 291,082.50

All prices are SST-discounted, and valid until 30-June 2022.

Also read: All-new 2022 Lexus NX launched in Malaysia, priced from RM 370,888