Lexus UX Review: ‘Funky, Stylish & Eye-Catching’
South Africa-based media outlet Independent Online is quite impressed by Lexus’ compact crossover.
As in the United States, Lexus is primarily targeting the young luxury buyers of South Africa with the UX C-SUV. And according to IOL’s Willem van de Putte, the UX’s styling is exactly the kind that you’d expect those customers to like.
“When it comes to the target market [for the Lexus UX], the questions asked aren’t always the same as the older generation; does it look cool? Will I look cool driving it? Will the person I’m trying to impress think it’s cool? Well, rest assured youngsters, the answer to all of the above is a definite affirmative,” he says. “It’s funky, edgy, a little hip and comfortable too. The front is dominated by the spindle grille with a block shape mesh pattern that change in shape as it extends to the edges and looks different from every angle.”
The interior presents a similar story. “Inside, the complete package reflects Lexus’ attention to detail with leather trim, soft touch surfaces designed to resemble the handmade Japanese paper called Washi, and stitching patterns in the optional leather seat upholstery drawn from the sashiko quilting technique used in martial arts uniforms,” says de Putte.
As far as ride and handling are concerned, de Putte has praised the UX’s dynamics and suspension set-up. However, he does note though: when it comes to proper, hardcore driving, even the performance-focused F-Sport variant has some limitations (perhaps we do need a more potent UX F model after all). Yet, that pitfall is not consequential enough to change IOL’s overall impression of the UX, which as aforementioned, is positive and buoyant. So let’s hope the first-gen UX will become a sales hit in South Africa.
