Lexus Australia keen on UX compact SUV
Official word on a production schedule for the recently revealed Lexus UX compact SUV remains elusive, but the company's local arm is understandably keen to see it come to life.
Unveiled at last year's Paris motor show, the UX offered the market a first look at Lexus's intentions for the increasingly popular compact SUV category of the world's luxury car market.
Designed to sit beneath the NX, which itself straddles a small-to-medium design strategy, the UX concept introduced an even bolder look for the Lexus brand – already known for its wild styling themes.
The UX was designed, Lexus says, for younger “ever-connected urban customers”, which could be just the demographic that Lexus Australia CEO Peter McGregor sees as a potential opportunity.
"If Lexus decided to take a vehicle such as the UX concept or something similar into production for the sub-NX market, we would certainly be putting our hand up and asking for that," McGregor told Australian press today at the Detroit motor show.
Indeed, the UX or any other model that could give Lexus greater cut-through with new demographics and buyers already shopping in segments Lexus doesn't currently cater to.
"We will consider any product, be it a model or a driveline, that we think will actually enhance our customer needs. If we believe there is a customer demand for that in Australia, then we would certainly be putting our hand up for it and asking for it to be introduced in Australia," McGregor said.
The UX measures 4400mm long and rides on 2640mm wheelbase, compared to the NX SUV’s 4630mm length and 2660mm wheelbase.
In all likelihood, a production version of the UX will be based on the incoming Toyota C-HR.
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