Road test: Lexus UX 250h F Sport E-Four

Lexus makes two versions of its UX compact SUV - an all-electric model and a petrol self-charging hybrid. With many people still reluctant to take the plunge into the electric car world, due to issues over range and charging infrastructure, a hybrid makes a lot of sense.

Hybrid options include mild, self-charging and plug-in. In many ways the kind of self-charging hybrids developed by Toyota and Lexus offer the best of both worlds. You don’t ever have to deal with range anxiety or factor in charging on long journeys but you can fel you’re entering the world of lean, green motoring.

Unlike a plug-in hybrid you don’t need to connect it to a socket - it’s oh so clever battery simply changes itself when you’re slowing down and by the engine when it doesn’t have to work too hard.

Another reason to like the UX are its good looks. The car market features an abundance of SUVs of all shapes and sizes these days but the UX is definitely one that manages to stand out in the compact segment. There’s a simple elegance and stylishness to it which I rather like.

Step inside and it’s nicely appointed too with plenty of trademark Lexus touches that give it both a comfortable and an upmarket feel and the cabin is pretty spacious.

So, what is that hybrid system like to live with? Power output is 181bhp and it has a 2.0-litre petrol engine. Although it’s no pocket rocket the UX moves along swiftly enough, reaching 62mph in 8.5 seconds. This car was a four-wheel-drive E-Four which is just a couple of seconds slower over the 0-62mph sprint but offers the bonus of all-wheel drive capability. It has a top speed of 110mph.

The Lexus UX

View gallery

Unlike mild hybrids where an electric motor simply assists the engine, the system in the UX means it can operate in fully electric mode. Amazingly it can actually reach speeds of 70mph in EV guise. However, it’s more likely that you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits when pootling around town and general toing and froing.

The entry-level UX comes with a 7 in infotainment screen, sat-nav, DAB radio and Bluetooth, ambient lighting, a centre armrest, LED headlights and a reversing camera.

F Sport trim adds some extras including 18in alloy wheels, a heated S-Sport steering wheel, heated front seats and front and rear parking sensors. You also get steering wheel gear-shift paddles,

Depending on your personal preferences you might like to opt for Takumi trim, which offers more of an emphasis on luxury. Features include front seat ventilation, a Mark Levinson 13-speaker Premium sound system, a sunroof, door mirror memory settings and 360-degree camera.

The range overall is reasonably accessible, with prices starting at £33,500.

The UX in self-driving hybrid form is an enjoyable car to drive and comes with five drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport S, Sport Plus and Custom. Out on the open road you’ll mostly be utilising its petrol power and it does not disappoint, even if that engine needs to be worked hard to get the best out of it.