Teased earlier this month, the Lexus LBX has formally been launched in Malaysia immediately. Taking on from the discontinued UX because the model’s most reasonably priced mannequin right here, it’s a premium hybrid B-segment SUV that’s smaller than the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Thoughts you, the dimensions distinction doesn’t imply it’s low-cost. Absolutely imported from Toyota’s Iwate plant in Japan, the LBX is priced beginning at RM238,888 for the bottom Premium mannequin, rising as much as RM268,888 for the Luxurious. Consumers can go for a two-tone color scheme with a black roof, which prices an additional RM1,500 on each variants. All LBXs include a five-year, unlimited-mileage guarantee and an eight-year, unlimited-mileage battery guarantee, with an additional two years of protection non-compulsory.
The titchy LBX – the acronym stands for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, and there aren’t any numbers on the again to indicate the powertrain – is constructed on the B-segment variant of the Toyota New International Structure (GA-B). This implies it’s basically Lexus’ model of the worldwide Toyota Yaris Cross (to not be confused with the ASEAN model, which is constructed on the Daihatsu New International Structure).
Measuring 4,190 mm lengthy, 1,825 mm extensive and 1,560 mm tall, the LBX is a full 310 mm shorter, 20 mm narrower and 82 mm decrease than the X1, whereas its 2,580 mm wheelbase is 112 mm shorter. In truth, the automotive is just 125 mm longer than the one-segment-lower Perodua Ativa.
Regardless of this, the LBX has been engineered to ship a extra premium-feeling driving expertise. The physique construction makes use of a lot of structural adhesives and options quite a few short-pitch welding factors to extend torsional rigidity, whereas light-weight parts together with an aluminium bonnet and moulded resin elements have additionally been fitted.
And whereas the automotive nonetheless makes use of torsion beam rear suspension, its positioning within the chassis is alleged to ship a very good steadiness between trip consolation and dealing with stability. The LBX additionally utilises Automobile Braking Posture Management to steadiness entrance and rear braking pressure mechanically, lowering pitch and roll.
The only powertrain possibility is an M15A-FXE 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated Atkinson-cycle three-cylinder engine, which by itself produces 91 PS at 5,500 rpm and 120 Nm of torque from 3,800 to 4,800 rpm. That is paired with a 94 PS/185 Nm electrical motor, a next-generation eCVT and a nickel-metal hydride battery for a complete output of 136 PS. Drive is distributed to the entrance wheels, getting the LBX from zero to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds.
On the skin, the LBX’s funky, curvaceous styling is derived from the newest Lexus Subsequent Chapter design language additionally discovered on the brand new NX, RX and RZ. The model’s trademark spindle grille has been deconstructed to type a “spindle physique”, retaining a smaller trapezoidal opening. A silver higher bar hyperlinks the slim LED headlights with eyebrow-style daytime operating lights.
From the aspect profile, the brief overhangs and comparatively lengthy wheelbase give the LBX a four-square stance, enhanced by the outstanding rear haunches. A chrome higher window strip that extends in the direction of the rear spoiler offers the automotive a “floating roof” look, whereas the rear finish is outlined by the full-width taillights and the Lexus script. The rear quantity plate recess has been moved to the bumper to reinforce the impact.
As for rolling inventory, the LBX Premium rides on 17-inch gray V-spoke alloy wheels, whereas the Luxurious will get upgraded to 18-inch two-tone Y-spoke rollers. Additional differentiating the Luxurious is a bodykit consisting of entrance and rear skirts with a silver centre part, plus textured C-pillars with alternating matte and gloss stripes.
Consumers can select from six colors from the usual palette, together with Silver Metallic, Astro Gray Metallic, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Copper, Sonic Quartz and Black Mica. There are three extra colors – Pink Spinel, Passionate Yellow and Deep Azure Mica Metallic – within the prolonged vary, however these should be specifically ordered. All could be had with or with out the black roof, aside from Black Mica for the previous (clearly).
The LBX’s minimalist cabin is a departure from Lexus’ historically ornate interiors, dominated by a waterfall centre console. This homes a big 9.8-inch touchscreen that utilises the newest Tazuna interface (no extra Distant Contact nonsense right here), incorporating wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Bodily switches for the dual-zone local weather management – incorporating a Panasonic nanoe X ioniser – stay.
Forward of the motive force sits a digital instrument show that measures seven inches throughout on the Premium and 12.3 inches for the Luxurious – augmented by a head-up show within the latter. You additionally stand up to 4 USB-C charging ports that ship as much as 15 watts of energy, together with a Qi wi-fi charger. Six audio system come as normal, with the Luxurious gaining a 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Encompass Sound system.
The usage of the GA-B platform permits the entrance occupants to take a seat low within the automotive on seats which might be upholstered in black fake leather-based with purple stitching. The driving force’s pew is power-adjustable with lumbar adjustment and a reminiscence perform, however in a quite obvious oversight, the passenger’s seat is guide. The boot, in the meantime, measures a scant 315 litres however could be expanded to 992 litres with the 60:40-split rear seats folded.
Customary options embrace keyless entry, push-button begin, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, navigation, a powered tailgate and a reverse digital camera. Stepping as much as the Luxurious nets you a 360-degree digital camera system with a transparency perform, a digital rear-view mirror and Lexus Teammate Superior Park help.
Security-wise, the LBX comes as normal with eight airbags (together with a centre airbag) and a full complement of driver assists as a part of Lexus Security System+. The latter contains autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise management with cease and go, lane centring help, Energetic Cornering Help, visitors signal recognition, blind spot monitoring, a door opening warning and computerized excessive beam.
Driving the LBX
What’s the LBX wish to drive? A brief trek to Janda Baik revealed a automotive that used its small dimension to its benefit; nimble and fast on its toes, it made brief work of the mountain roads. The steering, whereas bereft of a lot really feel, was sharp and incisive, and regardless of the torsion beam rear suspension, the LBX possessed a good quantity of physique management whereas nonetheless delivering a well-judged – if barely agency – trip.
However the hybrid powertrain didn’t fairly stay as much as the chassis’ potential. The LBX’s modest outputs meant I needed to gun it so much on uphill grades, throughout which the three-pot sound strained. It was not less than very easy, nevertheless, and there was a delightful elasticity to the best way the entire setup responded to throttle inputs. We will’t wait to see what the recent Morizo RR – which makes use of the GR Yaris‘ rally-derived mechanicals – shall be like.
Judged solely on its deserves, the LBX is an intriguing prospect – a small, modern crossover that’s simple to park and enjoyable to drive, outfitted with a cheap if barely anaemic hybrid powertrain. Take the comparatively steep worth into consideration, nevertheless, and it turns into a little bit of a tough promote for the rational purchaser, particularly with the marginally cramped cabin.
We’ll must spend extra time with the LBX for a correct verdict, however for now, what do you consider the its worth and specs? Pontificate within the feedback after the bounce.
GALLERY: 2024 Lexus LBX Premium in Malaysia
GALLERY: 2024 Lexus LBX Luxurious in Malaysia
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