What's the difference?
Most cars get secretly cheapened as they travel through their model lifecycles.
Yes, while facelifts often usher in headline advances like updated electronics and more equipment to boost attention, in too many cases, engineers are forced to cut costs, especially where they cannot be very easily detected, such as with removed sound-deadening, inferior carpet quality and deleted minor items, like bonnet struts. Hello, latest Ford Ranger!
Every cent saved is extra profit made.
Now, we cannot tell at what level – if any – the penny-pinchers pilfered the Lexus UX for its Series II update last year, but the completely unexpected result is a small SUV/crossover that feels and drives noticeably better than before.
Keep reading to find out how and why.
Jayco is Australia’s most prolific builder of camper-trailers, caravans and motorhomes. Many of its models are the cheapest options in their class and represent decent value for money.
The company’s cheapest little camper-trailer – the Swift – is the perfect example of that: functional, versatile, packed with features and it costs less than $20,000.
Most cars get worse as they age as their makers try and save pennies by scrimping on quality and features. But the reverse seems to be true for the Lexus UX.
The 250h Luxury 2WD we tested is the car that the brand should have launched with back in 2018, with an appealing balance of performance and economy, comfort and sporty handling, as well as refinement and features. The UX has finally come of age.
Overall, the Swift is pretty good value. It’s got a sensible layout, a clever process to set up and offers quite a lot of comfort within a cosy package.
Given the price and the layout, it’s worth considering if you’re also shopping for a forward-fold camper-trailer, which likewise offers an internal living area.