Lexus has revealed a suite of updates for the UX crossover aimed at keeping the model fresh and up to date with its competition. The upgrades will be available on the hybrid-electric UX 250h.
The 8.0-inch display has been moved forward making it more easily accessible to the driver. The graphics are crisper than before and increased computing power means that the system responds quicker to commands.
The voice recognition system is new and now includes the ability to use the "Hey Lexus" on-board assistant that can answer phone calls, adjust the climate control or search for information. The system is programmed to understand a greater range of phrases and conversational terms than before and to be more easily able to recognise commands when there is background noise - the audio doesn't have be muted and the on-board microphones can recognise whether it is the driver or front passenger speaking and carry out the command accordingly.
Where once there was a multimedia trackpad on the centre console, there are now the controls for the heated front seats or, when they're not optioned, a storage cubbyhole.
Owners will also be able to use the Lexus Link smartphone app to operate the air conditioning remotely to heat or cool the cabin before setting off on a journey.
Extra safety tech
The array of safety tech has been boosted too with the performance of the pre-collision system being improved and the UX now being equipped with Intersection Turning Assist (for safer left and right turns across traffic at junctions) and Emergency Steering Assist, which helps the driver steer to avoid obstacles without departing from their traffic lane. Curve Speed Reduction, as part of the radar-guided cruise control system, automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed in line with the radius of a bend in the road, allowing it to safely make the turn.
Beyond those changes, there's nothing new as regards the powertrains in the affected models, with the UX 250h still using a 2.0-litre engine and a hybrid system to develop 184hp.