Review of Lexus LBX compact SUV: Derry Journal Motoring with Jim Mc Cauley

The LBX is a self-charging hybrid and the smallest Lexus to date which promises to take the luxury standards of the brand into the competitive compact SUV marketplace. It is the first Lexus model to be built on the parent company’s GA-B platform, revised for this application from its initial underpinning for the Toyota Yaris Cross. The flexibility of this platform permits variations in critical dimensions for wheelbase, lengths, vehicle heights and track widths.

For the LBX, power is from the uprated 1.5 litre engine with mild hybrid support and a given output of 134bhp. This returns a 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds with a given top speed of 106mph.

In appearance, the model sits confidently in sector, introducing a new front end design for Lexus, now moving away from the decade-long ‘spindle’ grille. Inside, you are greeted with the quality furnishings and a neatly designed cabin that eases traditional layout into modern expectations. It retains an ease of practicality, yet with enough updating to attract younger buyers into the Lexus brand.

On road, and the combined efforts of the naturally aspirated engine with mild hybrid support contain any traditional overrevving from the CVT gearing system, and the quiet running engine and well insulated body result in a luxury experience. Recouping battery charge from the regenerative braking, it will switch to EV power only for short periods with the power balance transfers unnoticeable, except for the dash indicator light. Main instrumentation is duplicated on a clear head-up display and on this top ‘Original Edition’ specification, there are steering wheel paddles to opt for sequential shifts.

On familiar Scottish roads, the car proved agile with the CVT transmission maintaining confident responses without hindering pace, while front seats provided both comfort and support. For town use, a 5.2 metre turning circle and light steering along with parking sensors and camera allow for confident and accurate manoeuvring.

In terms of safety provision, this top model has a full range of advanced driver assistance systems including Pre-collision system with driver monitor and rear side monitor, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert systems. For night driving the car has standard LED headlamp units with adaptive high-beam assist. It also features Safe Exit Assist system, which deactivates the interior door opening switch if there is a risk of contact with vehicles approaching from the rear.

In terms of luggage space, this front wheel drive model provides 402 litres with all seats in situ, extendable to 994 litres when folded. Loading is helped by the powered tailgate.

With regards to running costs, this front wheel drive LBX has a given combined fuel consumption of 61.4 mpg and with a CO2 emissions of 104g/km is liable to 25% BIK. While the range opens at £30,000, this ‘Original Edition’ model is priced at £40,000 including its unique Sonic Copper / Black paint finish. It is in insurance group 25E with a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty subject to dealer servicing.