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After a few days of navigating it through Kuala Lumpur's notorious traffic, very well indeed
As someone who considers driving to be a chore, you will never find me put the words "driving" and "pleasure" in one sentence but Lexus UX 200 comes this close to changing my mind.
There is no denying the excitement of discovering a sleek new car, especially when it's one as stylish as the Lexus UX 200. It's the Japanese marque's first compact SUV, boasting the elegant styling of a hatchback with fluid lines and prominent sculpted surfaces.
See also: Lexus UX 200: 5 Great New Features To Know
I, for one, am taken in by its muscular yet aerodynamically agile aesthetics—it looks powerful and chic at the same time. And having spent a few days driving it around Klang Valley's manic traffic, I can report that it not only serves its purpose as a reliable transport, it's actually a darn great car to whiz around town in.
Here are three reasons why:
1. It possesses design elements you'll fall in love with
State-of-the-art blends seamlessly with the traditional
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As a visual person, I'm charmed by its design, both its exterior and interior. The sporty boldness of the outside is complemented with the LED Aero Stabilising Blade Lights, a standout feature inspired by race cars.
What's on the inside is just as fascinating. The cabin seamlessly combines the state-of the-art and traditional crafts. Getting behind the wheel, one is immediately endowed with a sense of control of the vehicle.
Lexus made the wise decision to adapt the Seat in Control concept from its LC 500 Coupe where the instrument panel extends a little further from the windscreen for greater field of vision. Not only do you see every indicators in one sweeping glance, all critical functions are within easy reach from answering a call on the smartphone to adjusting the radio volume.
See also: The Lexus LM 350 Luxury MPV Is A Business-Class Suite On Wheels
In a nod its Japanese roots, Lexus has also adorned the inside with artisanal elements of traditional craftsmanship. The dashboard is decorated with Japanese washi paper pattern; washi is traditionally used on shoji doors. Then there is the Sashiko quilting made by skilled Takumi craftspeople that can be found running across the leather seats.
In what is an otherwise state-of-the-art interior, these artisanal touches lend it warmth and a unique luxury. It’s impressive how Lexus has managed to inject a slice of the old world into an unabashedly modern vehicle.
2. Driving is a fuss-free affair
For someone who grew up learning how to drive with three pedals and a gear knob, taking the UX 200 on the road is an absolute breeze.
But first, I have to admit that I like how the driver's seat pushes back when the car engine is turned off, allowing you additional space to alight from the car more easily and how it automatically shifts into your pre-determined preferred seat position when you're about to drive off.
For all its good looks, the sensation you get from driving the UX 200, equipped with the 2.0L NA engine paired with a 10-speed Direct-Shift CVT gearbox, is one of smoothness and robustness, practically gliding on the road like a dream. For the eco-conscious amongst you, this engine also boasts excellent fuel economy and lower emissions.
On city roads where congestions and traffic lights are more common than you care, the Stop & Go function is one of my favourite features, contributing to a more relaxing drive. When you brake, you can remove your foot off the pedal and when it's time to move again, just lightly press on the accelerator. No more feeling the tension build in your foot at traffic snarls.
Where comfort is concerned, I love how the UX 200 has a seat-heater function that envelops you in warmth during those cold, rainy days—a real plus in this erratic weather of ours where it can go from unbearably hot to a serious thunderstorm in minutes.
3. It makes you (and your passengers) feel safe
Safety is a department that Lexus clearly excels in. The UX 200 is equipped with Lexus Safety System + with an integrated suite of safety features (think sophisticated sensors and cameras) working in tandem to maintain a high level of safety.
Among them, the Pre-Collision System warns of an impending obstruction in front of you while Lane Tracing Assist alerts you if you're driving off lane; both features are helpful in reducing the risk of an accident.
I personally love the Panoramic View Monitor that gives a clear view of your surrounding whenever you stop in traffic, giving you the chance to survey your environment for that extra peace of mind.
All in all, it has been a real treat having the UX 200 around—stylish, functional and reliable, all three qualities the UX 200 possesses in spades.
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
