Hey, Good Lookin

On the box, it says the Lexus UX is designed for the modern urban explorer seeking a fresh, contemporary and dynamic take on luxury driving. It adds that the car was designed to appeal to young buyers who seek not only what is new and exciting but what is always relevant to their lifestyles.

- Reuben Van Niekerk

We took the UX on a mini road trip to the Eastern Free State to see if it really does what it says on the side of the Lexus box.

For some reason, designers of cars that are good for the environment and cars that look great seldom sit around the same table. The futuristic styling of many hybrids, including the Prius, stand out in parking lots for the wrong reasons and are not going to age well. Fortunately, Lexus is offering that same tree-hugging hybrid technology in a much more attractive package.

The exterior design is a leap forward in this compact luxury crossover segment with an overall design theme inspired by a secure, robust looking crossover with the stance to back up those looks.

The spindle grille, for example, features a new block-shape mesh pattern with individual elements that gradually change in shape as they radiate from the central Lexus emblem.

The headlamp design completes the face, while daytime running lights are arranged in an arrowhead motif above the headlights and complement the Lexus L-shaped lighting signature.

At the rear, the taillights project a distinctive night-time signature formed by a sequence of 120 LEDs tapering toward the center, measuring just 3mm at the narrowest point.

Crisp, prominent sculpted surfaces and dramatically flared front and rear fenders reflect the robust inspiration, while an aerodynamic profile and large wheels push the corners and an impressive front facia creates the agile, sporty stance.

Inside, the UX cabin was designed to evoke the feeling of a luxury car but with the higher seating position of a crossover. The materials and workmanship are of high quality, the switchgear in the center fascia and on the air-conditioning vents, for example, was inspired by that of a high-end audio home entertainment system, and it is not surprising as many of the best audio equipment originates from the land of the rising sun.