Toyota’s seriousness to leave conventional engines (ICE – Internal Combustion Engine) is getting stronger. The premium division manufacturer, Lexus, now no longer provides entry-level UX models in the form of ICE engines, but only hybrids.
This was represented when launching the 2023 Lexus UX 250h last Sunday. This entry level SUV/crossover Lexus gets a number of changes for the 2023 model year. One of the major changes made is to eliminate the ICE engine, and only provide a hybrid variant.
The 169 hp NA 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder ICE engine used in previous vehicles has been replaced with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine combined with an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. The total power produced is 181 hp. The hybrid technology will increase the efficiency of fuel consumption which is estimated at 17.4 km / liter for driving in the city. On the highway it is estimated at 16.2 km / liter and a combination of 16.6 km per liter.
Lexus is also upgrading in terms of vehicle rigidity. The manufacturer added 20 welding points to the body of the 2023 Lexus 250h Hybrid to make the car’s structure more rigid. To make the cabin feel quieter and less vibrational, new 18-inch Bridgestone run-flat tires (RFT) are used.
In the infotainment system section, the manufacturer no longer uses the touchpad model infotainment settings button. In the previous generation, the touchpad controller was located on the center console, with a round shape. Its function is like we use a mouse on a laptop. However, for the current New Lexus UX, the touchpad system is no longer used because it is considered less intuitive and less user-friendly than the latest technology and is considered too distracting for the driver.
Its replacement is an 8.0-inch touchscreen monitor with the latest Lexus multimedia interface technology that was first installed in the NX crossover last year. The manufacturer also provides a large 12.3-inch touchscreen monitor as an optional package. Both 8.0 inches and 12.3 inches, contain a variety of vehicle information and are also the control center for the infotainment system that is connected to Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen also has the ability to search Google POI (point of interest) which can be operated with voice commands.
In the new display, which is closer to the front passenger, Lexus redesigned the position of the secondary adjustment button. Made more dispersed and easily recognizable and added two USB ports (plugs). For example, the AC setting button is made larger and easier to read and on the front of the center console there is a wireless charging space for the phone. The place used to be for the touchpad, but has now been replaced for the seat heating and cooling control buttons, as well as the heating button for the steering wheel.
In addition to making changes to the interior and pacemaker, this latest Lexus UX also provides an F Sport appearance upgrade package so that the car becomes more athletic and looks dashing. The name of the package is called the F Sport Handling Package.
There are two F Sport packages. The first package is a design upgrade, aka just the appearance of the wheels, grille, black painted roof and flares on the fenders. Also provides options for automatic headlight leveling, rain-sensing windshield wipers, moonroof and fog lamps.
The second package is a combination of a display package plus a handling upgrade to make the driving more tasteful. Included in this category are the addition of adaptive suspension (Active Variable Suspension), steering gear brace and rear damper. The damper can make the car body flexible and can reduce the vibration of the suspension. This kind of damper has been adopted by other Lexus models, including the Lexus ES. The second package also includes changes to the seats that can be replaced with sports seats, replacement of the F Sport steering wheel and transmission lever, aluminum foot pedals and door sills plates.
Lexus also upgrades for safety and security features. From those who previously used the Safety System + 2.0 to the Safety System + 2.5. Thanks to the new system, the angle of view for the front camera and the performance of the radar sensor is even better in detecting the presence of pedestrians or other objects coming from outside the car.
2023 Lexus UX 250h Photos Gallery
