Lexus to Introduce Compact CT Replacement in 2021?
Lexus appears to be plotting not just a CT replacement, but a completely new and very different kind of entry-level vehicle. While we may have lost the CT in the States the vehicle is still on sale in other parts of the world.
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Big Changes Ahead?
As you already know, the Lexus CT left America years ago. But it's still going strong in Europe, where folks tend to appreciate compact cars more than we do. Save for a recent refresh, however, the CT is long overdue for an overhaul. And if this recent report from Autocar proves to be true, we might just be seeing a completely new, very different kind of Lexus entry-level vehicle in 2021.
Photos: Lexus
Rumors and Truth
According to the report, Lexus UK boss Ewan Shepherd first hinted at the new compact vehicle earlier this year. Then, Lexus' European boss Pascal Ruch confirmed the plans for a new model to slot under the UX at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. But since the CT is slated to soldier on for two more years, that's presumably when we'll see this new model bow.
Photos: Lexus
Making Presumptions
Thus, Autocar has a few good ideas about what we're likely to see. For starters, they expect the new model to utilize Toyota's TNGA platform. That would obviously offer up far superior packaging compared to the CT, along with improved handling and ride comfort.
Photos: Lexus
Two Cars or One?
It's also expected that the new model will, at the very least, be hybrid-powered. But it might also be Lexus' first EV, which we've also heard rumors about recently. That car is also rumored to be a compact, entry-level vehicle, so perhaps these seemingly two different models are actually just one.
Photos: Lexus
Car or Crossover?
Autocar admits that they're not sure if Lexus will retain the CT's hatchback body style or make the new model more of a crossover. Given the popularity of the latter these days, it almost seems like a given. But there's really no telling what Lexus has up its sleeve.
Photos: Lexus
Numbers Game
It certainly makes perfect business sense if Lexus abandons its hybrid hatchback in favor of an EV crossover. After all, only 182,000 of their record global 2018 sales of 698,000 vehicles were hybrids, despite their efforts to push them. In the U.S., hybrids consist of just 10% of Lexus' total sales.
Photos: Lexus
Target Market
However, in Europe, a whopping 75% of Lexus' total sales come from hybrids. In the UK, that number is even greater. So in reality, the most important consideration here is which market Lexus is actually building this new entry-level vehicle for.
Photos: Lexus
Leading Region
"Europe has a great strategic importance for Lexus because it’s seen as a leading region for technology and design," Ruch said. "Our hybrid sales are highest in Europe, China and Japan will electrify [internal combustion engines] and the wider US market is really now starting with hybrids."
Photos: Lexus
Electrified Future
That push takes on even more significance when you consider that Lexus and its parent, Toyota, are pushing to meet looming European emissions standards. "We will be focusing on a core strategy of plug-in hybrids, some EVs and, eventually, fuel cell vehicles,” Ruch told Autocar.
Photos: Lexus
Looking Ahead
Thus, it's truly hard to say exactly what Lexus' new entry-level compact will consist of. But it's also quite clear that Lexus is looking far into the future. And that's a good thing, considering the fact that the CT is getting rather long in the tooth.
Photos: Lexus
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