GRR Garage: Welcoming our Lexus UX 250h to the Goodwood stable

Moving from a hot hatch like the Fiesta ST to a hybrid crossover takes some getting used to. Not simply because the performance levels are obviously quite different, or the fact that the UX rides significantly higher than its predecessor, no, our biggest recalculation is the fuel efficiency.

It's been a few long-termers since we’ve been used to seeing a five at the start of our mpg figure. Our old Caterham, Amarok and Fiesta were not likely to trouble those kinds of figures, but now we’re living with a car blessed not only with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, but also some electric motors, it becomes a distinct possibility.

Cruising around in the UX so far, without ever engaging its ‘Eco’ mode, easily brought 48mpg in our first week. Each car requires a small amount of time to get a handle on the nuances of its performance, which means that in the coming weeks we should see 50mpg plus with little effort, never mind actually using its more economical setup.

It isn’t an engaging drive however. The UX plays more on the tech that it provides for fuel efficiency than driver enjoyment. The steering isn’t communicative and even with the electric motors deploying all of their energy the UX is far from a rocket ship. But it’s comfortable and efficient, without resorting to a clattering diesel under the bonnet.

So, it’s safe to say that, despite not blowing our socks off as we drive to and from HQ, we could get used to this fuel-efficiency lark. And that’s not even getting onto the seats, which require an entire article to themselves…

MPG this week: 48.4.

Photography by Joe Harding.