LEXUS Manila Inc. recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Lexus Manila showroom in Bonifacio Global City where executives from both LMI and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), members of the media, valued customers and other guests attended the momentous event. Gracing the celebration were none other than LMI President Raymond Rodriguez, Lexus Asia Executive Vice President Vince Socco and TMP top executives, namely: President Satoru Suzuki, Senior Executive Vice President Dr. David Go, Senior Vice President for Marketing Services Jose Maria Atienza and Executive Vice President for Marketing Services Kei Mizuguchi.
During his speech, Socco expressed his appreciation for the customer’s trust and support for the brand in the last 10 years. “It was such a pleasure for us to take care of you and we look forward to continuing to do so in the coming 10 years and way beyond. As importantly, I look forward for more of you to join the Lexus family so that you can help craft amazing experiences and moments for each and every one of you, as well,” he said. Indeed, we have seen how Lexus cars have evolved tremendously in the last 10 years, as well as how it has established its own identity in the field of manufacturing luxury vehicles. “Our design language has become bolder and more distinctive. And we have also brought a significant change to our driving performance that pairs seamlessly with our world renowned driving comfort,” he added.
The all-new UX 200 subcompact crossover
Officially launched late last year, Lexus also finally presented the all-new UX 200 for us to take a closer look. This latest addition to the brand’s lineup of exceptional cars is also considered as the gateway to Lexus luxury vehicles, as well as owning one. According to Lexus, the UX is a free-spirited SUV, expressively crafted for the modern Urban explorer. “We developed the new UX around the mindset of a ‘Creative Urban Explorer.’ It was intended to excite the open-minded, and encourage them to discover the world of possibilities,” as regarded by UX Deputy Chief Engineer Mitsuteru Emoto.
“While the exterior of the Lexus UX adapts all the universal design cues of Lexus, it still maintains its outstanding personality within the Lexus lineup of SUVs,” said Socco during his presentation. True enough that all of the UX’s exterior design elements are pretty much faithful to what the brand is known for nowadays. Striking and imposing are the best way to regard its overall look starting off with the signature three-dimensional and pronounced spindle grille along with the sharp-looking headlamps. Angular and athletic profiles are also all over the frame with matching black trims defining the bottom panels particularly the wheel arcs. Even the rear end has its own striking element coming from the united sleek taillights, as well as sharp profiles.
The interior, meantime, highlights what Lexus regard as the Takumi craftsmanship. For the most part, the layout conveys the same as that of the RX and NX models with familiar elements such as the analog clock, center console track pad, and others. Premium materials were utilized with the strictest attention to detail denoting that it is luxurious yet athletic. From the steering wheel, dashboard panels, console and seats, you’ll also find yourself cocooned with absolute opulence. Then there’s the seven-inch heads-up audio display (10.3-inch electro multi vision display for the F Sport variant) along with optitron meters with multi-information display, among others.
Propelling this new luxury small crossover is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder Twin Cam, 16-valve naturally aspirated motor dishing out 168 hp at 6,600 rpm and 205 N-m of maximum torque at 4,800 rpm. It is paired to a Direct Shift Continuous Variable Transmission, which transfers all that power to the front wheels. Just to name a few from the long list of safety and security features, the all-new UX 200 is equipped with drive start control, traction control, vehicle-stability control, antilock braking system with electronic distribution, brake assist system, and multiple airbags and curtains. Interestingly, Lexus utilized the new Global Architecture Compact for high structural rigidity and improved stability.
Exclusive to the UX 200 F Sport variant are the parts and add-ons such as different bumpers, front mesh grille, jet black plating, fender emblems, front seats, shift lever, gauges, 18-inch gunmetal multi-spoke alloy wheels and aluminum pedals, to name a few. The standard UX 200 variant is priced at P2.478 million, while the F Sport version is valued at P3.048 million.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino