Lexus UX 2019 pricing and specs confirmed

Lexus Australia has released pricing for its all-new UX small SUV, available with two powertrain options and a number of equipment grades.

The entry-level UX200 Luxury will start at $44,450 plus on-road costs, jumping up to $53,000 and $53,450 for the higher-grade Sports Luxury and F Sport respectively.

Exclusively front-wheel drive, the UX200 is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 126kW/205Nm.

Lexus also offers a 131kW hybrid version of the 2.0-litre engine with the UX250h, commanding a $3500 premium for each of the three grades.

The self-charging UX can also be specified with all-wheel drive for an extra $4500 in the two higher tiers; the Sports Luxury ($61,000) and F Sport ($61,450).

While the standard UX200 variants will be available from Lexus dealerships later this month, the hybrid variants will not hit showrooms until mid-January 2019.

The UX range is the first of its kind to be built on Lexus' C Platform, which it says lowers the centre of gravity, and allows for a rigid body and suspension tune for improved responsiveness, stability and ride comfort.

Standard safety kit includes the Lexus ‘Safety Sense +’ package, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, active cruise control, lane trace assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

Furthermore, all UX variants feature eight airbags, a reversing camera, parking sensors, tyre pressure monitor, speed-limit warning and an anti-theft system.

The Luxury sports a 10.3-inch multimedia display, satellite-navigation, an eight-speaker audio system, a GPS clock and illuminated entry.

Non-hybrid variants are rated at a 750kg towing capacity, and have three selectable driving modes; normal, eco and sport.

Other standard kit on the entry-level grade includes 17-inch alloy wheels, acoustic windscreen glass, roof rails, LED headlamps, foglights and power-adjustable heated mirrors.

Inside, there's a leather-accented steering wheel and shift leaver, a power-adjustable steering column, an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror and eight-way heated power front seats.

Jumping up to the Sports Luxury affords customers 18-inch wheels with run-flat tyres, leather-accented and ventilated seats, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, adaptive high beams and a surround-view monitor.

Finally, the top-spec F Sport boasts unique 18-inch wheels, as well as sportier bumpers, grille, seats, steering wheel, shift lever and pedals.

As F Sport is Lexus' performance moniker, the top-tier UX can be optioned with adaptive variable suspension, five drive modes, rear performance dampers and active sound control.

According to Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson, the firm hopes the UX mid-sizer will help bring in a new customer base to the Lexus brand.

"The UX delivers a fresh and contemporary appeal to young buyers seeking new and exciting experiences relevant to their lifestyles," he said.

"For many of them, this will not only be their first Lexus vehicle, but also their first entry into the luxury segment."

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