Lexus studying possibility of compact SUV

lexuslogo.jpgToyota is currently evaluating the possibility of a small Lexus SUV-like vehicle, despite earlier stands that a compact vehicle would diminish the Lexus brand and overlap with Toyota-badged vehicles.

“A small Lexus SUV could be a response to the urbanization of Gen Y buyers and empty-nest boomers. Toyota’s advanced product strategy group is studying a demographic trend – people who are sick of the suburbs, but who don’t want to give up the utility of their SUV. A small luxury SUV might be the right product for that environment,” says Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. president.

If a compact SUV is built, Lentz says it would most likely be priced in the upper half of the US$30,000 price range, as if the car is priced in the low 30s it would sacrifice too many luxury features to hit the price. This is tricky as the mid-sized Lexus RX350 is already priced at about US$38,000 in the US market.

Source

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • Poxxue2 (Member) on Feb 05, 2008 at 7:44 am

    They could be planning for a Concept Compact SUV soon…Lets see whether they could beat the Land Rover LRX Concept …probably within the same size but a 5 door unlike the 3 door Land Rover’s..We jz have to wait n see lorr…

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  • 4G63T DSM (Member) on Feb 05, 2008 at 8:28 am

    I think it would do lexus good for a small sports wagon instead.

    They had the 5 door IS300 for a while…but its replacement is no where to be found. I for one would like to see a Lexus “Caldina”….

    I’m sure Toyota can find lots of platform to work with.

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  • White Jack (Member) on Feb 05, 2008 at 2:37 pm

    A mini-Lexus SUV 2.0 would be so great (at least on Lexus price)

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  • bobdbilder (Member) on Feb 05, 2008 at 5:21 pm

    Gawwwwd sounds like a Cabrio SUV!!!! Yea just in case I want to enjoy the warm summer days parking by the roadside.

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  • mitlanevo (Member) on Feb 05, 2008 at 11:47 pm

    great, just hope that Lexus won’t rebadge the Rush, lol~

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  • mzfnd (Member) on Feb 06, 2008 at 1:16 am

    That’s how to make cars properly. Starts with a research to understand the needs. I never understand why we ever needed Chancellor.

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  • mystvearn (Member) on Feb 06, 2008 at 1:45 am

    I am not too sure thats the right move. Overlap with what Toyota has is a bit tricky.

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  • szw (Member) on Feb 06, 2008 at 12:58 pm

    X3 contender…

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