GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Lexus teases UX compact SUV
Japanese luxury brand confirms its Audi Q2 and BMW X2 fighter will be called the UX; due here within a yearLexus has confirmed its first compact SUV will be called the UX – and that it will make its world debut at the Geneva motor show on March 6.
As well, the Toyota luxury brand has released this teaser image of what will be its direct rival for the Audi Q2 and Q3 and BMW X1 and X2, showing its similarity to the Concept UX that appeared at the 2016 Paris show.
From this shadowy image of its rear-end, however, it’s clear the small crossover – even in F Sport form pictured here – will not be as wild as the concept that previewed it.
The production UX, which was confirmed at last year's Geneva show, features the same full-width rear lighting signature as the concept, but its body is more slab-sided and features less prominent rear haunches.
At this stage no further information has been provided, Lexus saying only: “The global debut of the production Lexus UX comes 17 months after the luxury brand unveiled a stunning concept for a small premium SUV at the 2016 Paris motor show.
“A powerful reinterpretation of the Lexus design signatures, the UX Concept reflected the determination by Lexus for each of its models to have a unique, standalone character with a strong concept behind it.”
It’s unclear what will power the UX, which is likely to replace the slow-selling, Toyota Corolla-based CT 200h hatchback, but a small-capacity hybrid powertrain is one certainty.
Another possibility is the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and seven-speed CVT that powers the Toyota C-HR, to which the UX is likely to be closely related.
Created in the Japanese luxury brand’s ED2 design studio in France, the compact premium SUV concept measured 4400mm long and rode on a 2640mm wheelbase, making it 230mm shorter than Lexus’ NX mid-size SUV.
Expect the UX to go on sale in Australia early next year, following this year’s release of the all-new, twin-turbo V6-powered LS 500 and LS 500h limousine (April) and, in the second half, special-edition RC F coupe and GS F sedan models to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Lexus F Sport sub-brand.
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