Fantastic news! About time!!

 

Let me guess the CX300h would probably start around C$37800. Which is like $700 cheaper than the BMW X1.

 

don't forget the hybrid premium (for the suckah that will never recoup it in gas savings).

 

worldwide they need baby RX... GX sells fine actually, even LX I guess, for what it is in this time.

 

wouldn't a cx300h be based on a prius V rather than a rav4?

 

well, they are basically all sitting on same platform anyway - MC platform that spans 20 other cars at least, but I am sure it would be closer to Rav4 than anything else due to suspension design needed.

But probably Euro Rav4, not long platform one sold in the USA.

 

Makes sense as a hybrid Rav-4 is confirmed. Believe it or not this is mainly for Europe, then other markets. Cute-Utes are selling like hotcakes in Europe as the SUV craze has really hit there. BMW can't build enough X1s, Audi can't build enough Q3s.

With this cute-ute added, it might finally allow the RX to grow to 7 seats, something some people have asked for but I think is unnecessary as the RX seems to sell perfectly fine without it.

 

must. stop. influx of suvs. everywhere. make it stop. pleeaaassssseeeee.

 

I say bring it. I think it sounds like one of those things that will sell in droves

 

I think Lexus should develop a crossover based on a version of the Lexus IS and GS platform. This way they could have a direct competitor to the BMW X3 and X5. They should still make this baby FWD based crossover however to aid in CAFE. I just don't want them to do a half job like they did with the HS250h.

 

^I'd also like to see them create crossovers on the IS and GS platforms. I have no problem with the Rav4 (in fact, I love it) but to me, something RWD would have a lot more appeal.

As time goes on, I think the RX is almost becoming a niche product as the market moves above and below it in price, size and power. It's in a unique position, being midsized, priced $40-$60K, and only having two rows of seats. Clearly, Lexus still has the winning formula no matter what class/size you look at, but I don't think they can ignore the changing marketplace for much longer.

 

I agree about the more appeal. I feel that with these FWD chassis they have limited amounts of performance applications.

Take the 1-series. It can incorporate engines ranging from a 114 hp 2.0 4-cylinder diesel all the way to the 335 hp twin turbo I6 in the 1 M. also the Audi A3 which has power ranging from the 140 hp 2.0 TDI to the 332 hp 2.5 turbo I5. I would like to see Lexus do some performance of their lower products.

 

What Lexus really needs to do (and I don't know why the product-planners keep resisting it) is to do a more-plush version of the Toyota Venza. It would, IMO, be the perfect entry-level Lexus crossover....and would also save time and money in design by not having to re-engineer a sedan platform like the IS or GS.

 

Isn't that basically called the RX350? They all share the Camry's platform already.

 

i disagree as the venza is already 3800lbs and doesn't really have a lot of useful space (too low). a more plush version would be an even more porky vehicle.

the venza is toyota's version of the dodge magnum, not much use!