Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co (AAB) has launched the all-new 2019 Lexus UX, a luxury compact crossover at an event at the Lexus showroom.
AAB chairman Dr Nasser Abdulghani al-Abdulghani, acting CEO R K Murugan, senior marketing manager Firas Mufti, Lexus National Sales senior manager Ahmed Abu El Saad, and Toyota Motor Corporation’s Mena office chief representative Yugo Miyamoto were present.
The UX name is derived from the guiding concept of the vehicle’s design team and describes the vehicle’s mission as Urban + X-over (crossover).
The all-new model is the first Lexus vehicle to be constructed on the new Global Architecture Compact (GA-C) platform. With a lightweight yet super-rigid structure, extremely low centre of gravity, and a refined suspension tuning, the GA-C platform provides the UX with exemplary handling agility and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving personality. 
“We are very excited to launch the all-new Lexus UX, an innovative vehicle that is tailored to the evolving needs and aspirations of our customers in the region,” commented Miyamoto.
The 2019 Lexus UX has a front-wheel drive configuration and is powered by a new high-efficiency 2.0 litre, four-cylinder engine, which is coupled with a new 10-speed Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT). 
The vehicle has world-firsts such as wireless lighting for the airflow knob and a unique aero ventilation design, which was developed to reduce air turbulence over the wheel surface. 
The all-new model also has a Lexus-first palm rest integrated audio control system, as well as Lexus’ advanced safety technology package, Lexus Safety System+. 
The UX 200 delivers a combination of engaging performance and high efficiency from a newly developed 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, which produces 168hp and 205 Nm of torque. Combining revolutionary laser-clad intake valve seats with an all-new intake port profile, and D-4S direct plus port fuel injection makes this one of the most efficient engines on the market. 
The addition of a Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE) motor on the intake side enhances drivability while also reducing emissions. 
The new Direct-Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT) combines the smooth, fuel-efficient performance of a continuously variable transmission with a more direct driving experience. 
The Lexus UX has an enhanced in-vehicle 10.25-inch multimedia display, 10.2-inch coloured and adjustable head-up display, 7-inch colour multi-information display, a wireless charging system for smartphones, and an analogue clock with GPS correction function. 
Highlighting Lexus’ unrelenting focus on safety, the all-new vehicle ensures complete peace of mind with Lexus Safety System+, an advanced safety technology package that includes Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection during daylight and certain low-light conditions, as well as daytime cyclist detection, all-speed range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Tracing Assist, and adaptive high beam system.
In addition, the car features a comprehensive array of safety features to protect its occupants, such as 8 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Panoramic View Monitor, Blind Spot Monitor, Parking Support Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Active Cornering Assist, and Hill-start Assist Control, among many others.