Richie

The luxery compact market is a very small "niche" market.
Lexus would have to come up with something very special to sell some big numbers.
I say stick with what they know.

MR_F1

^^ agreed

Lexus does not need to go down market.

As for a smaller SUV/XUV how about just making the RX available in a long wheelbase version instead of contiuously increasing the size?

@lpher

To get a grip on europe they just might have to...

MR_F1

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Richie

What they need is more diesels to do that.

@lpher

That will help...but what would really help speed things up...is something similar to the BMW 1-series, Audi A3 etc.

MR_F1

People who but the downmarket 1 series, A & B class, and the like need a kick upside the head for being desperate enough to buy one of these things to have the brand name. The only thing differentiating about the 1 is that it is rwd, and not many if any other cars in the segment offer that. But then I dont see many 1 series owners of to the track, meaning that 1) it isnt necessary or 2) Its for illegal road racing. I mean seriously, this has no purpose for Lexus. Toyota is their parent company and have that market covered.... this is where they have a tremendous advantage. They dont have to dilute their brand to have overall volume sales. Why do you think BMW is trying to expand on its mini products?

@lpher

I agree...but the fact remains that this is what is missing from the european lexus lineup...

MR_F1

I agree with Richie in that more diesels would serve them better. Having compact cars won't improve their reputation in Europe, and that's what many claim is their problem.