Surely you’re joking.
It seems that by asking a few questions and drawing a couple of conclusions, it’s being reported that Lexus wants to replace its ageing CT200h hatchback with a new model, which will sit beneath the shiny and new UX crossover when it arrives in 2021. The UX was largely assumed by the global automotive media as the indirect replacement to the CT as, in markets where the hatchback is no longer sold, the UX takes its place as the entry-point into the Lexus range.
There’s good reason to understand why it was so widely assumed that the UX would succeed the CT. Crossovers are all the rage at the moment (for reasons absolutely beyond our comprehension) and the UX, with its bold design and hybrid-heavy powertrain options, appears to feed the current wave of demand perfectly. But there’s space in the lineup for a hybrid hatch it’s claimed though that’s just left us asking why.
“Europe has a great strategic importance for Lexus because it’s seen as a leading region for technology and design. Our hybrid sales are highest in Europe; China & Japan will electrify [internal combustion engines] and the wider US market is only really now starting with hybrids.” – Pascal Ruch, Director, Lexus Europe
Ruch is the source that Autocar claims “confirmed” the impending arrival of a new-generation CT, but did not quote him saying so. This has led us to a bit of an issue as, without word-for-word verbal confirmation, we’re having a tough time getting to grips with what’ll be described as a ‘smaller’ model to slot beneath the UX.
As it is, the UX is proportionally level-pegging with cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q2 both outside and in, and in the luxury segment, there aren’t cars smaller than that. Further, Lexus’ insistence on offering an electrified option on all its cars means that whatever new model that comes must have electrification built-in as part of the platform (rather than an add-on solution like the original BMW ActiveHybrid 3, for example). And once you begin considering the size of the batteries, the integration of the motor and so on, there’s just not a lot of room left when you’re working with the overall dimensions of what has to be a very compact hatch.
Furthermore, the relatively-high buy-in price with hybrids means that the proposition of a rather expensive and rather small luxury hatch just doesn’t add up. The CT200h won many fans around the world thanks to its premium appeal & execution, atop of trustworthy Japanese engineering, and highly-competitive pricing. A model smaller than a UX today simply wouldn’t be able to offer that package, which to us, already makes it a pointless endeavour.
And besides, the only hybrid that Toyota makes that’s dimensionally-smaller than the UX and current-generation CT200h is the Toyota Yaris, a car that’s so prevalent in Europe that we’re doubtful anyone would pay more money for a poshed-up version with a Lexus badge.
We’re not above admitting that we could be wrong, but we’re feeling pretty confident. If you disagree with us we’d love to hear your rationale behind it in the comments section below.
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