Lexus is making SUV luxury even more attainable and desirable with the UX Line gaining a new entry petrol model as well as range-wide improvements to practicality, refinement and technology.

On sale from December 2, UX enhancements include more responsive acceleration, smoother gearshifts, quieter cabin, increased luggage space, upgraded rear USB ports and school-zone speed-sign detection.

Drivers aspiring to the Lexus luxury lifestyle will be able to choose the UX 200 Luxury from $44,445¹ - a reduction of more than $2,000 compared with the outgoing UX 200 Luxury.

This provides customers with greater choice as previously standard features have now been moved to a new, optional Enhancement Pack 1: LED fog lamps, roof rails, parking support brake² (PKSB), blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert², smart entry and DAB+ digital radio³.

A more engaging and comfortable driving experience has been achieved with refinements to the Lexus Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

A smoother drive when starting off and coming to a halt has been pursued with revised control of clutch oil pressure, producing even more seamless switching between the mechanical first gear and belt transfer mechanisms.

Acceleration is more refined and responsive due to recalibration of the integrated powertrain control electronics.

The tranquil UX cabin, which already benefits from acoustic glass, is now an even quieter and more relaxing space due to the strategic placement of additional sound-absorbing materials and the adoption of thicker insulation around key areas of the boot floor.

UX luggage space has been expanded with a lower deck height in UX 200 petrol variants releasing between approximately 50 and 90 litres - a total of 419 litres (17-inch wheels) and 424 litres (18-inch wheels).

The flexible cargo area for all hybrid UX 250h variants is now 368 litres with the adoption of a double deck-tray adding between four litres (for UX 250h F Sport and Sports Luxury 2WD) and 44 litres (for UX 250h Luxury 2WD).

Safety technology also features in the updated UX, which is now designed to detect school-zone speed signs, as part of the wider Road Sign Assist².

This latest feature expands on a broad suite of Lexus Safety System+² (LSS+) technologies, including Pre-Collision Safety (PCS) system with Pedestrian and Daylight Cyclist Detection, all-speed Active Cruise Control and Lane Trace Assist.

A further handy upgrade for UX is the inclusion of two Type-C USB ports in the rear console, replacing the previous Type-A USB ports for faster charging of compatible devices. Both ports have inlet lighting to enhance visibility.

In addition to the repositioned UX 200 Luxury grade, all other petrol variants have had price reductions from $75 to $325 compared with the equivalent outgoing model. The more accessible UX 200 Luxury grade and the creation of a new Enhancement Pack 1 has had a flow-on effect for the previous Enhancement Pack 1 and 2, which are now renumbered 2 and 3.

The front-wheel drive UX 250h range now starts with the Luxury with Enhancement Pack 2 which adds features including power-operated tailgate, wireless phone charging, privacy glass, cornering lamps, alloy scuff plates and headlamp washers.

UX 250h AWD remains available in F Sport and Sports Luxury grades only.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive Scott Thompson said the updated UX embodies the Lexus commitment to continual and thoughtful upgrades across its entire line-up.

"The new UX is packed with improvements across all grades in terms of practicality, refinement and technology, and now our entry UX 200 unlocks the Lexus luxury lifestyle at an even more accessible price," Mr Thompson said.

This year (to October) the UX has achieved 1,090 sales, of which 42.1% have been self-charging hybrids. Lexus Australia can also confirm the ongoing success of the UX 200 will be complemented by additional allocation of the UX 250h going forward to further boost the joint appeal of the luxury compact SUV.

Across the Lexus range, hybrids account for one-third of sales.

2020 Lexus UX pricing¹