Lexus UX gets minor refresh and new tech

Volvo XC40 rival gains faster infotainment, over-the-air updates, new colours and handling improvements

Lexus has rolled out a new package of upgrades for its Lexus UX that will improve both its handling and infotainment system. Set to be introduced to the Lexus UX range from around Q3 of 2022, the changes include both the hybrid UX 250h and the regular UX 200 petrol. 
Unusually, as part of the mid-life updates for the small SUV that was introduced back in 2019, engineers have added a further 20 spot welding points around the side and back doors to boost structural rigidity.

With a stiffer, more rigid platform, Lexus claims it’s made changes to the both the electric power steering, dampers and honed its SUV’s handling, while adding new run-flat tyres. The result, engineers say, is both an improvement in comfort and refinement. The F Sport model, meanwhile, now gets adaptive dampers that have been developed in partnership with Yamaha and are said to improve agility. 
Steering feel of the sportiest trim has also been boosted by new steering rack supports and suspension bracing that has also claimed to add rigidity.

 Inside, there’s a faster, more responsive infotainment system that is available as either an 8.0-inch or 12.0-inch display that now is operated via a touchscreen rather than the old car’s dated trackpad controller. To improve ease of use, the actual displays have been remounted 143mm forward in the dash. Now featuring cloud-based navigation and ‘always connected’ functionality, the new system also bags a ‘hey Lexus’ on-board assistant. 
Smartphone integration includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The entire car’s infotainment system can be updated and continually improved via over-the-air updates. If you’re wondering what happened to the space where the trackpad controller once lived, wonder no more as Lexus has relocated the controls for the heated seats. There’s also a handy small storage space if you haven’t got the premium heated armchairs. As part of the upgrades, owners can also use their smartphone app to lock, unlock or pre-heat or cool the cabin. 
Safety has also been improved, the standard pre-collision driver assist aids now helps with turning left or right at junctions, while a new Emergency Steering Assist self-steers to avoid obstacles without changing lanes on the highway. Even the adaptive cruise smartens up its act with a new Curve Speed Reduction function that slows the speed during high-speed cornering on the highway. Other changes are the introduction of the F Sport Design trim in some markets that gains the spindle grille, front and rear styling, plus its 18-inch wheels from the flagship F Sport. Inside, the new trim gains synthetic leather, an air filtration system, LED headlamps, chrome roof rails and black wheel arch mouldings plus ‘F’ badging. 
Finally, as part of the refresh there’s a wider choice of two-tone finishes, with six colours available that can be combined with a contrasting black roof on the F Sport and F Sport Design. Under the bonnet, Lexus says the current range of powertrains carries over unchanged which means there’s the still the choice of a 125kW 2.0-litre turbo or a 135kW 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid that can average up to 4.5L/100km. 
There’s no word on when the updated UX will touchdown here, nor if Lexus Australia has any plans to introduce the F Sport Design trim.

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