This tiny factor can’t be a Lexus, can it? It even appears to be like a bit just like the Perodua Ativa! The Lexus LBX is the premium model’s smallest automotive but, and it is extremely, very compact. The LBX has simply been launched on the 2024 Bangkok Worldwide Motor Present for the Thai market at 2.229 million baht (RM290,222) for the Luxurious and a pair of.39 million baht (RM311,184) for the Premium.
The newborn Lexus is constructed on the GA-B model of the Toyota New World Structure (TNGA) platform, which can also be utilized by the Toyota Aqua, Aygo X in addition to the European-market Yaris and Yaris Cross. The LBX makes use of MacPherson struts on the entrance and a torsion beam on the rear.
The LBX is 4,190 mm lengthy, 1,825 mm huge and 1,550 mm tall, with a wheelbase of two,580 mm. For context, the Lexus UX – which earlier than this was the model’s smallest SUV – is 305 mm longer and 15 mm wider than the LBX, and its wheelbase is 60 mm longer. Each the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1 have longer WBs than the UX. Boot quantity is 402 litres, expandable to 994 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear bench down.
I attempted it out for dimension, and with the motive force’s seat set to my place, even the Ativa is extra spacious on the again. Additionally, the rear door playing cards are formed from exhausting plastics, which isn’t very Lexus. You possibly can relegate the rear part to occasional/emergency seats then, however the LBX ought to work properly as a fuel-efficient private automotive.
The hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine with 91 PS/120 Nm, an electrical motor rated at 94 PS/185 Nm, and a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery. Complete system output is 131 PS. With energy from the CVT going to the entrance wheels, 0-100 km/h takes 9.6 seconds and prime velocity is 170 km/h. There’s an EV mode button to pressure the system to (briefly) run ICE-free.
The Luxurious is the starter trim for the LBX, and normal equipment consists of an acoustic windscreen, LED headlamps with auto excessive beam and DRLs, 17-inch alloys, a powered tailgate and auto wipers.
The Luxurious additionally will get artificial leather-based (in Mauve or Solis White), adaptive cruise management, a 9.8-inch touchscreen, wi-fi Apple CarPlay, wi-fi charger, six audio system, a 7.0-inch digital meter panel, ambient lighting, dual-zone local weather management, eight-way powered driver’s seat with reminiscence, e-latch door handles with protected exit help, anti-glare rear view/facet mirrors, reverse digicam and tyre strain monitor.
The Premium provides on acoustic entrance home windows, adaptive excessive beam (AHS), entrance fog lamps, cornering lamps and 18-inch alloys. Inside, the vary topper beneficial properties Lexus’ signature semi-aniline leather-based (in Saddle Tan or Black), a full 12.3-inch multi-info show, paddle shifters and steering contact controls. That’s fairly a good bit of additional equipment for round RM21k extra.
So, what do you consider the Lexus LBX – is there a marketplace for a premium-branded automotive as small as this? Maybe not relating to Malaysia’s CBU pricing, particularly when positioned subsequent to tax-free EVs just like the Volvo EX30 that’s coming quickly, however certainly there are individuals in search of a premium compact hatchback with out utilizing the rear seats? Deluxe Ativa – I’m not seeing issues proper?
GALLERY: Lexus LBX at BIMS 2024
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