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Everything the Yaris Cross wanted to be: Lexus resurrects luxury mini SUV in Brazil, more economical and more powerful than Corolla Cross
Everything the Toyota Corolla Cross and Yaris Cross wanted to be: Remember the Lexus UX250h? He's back, looking for a place in the sun in the competitive luxury SUV market in Brazil. Despite the Japanese brand's timid presence in the country, Lexus is relaunching itself with new products and strategies, standing out with its compact hybrid SUV. This article revisits the UX250h, exploring its features, from the robust TNGA platform to the impressive performance and refinement of a true Lexus.
With a detailed look at its consumption, quality finish, and comparisons with Toyota models such as the Corolla Cross, find out if the UX250h It is the right choice for those looking for luxury, economy and performance in one vehicle.
Lexus owners in Brazil do not want to share dealerships and workshops with the Toyota Yaris Cross
Lexus has been present in Brazil for a long time. However, the brand has always had a timid presence, partly due to its discreet advertising strategy and also because it tries to associate its image with Toyota. However, owners of Lexus cars, which cost half a million reais, do not want to share dealerships and workshops with the Yaris Cross.
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To change this perception, Lexus begins an intense relaunch process, bringing new products, new dealerships and a renewed press fleet. For this reason, Lexus will go through an intense relaunch process in Brazil. The brand will bring new products, open new dealerships and once again have a press fleet.
Gateway to luxury
For R$313.990, you can purchase the Lexus UX250h in the top-of-the-line Luxury version, which is R$40 more expensive than the Dynamic version. However, the price increase is not justified by the additional equipment: 360º camera, electrochromic rear view mirror, blind spot warning, electrically adjustable steering, induction charger, ventilation in the front seat and trunk.
Even in the entry-level version, the mini SUV is well equipped
Even in the entry-level version, the Lexus UX250h is well equipped. All models sold in Brazil include six airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, cross traffic alert, 360º camera, full-LED headlights with automatic high beam, rain sensor and traction and stability control.
In addition, the UX250h has dual-zone digital air conditioning, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, in-person key, leather interior lining with three color options, multimedia center with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, partially digital dashboard , heated and automatically folding exterior mirrors.
Everything the Corolla Cross dreams of being
Just like the Toyota Corolla Cross and its sedan sibling, the Lexus UX is built on the TNGA platform and is a traditional hybrid. In Toyotas, a 1.8 aspirated flex engine is used together with an electrical package, which offers weak performance but good consumption. In the Lexus, the engine is a 2.0 and the electrical part is more powerful.
The UX250h's combustion engine offers 145 hp and 18,8 kgfm of torque, added to the 107 hp and 20,2 kgfm of the electric motor, totaling 181 hp. Total torque is not disclosed by Toyota. As a result, the Lexus UX has better performance than the Corolla Cross and consumes less fuel, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,5 seconds.
Mini SUV has an impressive consumption of 19,7 km/l
The reference to the Corolla Cross showed that the UX250h's mechanical set should equip Toyota's national models, not the old-design 1.8. Consumption is impressive: 19,7 km/l.
The solidity of the Lexus UX. The steering is firm, with quick responses and well calibrated. It's just the right amount of weight and conveys the feeling of a refined car. Acoustic insulation is excellent, interrupted only occasionally by the 2.0 engine screaming due to the CVT transmission.
Lexus Mini SUV is an improved Toyota Corolla
As a compact luxury SUV, the UX250h is lower than traditional SUVs. This is reflected in a suspension behavior closer to a hatch, preferring smooth asphalt and offering a lot of comfort without becoming silly or soft in curves.
All the sensation of driving a Toyota Corolla sedan is present in the Lexus UX, but with a more efficient and powerful mechanical package, better acoustic insulation and a greater feeling of solidity. In short, it's an improved Corolla – and the sedan is already an excellent car.
Another strong point of the Lexus UX is the finish. Unlike most brands, which transform their entry-level models into cheap cars, the UX maintains the quality of a true Lexus. The interior is full of leather and soft elements, with a well-made assembly and few plastics.
Multimedia center should serve as an example for the Toyota Corolla and Corolla Cross
However, there are signs of age. The instrument panel being only partially digital reveals that the UX250h is not from this decade. This contrasts with the excellent multimedia center, easy to use and with a high quality screen, which should serve as an example for the Corolla and Corolla Cross.
At the front, the driving position is lower, similar to that of the Volkswagen Nivus. Unlike many SUVs, Lexus doesn't force a high position just to look like a utility vehicle. The steering wheel could have more adjustments, as, like the Yaris, it is somewhat fitted into the dashboard.
In the rear, space is limited. The Lexus UX was clearly designed for the European market, where the second row of seats is not a priority. The 234-liter trunk is small, but has niches for dividing loads.
Lexus is the only entry-level luxury SUV with a hybrid engine in Brazil
If you like a Toyota, but think that the Corolla Cross is not enough and consider that R$349.990 is too much for a RAV4, the Lexus UX is an excellent alternative. Solid, refined, good to drive and economical, it delights on test drives and is the only entry-luxury SUV with a hybrid engine.
I'd love to know if you've ever owned a Lexus or Toyota. Tell us in the comments section about your experience with the brand. Don't forget to leave 5 stars and activate CPG notifications to keep up with all the latest news from the automotive world. To the next!
