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According to a fresh report, Lexus is busy preparing its own version of the popular Toyota Yaris Cross light SUV, with the all-new model to offer more affordable luxury and lower fuel use than the premium brand’s existing small crossover, the UX.
Mag-X claims the as-yet-named Lexus light SUV will likely be sold in the same markets as the Yaris Cross, including Australia as well as Europe and Japan.
The Japanese publication also says Lexus’ all-new model will naturally share its TNGA-B platform with the Yaris Cross, meaning mechanical differences are expected to be few and far between.
Speaking of which, if the Lexus’ next crossover shares its powertrain options with the Yaris Cross, it will be available with an 88kW 1.5-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine or an 85kW ‘self-charging’ petrol-electric hybrid system.
In the Yaris Cross, the latter’s fuel consumption on the combined-cycle test (ADR 81/02) is as low as 3.8L/100km, which is 0.7L/100km better than the larger UX can manage in its 131kW hybrid form.
That said, to better compete with small SUVs in the premium segment, including the best-selling Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40, Lexus’ all-new model might instead get more powerful powertrains, potentially from the UX.
Of course, time will tell if Lexus’ next crossover actually comes to fruition, but needless to say, it would give luxury buyers an option that’s more affordable than the UX (from $44,445 plus on-road costs). Stay tuned.
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