Lexus UX SUV Confirmed For Production, Smaller Than NX

The Lexus UX Concept, first unveiled at the 2016 Paris Auto Show has been given the green light for production. The new model will be based on the Lexus UX concept and slot under the Lexus NX crossover to rival other compact crossovers such as the Audi Q2 and Infiniti Q30.

In a report by GoAuto, Lexus International executive vice-president, Yoshihiro Sawa, confirmed the existence of a production version of the Lexus UX, at the ongoing 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Mr Sawa explained that the strong response towards the company’s NX and RX models proved the company could interest more SUV buyers in an even smaller segment.

When asked by Go Auto about a go-ahead for production, Mr Sawa commented, “We are doing. Of course we are doing. Please expect UX.” Adding that the tentative launch date was, “not so far away”.

The Lexus UX could possibly be based on parent company Toyota's new TNGA (Toyota NewGlobal Architecture) platform, that also underpins the recently launched Toyota CH-R crossover.

Another motivation to develop the funky UX Concept for production, as Mr Sawa admits, is the average age of Lexus buyers, which seems to be going up. Except for the Lexus IS and entry-level CT hatchback, loyal customers who come back for Lexus cars, inadvertently, drive the company’s buyer age average upwards. Lexus’ focus with cars like the UX SUV is to build an edgy image for the brand and split the customer pool into two distinct categories – young customers and loyal customers.

Separately, Mr Sawa also told GoAuto, that a replacement of the ageing Lexus CT hybrid was “also a secret”, hinting that Lexus could yet have another ace up its sleeve.