2023-12-26 11:00:00
We Europeans do not have the honor of benefiting from the non-rechargeable version of the new Toyota Prius. The sedan is now exclusively sold as a PHEV here, while the North American market benefits from two “full hybrid” versions of 140 and 199 hp. It is precisely this second which is illustrated under the hood of a model well and truly sold on the Old Continent. Lexus has just restyled its UX compact SUV with a 15 hp increase in power which is in fact explained by the presence of the mechanics of the non-plug-in hybrid Prius under the hood of the premium SUV.
A more dynamic Lexus UX
In four-wheel drive, the Lexus UX 300h takes less than 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h© Lexus
The biggest mechanical change comes from the battery: the NiMh pack from the old Lexus UX, which fitted the previous Prius, is replaced by a lithium-ion battery operating on a fairly similar voltage (216V previously, 222V currently). More efficient and more powerful, this battery is still associated with a 2.0 naturally aspirated four-cylinder Atkinson cycle.
Another big new feature: on the four-wheel drive version, the electric motor driving the rear wheels is now a permanent magnet, much more efficient than the old asynchronous unit. All these small changes explain the increase in performance: 0 to 100 km/h is reduced from 8.5 to 8.1 seconds with the front-wheel drive UX 300h and from 8.7 to 7.9 seconds with the all-wheel drive model. .
Still handicapped by his trunk?
The Lexus UX gains new, more modern digital instrumentation© Lexus
Unfortunately, Lexus is not announcing any improvements in terms of interior space, which is so lacking in the UX. With its 4.50 meters long, it is nevertheless a large SUV for the category, but its trunk is worthy of a versatile city car, especially in the four-wheel drive version.
Lexus still took advantage of this restyling to integrate the optional 12.3-inch digital instrumentation as well as a new body color (Bassoon Copper). In addition, the UX 300h can also benefit from a digital key allowing the owner to unlock and start their vehicle with their smartphone.
Roominess is not the Lexus UX’s strong point © Lexus
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