Video: 2019 Lexus UX preview drive

LEXUS has a bit of a conundrum right now. When it comes to attracting new buyers – younger buyers especially – there’s not a whole lot of choice within its showroom.

Sure, there’s the CT 200h, but that vehicle is hamstrung by its age and its hybrid-only powertrain. It’s also not the most sparkling offering in its segment, which is dominated at the moment by much fresher competition from its German rivals, BMW, Benz and Audi.

But while there’s no replacement in sight for the venerable CT, Lexus reckons it has a better solution in the form of its first-ever compact SUV – the UX. It’s coming to Australia towards the end of this year, but we went to Sweden to sample it at its global launch – and the first encounter was a promising one.

For Australia both a conventional 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid will be on offer, and we got plenty of wheel time in both. However, one thing that we weren’t expecting from the UX was just how engaging it feels from the driver’s seat. Can Lexus beat the Germans at their own game for a second time? Watch our first video review of the Lexus UX to learn more - or head here to read our in-depth Wheels review.