Another day, another premium compact SUV.
Japanese luxury marque Lexus appears to have realised their mistake staying out of the compact SUV space, and aim to rectify it tout de suite with the introduction of the UX crossover which will slot in beneath the existing NX SUV in the lineup.
While they won’t say it, the UX will also serve as a replacement for the CT compact hatch, which was brought about as an answer to the BMW 1-Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. However, while they may have dragged their feet in bringing about something to populate the space, they’re certainly trying to make an entrance with the UX.
The teaser video shows of a full-width light bar, something that will definitely be a defining design feature on the UX, which appears to rise from the rear valance, with the two leading edges of the light bar actually flying free of the bodywork. Expect to see an application of Lexus’ divisive Spindle Grille up front (though perhaps not quite as complex as the 5,000-surface iteration seen on the LS limousine), as well as the arrow headlights, along with a generally angular design all round.
Basically, the antithesis of a Volvo XC40. Aside from the Swede, the Lexus UX will have to do battle with cars like BMW’s dynamic X1, Mercedes-Benz’s popular GLA, and Audi’s stylish Q2. What we know already by the teaser image and video is that the Lexus UX will debut in sharp F-Sport trim, and will be available with a UX250h hybrid variant from launch (we’ve had a bit of a play with one of the images, in our Gallery, revealing the badging). Expect to see a non-hybrid UX250 as well, either at launch or sometime afterwards.
The Lexus UX will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th, so stay tuned to CarShowroom as we bring you more updates as they come.
For more information on Lexus, check out our Showroom.
