Little Uh: Detailed Test Of The Lexus UX Crossover

There is nothing more difficult for a premium brand than the release of a small and relatively affordable car: it is necessary to preserve the image, and not to sell it cheap, and reach a wide audience. Difficult, in short. Remember how much Mercedes-Benz got together with the forces - and still got into a puddle with the first generation of the A-class. "Penny" BMW was born only 40 years after the appearance of the first "three-ruble note". And Jaguar, for example, has not yet entered the golf class - and this is perhaps even for the better
Interior
Practicality
Technique and reliability
Riding
Equipment
Competitors
Output

Video: Little Uh: Detailed Test Of The Lexus UX Crossover

Отличия серверных жестких дисков от десктопных — Video: Lexus UX Тест первого мини кроссовера Лексус. Игорь Бурцев 2023, January

There is nothing more difficult for a premium brand than the release of a small and relatively affordable car: it is necessary to preserve the image, and not to sell it cheap, and reach a wide audience. Difficult, in short. Remember how much Mercedes-Benz got together with the forces - and still got into a puddle with the first generation of the A-class. "Penny" BMW was born only 40 years after the appearance of the first "three-ruble note". And Jaguar, for example, has not yet entered the golf class - and this is perhaps even for the better

Lexus UX 2,431,000 - 3,867,000 ₽ Editors' Choice Complete set UX 200 enjoy (150 hp), 2,488,000 ₽ Author rating: 4 out of 5 Pros

Possibly the most luxurious cabin in the class
Great duet of motor and box
Well tuned chassis

Minuses

Absent practicality
Purely nominal crossover title
Equipment imbalance

Ownership cost per year with a mileage of 17,500 km: OSAGO 11,991 ₽ CASCO 121,300 ₽ Maintenance per year 9411 ₽ Transport tax 5250 ₽ Fuel 80,500 ₽ Total 228,452 ₽

* The cost of policies and tax are calculated for a driver over 22 years old and with a driving experience of more than 4 years, living in Moscow

But the Japanese, despite all their conservatism, matured faster: the very young companies Lexus and Infiniti released compact models even before they hit the thirtieth. And they got burned! The Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatchback on ToyotPrius units was greeted with curiosity, but quickly "blown away" at a distance, and the Infiniti Q30 / QX30 (nee Mercedes-Benz GLA) simply failed - production will soon be phased out, and there can be no question of an heir.

As for the little Lexus, they gave him a second chance - of course, correcting mistakes along the way. Now this is not a disguised Prius, but an original and rather catchy model, which received a different index and, for fidelity, released in a crossover format. After all, "cross" is like ketchup, everything becomes better and more solid with it, right? But in essence, the Lexus UX remained an urban hatchback, but good or not, we find out using the example of the UX 200 version in the maximum discover configuration. While this text was being written, it went up by 90 thousand - and now, with a surcharge for the optional red metallic, it will cost 3,010,000 rubles excluding discounts.

Interior

Since Lexus uses hashtags for its trim names, let's take a look at the UX interior in the most relevant context. Self-isolation here is a pleasure! Intricate form-lamination and texture mixing, traditional for the brand, is present without discounts for junior status, and most importantly, there is not even a shadow of saving on materials. Most of all, it is not even expensive and soft leather that pleases, but the overlay on the front panel imitating washi paper. Not "what", but "what"! This traditional Japanese material is as follows: in relation to "Yu-X" it looks like a cross between leather, denim and, in fact, paper.

In general, it is not surprising that we liked the Lexus interior in a recent comparative test more than the saloons of the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 - here it is beautiful, cozy and expensive. Although, one cannot do without questions about individual elements and, most importantly, on-board electronics.

Lovers of laconic and austere forms will feel like in a narcotic trip here, but the complex interior of Lexus still wants to be called sculptural, and not lurid or far-fetched. In addition, a riot of imagination had practically no effect on ergonomics

The front seats are set quite low - quite lightweight, and the whole geometry of the landing is appropriate. Tall drivers may not have enough steering wheel adjustment for reach, but otherwise no punctures were noticed. The profile of the seats does not attract attention to itself (this is good), there are electrical adjustments for everything that is needed. But note that on a car with a range of 22 thousand kilometers, the backrest upholstery is already starting to go in waves. Perhaps this beautiful and delicate skin at a distance will turn out to be too delicate and, as a result, not too beautiful

The climate control unit, in contrast to the design of the entire interior, is made extremely conservatively - and therefore convenient. In the upper "keyboard", which is responsible for basic functions, it is impossible to get confused or make a mistake

As well as in the keys for heated seats and steering wheel, located on the lower floor. Three "auto" indicators are a sign of a branded "climate concierge" who independently decides when and what you need to heat

Once having started to play around with non-standard multimedia controllers, Lexus can no longer take and stop just like that. Yes, the mocking "mouse" was replaced by the touchpad with feedback, and the cursor is now equipped with an auto-aiming function - it itself is attracted to the desired menu items. Has it gotten better? Definitely. Do we want a washer to appear in this place, like everyone else? Undoubtedly

But for the control panel "music" - test. Both original and quite convenient, although a period of getting used to and adaptation is indispensable

The multimedia here is typically Japanese, which means it is weird and outdated. The functionality does not go beyond the control of music, phone and climate, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto protocols are absent, and there is really nothing to do here

Instead of a modest seven-inch window, you can get a larger screen and even navigation, but for this you have to pay almost four million for a hybrid Lexus UX 250h in the "fattest" configuration. In all honesty, we would not advise

Do you know what is the most paradoxical? Multimedia just looks outdated! In the sense that it has excellent performance, decent resolution - and even has cool special effects like dots on the background that "make a wave" following the movement of the cursor. But it’s either in the fonts, or in some other things that are understandable only to designers and artists - but it all looks poor! Do you agree?

And here the point is definitely not in the design: the rear-view camera is corny outdated both in resolution and clarity of the picture

But the dashboard pleases the eye: it successfully combines sporty design, once again referring us to the LFA supercar, and good information content. Thank you for the stylish design "boomerangs" around the edges. But it was not necessary to reduce the diagonal of the display and put analog sensors in the vacant space: the premium is still

Surprisingly, the steering wheel of almost any modern Lexus, including the LX behemoth, looks sportier than this pita with flat buttons. With such a youthful image and intricate interior, you want something more interesting, but even in the F Sport version there is no consolation. In fairness, there are no complaints about convenience

And sports - here it is, a few centimeters from the rim! Unusual "horns" for selecting driving modes and disabling the stabilization system also first appeared on the LF, and over time, probably, will sprout on the shields of all Lexus in general. We don't mind: it's a trick

Practicality

Well, well, stay calm. What other practicality? We clearly wrote: this is a machine for sa-mo-i-zo-la-chi-i. Therefore, do not even think that you will be able to carry crowds of people here, and at the same time their paintings, baskets, cardboard boxes and small logistics terminals. Is that cute dogs and their slender housewives - and then strictly after quarantine and no more than three sets at a time. For from a cargo-passenger point of view, the Lexus UX is absolutely unimpressive.

Seats in the second row end-to-end: a person about 180 centimeters tall, sitting behind the same driver, will not rest his knees on the back of the front seat, but larger passengers may have problems. On the positive side, the back of the seats is soft. But why is there only one pocket for things - on the right side?

Do not even think about planting a third here: it's not so much in the protruding transmission tunnel, but in the margin of space in width. But for two not too large guests, everything proper is provided: each of them has a cup holder, a ventilation deflector, a USB port and … But no, there is no heating here and there cannot be! For no money. Inexplicable but the fact

Dear readers, this is Pain. Pain is the readers of Auto.ru Magazine. Now that you are familiar, you can move on to the numbers: 272 liters can accommodate the luggage compartment of the Lexus UX. During such tests, we loaded the same suitcases into dozens, if not hundreds of cars - but this is almost the first time we've seen such tightness. And the loading height pulls at a record

It seems that here it is, the answer: just the whole volume went to a spacious and well-organized underground! But this is a false logic, because the depth and volume are gained at the expense of the fifth wheel - there is no spare wheel or stowage under the organizer

The manufacturer is embarrassed to indicate the volume with the second row backs folded, and by eye this correct space with a flat floor roughly corresponds to the level of a good family crossover. True, in a five-seat configuration

In the top-end configuration, like ours, the fifth door is equipped with an electric drive and a contactless opening function. Convenient if you have to carry something very heavy and very small

The presence of a brush and paints does not make a person an artist, and a plastic body kit does not turn a hatchback into a crossover. Passport clearance Lexus UX is 160 millimeters, real - about 140. Sorry, but this is the level of ToyotCorolla. And it's better not to approach high curbs either

At the rear, the situation is better, but you have to remember about the secret exhaust pipe: you can't see it, but it is. And the first, if anything, will come into contact with the relief

Technique and reliability

We have already said - unlike the previous small hatch from Lexus, this one cannot be called any particular disguised Toyota. But to describe the construction of the UX in understandable words: it is something like a mixture of C-HR and the new RAV4. It is based on a compact version of the TNG modular platform with the GA-C index, as in the "CiH-ara" and … the current Prius, where can we go without it.At the same time, the power unit is essentially the same as that of the initial "rafiks" of the new generation.

The chassis is based on MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link at the rear, and interesting features include a steering rack that is bolted to the subframe. High-strength steel grades are widely used in the structural structure of the body, and most of the curtain panels are aluminum

Under the hood is a new two-liter aspirated engine that develops 150 horsepower and 202 Newton meters. The unit, I must say, is heaped up. It has a high compression ratio of 13: 1, combined injection and phase shifters on both inlet and outlet

In addition to our version of the UX 200, a hybrid version of the UX 250h is also available. The gasoline engine is the same there, but derated to 146 hp. and 188 Nm, and a 109-horsepower electric motor helps him. The total output of the system is 178 horsepower, and only this UX can be all-wheel drive. More precisely, not entirely front-wheel drive: the rear wheels help to rotate a separate electric motor, which develops only seven "horses"

The hybrid version uses a conventional CVT, but the atmospheric one is equipped with a tricky unit called Direct Drive, also familiar from the RAV4. In addition to the variator part itself, there is a mechanical first gear operating at speeds up to 20-25 kilometers per hour - for the sake of driving convenience and reliability at the same time

In all trim levels, the Lexus UX has LED headlights, but only in the top they are not ordinary, but with three lenses and automatic high beam control. And it's great that there are washers here

In terms of reliability, it remains to repeat everything that we recently said about the RAV4: the technology is completely new, the history of it has not yet been collected, so you can just read the mantra about the legendary Japanese quality and hope for the best. However, on the club forums, there are already complaints about knocks in the front suspension: so far they are isolated, but there are not so many UX owners in the country. The most unpleasant thing is that the reasons for these very knocks have not yet been identified.

Riding

Let's summarize in between. We had time to praise the little Lexus for the way his interior is drawn and decorated, and … that's it. Well, also the appearance, of course, is very bright. Sparse overall, but UX is getting better in the movement. An amazing thing: this car does not have exciting dynamics, youthful excitement, or, conversely, some kind of outrageous comfort - and it should be called simply inexpressive, but instead the most accurate definition would be "pleasant". You know, there are people like that - nice, that's all.

One of the components is a remarkably tuned variator, which, without reading the technical specifications, should not be mistaken for an ordinary machine. UX starts moving gently and confidently, the moment of transition from "first" to "infinite" is impossible to feel, and besides, the box very abruptly imitates the change of steps, dropping more than a thousand revolutions on virtual switches! Perhaps this is the best variator from the existing ones - precisely because it allows you to completely forget that it is.

The motor is also smart: in Japan it develops 171 horsepower, and it seems that the strangulation to our one and a half hundred happened only on paper - even the acceleration in 9.2 seconds to a hundred did not change at all! Such a Lexus UX drives responsively, lightly and quite cheerfully, making one think that it is quite possible to do without an expensive and heavy electric additive. Apparently, marketers also understand this, leaving some of the premium options as an exclusive for the hybrid - however, about the trim levels a little later.

In the meantime, it should be noted that the handling is tuned to match the powertrain - the UX turns nicely too. It may seem to someone that there is a lot of effort on the steering wheel, but it is quite natural here, and in combination with smooth, but lively reactions in the manner of a little Lexus, a very correct fusion and uniqueness appears. But - only until you start to misbehave. Pushed to the limit, UX is prone to deep rolls and sharp, unnecessary drifts - so this trait of his character must be kept in mind. And with him, wisely, ride.

We suspect that no one will rush headlong on such a car, and in normal city modes, a good smoothness comes out on top. The crossover's gait is light, road trifles are filtered well, and average irregularities are nobly, expensively "rounded". Unpleasant sensations arise only on sharp and very large obstacles, but still it cannot be said that in terms of comfort, the UX has serious drawbacks.

But soundproofing is a real disaster. Already at 60 kilometers per hour, soft winter tires are buzzing so that you want to get out and transfer to the first car that comes across, even if it is a Hyundai Creta. And this is not our nit-picking: real buyers really go and make additional "Shumka", adding more than a hundred thousand rubles to the rather big price tag of this small car.

Equipment

Lexus UX prices start at 2,431,000 rubles - by the standards of the class, not excellent, but not terrible either. Until you look at the equipment list. Basic configuration live offers dual-zone climate control, multimedia, as in our photos, heated front seats and a windshield in the wipers rest area, cruise control, LED headlights and… that's it! For almost 2.5 million, you will not get any parking sensors, or a rear-view camera, or a heated steering wheel, or even an elementary rain sensor.

All this is added in the next version. enjoy - together with roof rails and self-dimming interior mirror.Agree, God knows what a generous increase, but you will have to pay more than a hundred thousand for it: such a Lexus costs from 2,538,000 rubles… And it will still have fabric upholstery and mechanical seat adjustments.

Per 2 785 000 rubles version offered FSport - outside and inside, it has a daring sporty environment, virtual gears can be switched with real paddle shifters, the front seats are finally equipped with an electric drive, and the speaker system through the speakers adds anger to the sound of the engine. Yes, you understood correctly: for almost 250 thousand rubles, in fact, an entourage is bought, and nothing but an entourage.

Finally, our discover worth from 2,969,000 rubles, and only here you can finally get keyless access, electrically adjustable steering wheel, a fifth door servo and, in addition, expensive Mark Levinson "music". Agree, it's still sparse, but there are no options as such for Lexus: it is proposed to pay extra only for color. If you want more, buy a hybrid.

The basic package for the UX 250h is enjoy - the one that is average for gasoline. The equipment is the same, so you can calculate the amount of the net surcharge for electrics: take hybrid 2,979,000 rubles, we subtract 2 538 000 - and we get almost 450 thousand! More precisely, we do not receive, but just give it back.

In case of version FSport per 3,230,000 rubles everything is not so simple, at least because in the case of a hybrid version it gets an adaptive suspension. And the surcharge is the same 250 thousand! Okay, 270. But in any case, this "sport" looks like a more interesting proposal.

And at the top of the line - Lexus UX 250h feel, and now its equipment can already be called rich. In addition to everything in our test car, navigation, all-round visibility system, blind spot monitoring, front seat ventilation, driver's seat and steering wheel settings memory, a large 10.3-inch multimedia screen, head-up display, adaptive cruise control and tracking systems for road signs and markings. But just tracking, not keeping in the lane, for example!

And such a car costs from 3,867,000 rubles - that is, about the same as the top versions of competitors. Only they, in addition to comparable "stuffing", will offer more powerful engines and a real all-wheel drive for the same money.

Competitors

Audi Q3

Компактный немецкий кроссовер недавно сменил поколение и успел побороться с нашим Лексусом в сравнительном тесте, опередив его по практичности, «кроссоверности» и уровню бортовой электроники, но проиграв в комфорте, отделке интерьера и удобстве разгона. Цены на базовую версию со 150-сильным мотором 1.4 TSI и передним приводом стартуют с отметки в 2 375 000 рублей. Четыре ведущих сочетаются только с более мощным мотором: 1,8 литра, 180 сил. Стоит такая Audi как минимум 2 695 000 рублей, ну а баловством в конфигураторе легко загнать ценник и за четыре миллиона" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Volvo XC40

Третий участник сравнительного теста - и, по совместительству, его победитель на правах самого универсального и сбалансированного. Да и выбор двигателей богат: от 150-сильного дизеля (2 418 000 рублей за передний привод, 2 595 000 за полный) до мощного бензинового T5, развивающего 249 сил - за такой XC40 придётся отдать минимум 2,9 миллиона. Кроме этих двух двигателей, есть ещё пара - бензиновый и дизельный, оба двухлитровые и оба на 190 сил. Куда может завести конфигуратор? Да хоть к отметке в 4,4 миллиона рублей! Но это уже с откровенными излишествами вроде 21-дюймовых колёс за 200 тысяч" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

BMW X1

Баварский кроссовер уже не столь свеж, но всё ещё актуален, наделён драйверской жилкой, а вдобавок - доступен, ведь цены стартуют с 1 997 000 рублей за переднеприводную 140-сильную версию. Есть ещё 150-сильный дизель и 192-сильный бензин - оба будут с полным приводом и начальным ценником в 2,5 миллиона. Как ни удивительно, разгул в конфигураторе не разорителен: далеко за три миллиона уйти не получится. Но это объяснимо, ведь в списке опций нет навигатора, продвинутых систем помощи водителю и многих других затратных пунктов" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Новый GLпока остаётся тёмной лошадкой: премьерный тест отменился из-за пандемии, и с машиной мы пока не знакомы. Но заказы уже принимаются, а цены известны - и они весьма кусачие. 163-сильный GL200 с передним приводом обойдётся минимум в 2 790 000 рублей, плюс больше полутора миллионов можно потратить на опции. И это ещё не конец, ведь доплата за полный привод и более мощный 224-сильный мотор составляет почти 400 тысяч рублей" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Mercedes-Benz GL The new GL is still a dark horse: the premiere test was canceled due to the pandemic, and we are not yet familiar with the car. But orders are already being accepted, and prices are known - and they are very biting. A 163-horsepower GL200 with front-wheel drive will cost at least 2,790,000 rubles, plus more than one and a half million can be spent on options. And this is not the end, because the surcharge for four-wheel drive and a more powerful 224-horsepower engine is almost 400 thousand rubles

Output

Lexus' second attempt at making a compact car seems more successful than the first. The UX came out unconventional, it has a healthy interior and a really pleasant and flexible driving character. But its seemingly winning positioning as a crossover immediately raises many uncomfortable questions. Where is practicality, where is the trunk, where is the normal four-wheel drive - and at least where the ground clearance is, in the end!

And if we compare the UX with those really similar to it - that is, with ordinary passenger hatchbacks - it becomes already unclear why there is such an overpayment in relation to the same A-class. In total, we have before us a means of urban individual mobility with expensive leather, broken design, plastic body kit and a horse price tag. The combination, shall we say, is not for everyone.

It is symbolic that just a few days ago the Russian office of Lexus proudly reported a growth of 16% compared to the first quarter of last year. The press release is replete with positive numbers, but do you know which cars provide the main demand? That's right, RX (2408 copies), NX (965) and LX (594). The youngest did not make it into the top three, that is, his result is exactly less than six hundred in three months. The dealership did not respond to the request for exact figures, so let's help ourselves to figure out the big picture. Well, who has seen at least one Lexus UX on the road lately? Put a plus sign in the comments.

Lexus UX I specifications

Equipment

200 2.0 CVT (150 HP)

Engine

2 l / 150 hp / gasoline

Transmission

variable speed drive

Drive unit

front

Body

SUV 5 doors

Fuel consumption