The smallest Lexus to the city – are they already working on it? – PRAVDA.sk

Recent rumors suggest that a new car may appear in the Lexus line. It should be the smallest car with the brand’s logo and at the same time a crossover that would fill a gap in the market. What are the engineers of the Japanese brand preparing?

PR service

10/13/2021 00:00

We don’t know the name of the model yet and we are not even sure that it will appear at all. Information about his birth appeared in a Japanese motoring magazine Mag-X. So far, unsubstantiated reports leave room to wonder what the city’s Lexus might look like.

Considerations that the Japanese carmaker is working on a new car, smaller than the UX model, arose after the premiere of the Lexus LF-SA, a small crossover designed for the city. Although the studio version saw the light of day at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015, Toyota Prime Minister Yaris Cross gave the opportunity to commemorate this concept car, with which the new Lexus should share the platform.

Proven solutions

The city’s new Lexus could build on Toyota’s crossover solutions, including the powertrain. With the AWD-i-powered Yaris Cross, the hybrid system with a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine and two electric motors generates 116 hp. However, it is possible that the electric motors will be strengthened for Lexus. And why electric motors? Because all-wheel drive known from the Toyota Yaris Cross requires the use of two electric motors – one for each axle. Such a solution would certainly appear in Lexus if this drive got under the hood of the crossover. The mentioned hybrid system is extremely economical and the AWD-i drive guarantees traction even in demanding conditions.

TNGA in the smallest version

The GA-B platform used by Yaris Cross could also be adapted to the needs of the new Lexus city model. In addition to all-wheel drive, the chassis platform also allows you to find space for a spacious luggage compartment.

Photo: Kacper Szczepanski

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Who could compete with the new Lexus crossover? If we believe the rumors, the car would be on offer where the Yaris Cross (Europe, Japan and Australia). And although there is talk of possible competition with the BMW X1 and Audi Q2, this is not very likely. These cars belong to a higher league similar to the Lexus UX model, which is closer to them in terms of dimensions. Although the upcoming crossover could be slightly larger than the Toyota Yaris Cross, it would be difficult to enlarge it to the dimensions of higher-end vehicles.

So is Lexus preparing a pioneer in its segment? There is no shortage of stylish cars in the B-SUV segment, but it is difficult to find a similar car in the premium class. Time will tell whether a possible plan will also be implemented.

toyota, pr not used