The race for the introduction of safety measures in many cars has taken another turn. Each car manufacturer is using this as a competition tool. However, Lexus UX has been at the front line in ensuring that the safety levels of the passenger and the driver is the main consideration. That is why it was awarded as the best in Top Safety Pick Award during the just concluded 2019 NCAP awards.
Here are some of the major reasons why it was picked.
Adult and Children Safety
Lexus UX has a 96% score for its effectiveness in adult protection and 85 % for children in the cabin.
It also gained the highest ratings for pedestrian and cyclist protection of any car yet tested under Euro New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) tougher 2019 criteria. With its automated emergency braking, it secured an 82% rating for vulnerable road user protection.
Safety Assist
The new Lexus UX is loaded with the latest version of Lexus Safety System+. The system incorporates a number of new and improved active safety features that can warn of and help the driver to avoid collision risks.
The UX comes with all sorts of nanny aids including ABS, traction control, vehicle stability control and hill assist control. In addition, it has a secondary collision brake.
A blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert is geared towards offering the occupants a 360-degree safety sense system.
Vulnerable Road Users
If an accident is unavoidable, the severity of the impact can be reduced. The advanced technologies include a Pre-Collision System that can detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path during day and night-time driving. Similarly, it can detect cyclists during daylight.
Jaguar I-pace Wins Engine Of TheYear Award
Jaguar’s pioneering, I-PACE electric SUV has won Best Electric Powertrain, Best New Engine and the 350 to 450PS category at The International Engine and Powertrain of the Year Awards.
These three titles recognize the technical excellence of the I-PACE’s zero emissions powertrain.
Power
I-PACE’s 90kWh lithium-ion battery enables a range of up to 470km and is capable of charging from 0-80% in a maximum of 72 minutes using a 60kW DC charger. On the other hand, it can charge from 0-100% in around 12 hours when using a 7kW AC unit.
The battery pack is positioned between the two axles. This enables a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.
Pairing the motors into the front and rear axles deliver all-wheel drive for outstanding traction and control in all conditions. It also enables high levels of regenerative braking useful for city traffic.
Expect the I-Pace to make its way to Kenya by the end of 2019.
Conclusion
The main focus in the automotive industry is shifting to increased safety measures and development of smaller but more efficient engines. In years to come, we shall be move from fossil fuels powered cars to full electric.