Lexus UX 2019 confirmed for Australia, more details revealed in Geneva

More design details, new hybrid and petrol drivetrains and safety tech revealed for the Lexus UX in Geneva this evening.

Lexus has painted a clearer picture of what the new Lexus UX small SUV will bring to Australia when it arrives early next year.

Making its first public appearance at the Geneva motor show today, this is also our first proper look at the new Audi Q2,  BMW X1/X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA rival after front and rear views were teased in recent weeks. The UX was also teased in concept form at the 2016 Paris motor show.

The dashboard shot shows a continuation of the shapes and textures used with the LC 500 sports coupe, including the rotary switches atop the instrument binnacle.

The front end has the latest iteration of Lexus's 'spindle grille' corporate face, while a coupe-like roofline gives it a similar profile to the new X2, and the rear end's full-width lighting is a new evolution for the Lexus brand.

Like most Lexus models, the F Sport pack brings unique styling and suspension, which can be seen on the white car pictured here. The charcoal car demonstrates the look sported by other trim levels.

We've only seen one interior image for now, but the dashboard shot shows a continuation of the shapes and textures used with the LC 500 sports coupe, including the rotary switches atop the instrument binnacle.

Lexus has also confirmed key dimensions for the new model, with a 4495mm overall length, 1520mm height, 1840mm width, 2640mm wheelbase, which puts it 135mm longer, 6mm shorter, 16mm wider and on a 30mm shorter wheelbase than the new BMW X2, which arrived in Australia last week.

Despite its coupe roofline, Lexus says the UX offers a relaxing space for passengers and generous cargo capacity.

Like most Lexus models, the F Sport pack brings unique styling and suspension. (Lexus UX 250h F Sport pictured)

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Lexus has also confirmed key dimensions for the new model, with a 4495mm overall length, 1520mm height, 1840mm width, 2640mm wheelbase. (Lexus UX 250h F Sport pictured)

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Despite its coupe roofline, Lexus says the UX offers a relaxing space for passengers and generous cargo capacity. (Lexus UX 250h F Sport pictured)

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Like the LC 500 and new LS sedan, plus the Toyota Prius, C-HR and Camry, the UX rides on a version of the Toyota/Lexus group's TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which has helped the new small SUV manage a claimed lowest centre of gravity in its class, plus improved rigidity and a hatchback-like driving experience.

Two new drivetrains have also been confirmed, which will be spread across UX 200 and UX 250h variants. These are signified here by the charcoal and white cars respectively.

The UX 250h introduces a 2.0-litre evolution of the group's fourth-generation self-charging hybrid system, representing a step beyond what's found in the current Prius and headed for the new Corolla. It promises a combined output of 131kW and what is described as "exceptional" fuel efficiency.

Lexus Australia boss Scott Thompson describes the new UX as the most important new model for Lexus since the NX mid-size SUV arrived in 2014. (Lexus UX 250h F Sport pictured)

The UX 200 will use a new direct-injected and naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has had close attention paid to thermal efficiency. It will be paired with a new direct-shift CVT auto transmission.

On the safety front, the new UX will pack the latest Lexus Safety System+, with a pre-collision system capable of recognising pedestrians at night and cyclists during the day. Road sign recognition and lane tracing assist will also feature.

Lexus Australia boss Scott Thompson describes the new UX as the most important new model for Lexus since the NX mid-size SUV arrived in 2014, given the ongoing boom in the small SUV segment.

Would you be tempted by the new Lexus UX over a BMW X2? Tell us what you think in the comments below.