The Lexus UX will be the car maker's foray into the subcompact crossover segment.
Lexus UX: The Lexus Of Subcompact Crossovers
The Lexus UX may not be the Cadillac of minivans, but in today’s market it’s even better. It is the Lexus Of Subcompact Crossovers! This thinly disguised “concept vehicle” will be presented to the public at the Paris Motor Show in late September. Soon after that, you will find it in your local Lexus showroom.
The UX is derived from the Toyota C-HR concept that is currently being readied for production. The Lexus UX will be Lexus’ entry in the rapidly heating up subcompact crossover segment. You will not mistake it for anything else.
Subcompact Crossovers – Following Their Compact Siblings
Compact crossover sales have surpassed those of the former category leader, mid-size sedans. Virtually every manufacturer has an entry in this segment. Both luxury (BMW X3, Audi Q5, et. al.) and mainline brands (Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, Mazda CX-5, and so on) are represented. The Lexus NX is Lexus’ compact crossover. The UX goes one size down to create a new subcompact crossover entry in the luxury arena.
How To Make A Crossover
Auto manufacturers create compact crossovers by taking a compact sedan platform and putting it “up on stilts.” This allows a more upright seating position than is possible with a sedan on the same wheelbase. The improved packaging that results (plus a boxier body style) provides enough additional interior space to make it acceptable to mid-size buyers.
The same process is used to make subcompact crossovers as roomy as compact cars.
Enter Lexus UX
Subcompact crossovers are being added to many carmakers’ lineups. The Nissan Juke was an early entry, followed by Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and others. Luxury entries include Mercedes GLA, BMW X1 and Audi Q3. How can Lexus possibly ignore this segment, which is likely to eventually outsell compact sedans if current trends hold?
A Lower Bar To Lexus Ownership
There is another benefit of having a subcompact crossover if you are a luxury manufacturer. You now have a smaller, lower-priced entry-level product in a hot category. Mainstream buyers will be attracted to your upscale brand. This strategy has worked beautifully for the German luxury marques.
Styling That Continues To Boldly Go
The UX continues the current Lexus extroverted styling themes. Polarizing it may be, but the UX will not go unnoticed among its subcompact crossover peers!
