By Malusi Msomi

Introduced in 2018, Lexus has sold approximately 240 000 units across 80 countries and regions as at the end of 2022. The UX has maintained its top position in South Africa since 2019 in terms of sales. Fast forward to 2022 and the UX has received an update. It might look like much from the outside, but the changes are in the interior and skin deep.

What are the changes?

It seems as if Lexus is done with changes on the exterior and are focusing more on the tech, interior and performance side of things when it comes to their updates. Inside the Lexus UX gets the latest multimedia system with connected services. It features the latest 12.3-inch/8-inch touch display with larger size/higher resolution and is mounted closer to the driver for ease of use. It now finally supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For added practicality, the UX now has two USB charging connectors (Type-C) at the front. Hidden from where the eye can see, to increase structural rigidity, the engineers added 20 spot welding points to the body openings around the side and back doors. The UX will be available in hybrid only, as how it is currently.

The F SPORT Driving Experience

The F Sport model will come standard with Performance dampers® and AVS. The rear performance dampers quickly absorb body flex and minor vibrations, improving overall ride comfort and quietness. Furthermore, thanks to its excellent responding damping force adjustment, the AVS maintains a flat posture while absorbing excess shock, even on road surfaces with large undulations and minor bumps.

Inside the F SPORT model is different from the rest of the grades. It features an aluminum footrest and scuff plate, exclusive sports seats, steering wheel, shift knob, meters, and aluminum sports pedals. It also a features an advanced digital key enabling customers to lock/unlock and start the vehicle with their smartphones.

Safety

The performance of the single-lens camera and millimetre-wave radar has been improved to increase the response range of the Pre-Collision System, which is designed to detect daytime bicyclists and pedestrians in low-light conditions and, at intersections, to detect oncoming vehicles before turns and pedestrians crossing the street from the direction in which the vehicle was traveling before it began to make a right or left turn. Emergency Steering Assist, which assists steering within the vehicle’s lane as cued by the driver, is also included.

In terms of when the refreshed UX will go on sale in Mzansi, Lexus South Africa will give us further information as time goes.