Thursday, March 21, 2019

New UX model offers entry-level path for Lexus fans

A menu of Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen on the Business page of The Sacramento Bee’s website  www.sacbee.com/news/business/article4005306.html

Sacramento, California -- Want to step up to some Lexus luxury but can't afford the fare?

Relax, Lexus has come up with something for you in 2019.

The all-new 2019 Lexus UX 200 is an entry-level compact crossover SUV priced just right for those wanting luxury for less.  My Luxury trim level tester had a bottom line of $39,615 on the sticker -- a fairly low number for any vehicle wearing a Lexus badge.

For that price, my ride was loaded up with plentiful comfort/convenience/safety features that you might expect to find on new motor vehicles priced at $50,000 and more.

For the most part, I mastered much of the electronic technology, but some of it took me time to learn.  Figure on spending a few extra hours with the owner's manual if you take delivery of this UX newbie.

This is a compact vehicle all the way.  In fact, the UX layout is so streamlined and tight that it could be mistaken for a sedan/hatch vehicle.  Then again, I'm splitting hairs here.  The UX offers Lexus perks in a package that doubles as a people hauler and a chore doer.

Lexus calls it a "creative urban explorer."  The very name translates to: U for "urban" and X for "crossover. So there, go with that.

The automaker also makes the case for the vehicle's rigid body structure, and yes, the UX was smooth in most driving maneuvers I put it through.

Power comes from a 2-liter 4 with 169 horsepower.  That power plant labored noisily on hard uphill roads in the Sierra Nevada foothills, but frankly, the UX is better-equipped to tackle the urban-suburban flatlands.  You want a ski weekend SUV, there are plenty of those out there.  That's not the strong suit of the UX.

On the upside, the UX four-cylinder engine is a champ on gas mileage, getting 29 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.  That will save you some money on long road trips.

So, it boils down to this: Do you live in an urban/suburban setting and dream of having a Lexus in your driveway?  If so, the UX is right up your alley.

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