It’s been a bad 12 months for the British car market, but not for Lexus.
The luxury Japanese brand has just enjoyed a 4.5% rise in sales in 2024, mostly due to a strong surge in its electric models.
But wisely, Lexus has decided to keep a wheel in both tracks of development, one set in the electric mode and the other in the hybrid highway. And it’s worked so well for them, their customers and dealers.
Even the brand’s entry level UX300h has undergone a major revamp with a much more powerful electric motor to boost power and enhance economy as well as give it all-wheel-drive, extended safety packages and completely revised digital instrumentation.
It’s a very good introduction to the brand which has built a remarkable reputation for reliability and quality and has evolved from the UX launched at the 2018 Geneva motor show as their smallest SUV or Urban Explorer.
The powertrain is well up to its task, smoothly integrating petrol and electric power with driver selectable settings to get maximum benefits for any conditions, be that low emission urban zones or in more carefree countryside.
We mixed both and averaged 50mpg overall with over 60mpg at times and all without having to consciously ease off the throttle at any time.
In fact, the smoothness and ease of use as well as the combined power delivery might make you think it was a much bigger engine than the 2.0 litre four-cylinder under the bonnet.
The electronically controlled transmission is one of the smoothest you will find anywhere with instant response, very strong pulling power and a really long-legged economy on motorways and main roads.
Underfoot, the brakes had a beautiful balance with effort and effectiveness, rapidly slowing the car with the lightest touch and a powerful parking brake for slopes or when in traffic.
Secondary controls were all close to the wheel as well, on the spokes or behind on stalks and adjacent on the fascia or console.
The new digital instrument display is really impressive with its size, clarity, content and ease of use but my advice is to prioritise what you want to see before you set off as the menu is very comprehensive and could be distracting when driving. But it is a good set up.
The interior climate controls were also wide ranging and delivered excellent distribution, a steady temperature and filled the cabin as chosen by occupants, backed up by powered windows.
For a family car, some may find the oddments spaces short on capacity whether infront or behind and the luggage space was not generous but helped by an offset split rear seat which quickly dropped flat to nearly double room.
It was easy to load the boot and also get into the cabin with a decent amount of room as well for four people, a squeeze for five, and the seats were supportive and very comfortable with useful adjustment on the front pair.
The car’s ride quality was generally good but it could jiggle about on poorer surfaces and it was firm nearly all the time.
Handing was responsive and surefooted however, with sharp turn-in, good grip and forgiving nature if you have to apply more power or ease off the throttle.
It was quick in a straightline with little lag when starting off or overtaking and it proved completely relaxed at motorway speed.
Most of the time the mechanical noises were very low but under acceleration or moderate speed they were more noticeable and the road rumbles and suspension were always present. This was the only feature to spoil the car’s refinement and otherwise sophisticated character.
FAST FACTS
Model: Lexus UX300h
Price: £42,595
Mechanical: 196bhp 4cyl 2.0 litre petrol-electric, e-CVT, 4WD
Max Speed: 110mph
0-62mph: 8.1sec
Combined MPG: 50
Insurance Group: 26E
CO2 emissions: 117gkm
Bik rating: 28%,£210FY, £590SRx5-years
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles to 10yrs/ 100,000 miles
Size: L4.50m, W2.08m, H1.54m
Bootspace: 320 litres
Kerbweight: 1620kg
For: Petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, handling, ride, comfort, sophistication, room, economy
Against: Some road and suspension noises, aerodynamics attracted dirt, modest oddments’ space, high Standard Rate VED for 5-years as the vehicle costs over £40k. By Robin Roberts Miles Better News Agency
