By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(September 19, 2016) Lexus says its UX Concept is aimed at, “a progressive, urban audience living in a connected environment.” But move beyond the buzzwords, the oversized wheels, tires and fenders, and you have a pretty good idea of what the production Lexus UX will look like when it debuts in 2017.

Slotted below the NX, the UX will be based on Toyota’s Nissan Juke fighter, the C-HR.

Surprisingly, Toyota’s coupe crossover currently can be configured on the company’s U.K. website. That’s how we discovered that it features two powertrains (a 1.2-liter gas engine with 115 hp or a 1.8-liter hybrid with 122 hp), mated to a restricted drive orientation. To get all-wheel drive you have to order the 1.2-liter motor and automatic transmission.



If you have to have a six-speed manual, only the front wheels are driven. Pop for the hybrid, and you are limited to the automatic and front-drive. Also, there are three grades — Icon, Excel and Dynamic — whose choice also affects the available color palette.

How Lexus will outfit its version is hard to tell, though a hybrid option is certain to be available. You can expect the UX to stick closely to the C-HR’s 171.3-in. wheelbase, 70.7-in. front and rear tracks, and 61.6-in. overall height. The UX Concept has a pair of door handles sitting side-by-side, suggesting suicide doors and no B-pillar. Unfortunately, this feature will not make it into production.

Like the C-HR, the little Lexus will be a four-door with the rear door handles hidden along the C-pillar.

(The Virtual Driver)