Lexus studying possibility of compact SUV
Toyota 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.
February 5, 2008 @ 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…
February 5, 2008 @ 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.
February 5, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
A mini-Lexus SUV 2.0 would be so great (at least on Lexus price)
February 5, 2008 @ 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.
February 5, 2008 @ 11:47 pm
great, just hope that Lexus won’t rebadge the Rush, lol~
February 6, 2008 @ 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.
February 6, 2008 @ 1:45 am
I am not too sure thats the right move. Overlap with what Toyota has is a bit tricky.
February 6, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
X3 contender…