2019 Lexus UX public Review

In Malaysia's luxury compact SUV market, BBA brands have long dominated the mainstream, but many consumers are beginning to focus on more design-oriented and cost-effective niche luxury alternatives. The 2019 Lexus UX public, as the brand's first compact SUV, targets young family users who pursue individuality and quality, thanks to its unique Japanese luxury design, balanced power configuration, and practical space. In this test drive, we will comprehensively evaluate the car from a static experience to dynamic performance to see if it can hold its ground in this fiercely competitive segment.

In terms of exterior design, the UX public continues Lexus's iconic design language. The spindle-shaped front grille is wide and paired with a dense black mesh structure inside, creating a strong visual impact. The front headlights feature an irregular shape, embedded with L-shaped LED daytime running lights, offering high recognition when illuminated. The car's side profile is sleek, with a waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear, combined with indented door designs to create a muscular feel. The 18-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels have a refined look, further enhancing the sporty vibe. At the rear, the three-dimensional LED taillight group echoes the design of the front headlights, with a roof spoiler and lower diffuser adding to the sporty feel, while chrome trim enhances the sense of luxury. Overall, the exterior design of the UX public maintains the family styling while incorporating more youthful elements, catering to the aesthetic preferences of the target audience.

Inside the car, the UX public's interior adopts an asymmetrical design, with the center console tilted towards the driver for easy operation. The interior materials are quite exquisite, with the upper part of the center console wrapped in soft-touch materials, paired with metal trim and piano lacquer panels to enhance the sense of luxury. The three-spoke steering wheel integrates multimedia control and voice assistant buttons on the left and cruise control functions on the right, providing a comfortable grip. The 10.3-inch central control LCD screen has clear display quality, supporting touch and physical button operations, and the addition of CarPlay and Android Auto functions enhances practicality. The seats are leather-wrapped, with the front seats supporting electric adjustment and lumbar support, offering good seating comfort. The rear seat space is decent, with about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom for a passenger with a height of 175 cm, meeting the needs of daily family use. In terms of storage space, the front cup holders, center armrest box, and door panel storage slots are quite practical. The trunk's standard volume is 320 liters, which can be expanded to 1,194 liters when the rear seats are folded down, offering adequate loading capacity.

In terms of powertrain, the UX public is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power output of 171 horsepower and a peak torque of 205 Nm, paired with a Direct Shift-CVT transmission. During daily driving, the power output is smooth, with responsive acceleration during takeoff. The mid to low-speed acceleration is light, making it suitable for urban commuting. When the accelerator is pressed hard, the engine's RPM rises quickly; however, the high-speed acceleration is average, requiring some anticipation when overtaking. The transmission performs well in smoothness, with virtually no shift shock, and its simulated 10-speed shifting logic makes the driving experience closer to that of traditional automatic transmissions.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the steering of the UX public is precise, with minimal play and moderate return force, making everyday driving effortless. The suspension system combines a front MacPherson independent suspension with a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It effectively filters out small bumps on the road, and when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the body shows minimal shaking, providing a smooth experience for passengers without noticeable impacts. At high speeds, the vehicle demonstrates good stability, and body roll is well controlled when cornering, achieving a balance between comfort and handling.

Regarding fuel consumption, we conducted a comprehensive road test on the UX public, with a ratio of approximately 6:4 between urban congested roads and highway cruising. The actual measured fuel consumption was 6.8L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 6.3L/100km. However, considering real-world driving conditions, this fuel consumption is still above average compared to similar models in the same segment.

In terms of driving comfort, the UX public delivers good noise insulation, keeping wind and tire noise within an acceptable range at high speeds. The seats are soft yet sufficiently supportive, reducing fatigue during long rides. The air conditioning system cools quickly, and the addition of independent rear air vents enhances the comfort for rear passengers as well.

Overall, the 2019 Lexus UX public performs well in terms of design, configuration, and space. Its luxurious interior and smooth power delivery align with its positioning as a luxury compact SUV. Compared to competitors in the same class, the UX public has certain advantages in brand image and unique design, but there is room for improvement in rear space and fuel economy. This car is better suited for young family users who value vehicle quality and stylishness. It is highly capable of handling daily city commuting and short weekend trips with ease. If you are looking for individuality and quality without a high demand for spaciousness, the UX public might be a good choice.