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Lexus Trademarks UX 200, UX 250 and UX 250h in Australia, Could Be a Crossover

Lexus has trademarked three new model names based on the same UX series in Australia. The cars in question are the UX 200, UX 250 and UX 250h. However, figuring out what these are is not a straightforward business.
Lexus UX 250h 1 photo
Photo: Response JP
Auto Guide, who discovered these filings, says they are related to a 7-seat crossover that American desperately wants. However, we're not 100% sure that's the case, especially since the powertrains being hinted at would not have enough juice for seven people and their stuff.

The only 250h we know about is on the HS sedan. Smaller than the automaker's midsize ES 350, the Lexus HS 250h was powered by a 2.4-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain with a total output of 187 horsepower. So it falls between the CT 200h and the NX 300h. However, we don't think Toyota wants to do anything with that old engine.

Instead, they might make a little crossover to slot under the NX but based on the modular platform that underpins the Prius. Considering the NX is similar in architecture to the RAV4, we could see the UX sharing some components with the new C-HR lifestyle crossover.

Judging from their names, the UX 200 and UX 250 are naturally aspirated. One might get a 2-liter while the other a 2.5-liter (either the old V6 Lexus uses or a four-banger).

All this is purely speculative at this point, but we figured Lexus wants a piece of the entry-level premium crossover market before the Audi Q2 and all-new MINI Countryman start dominating it. Both these cars will offer small engines with around 150 horsepower, which is why the UX 200 model is being considered.

Lexus has used the name UX before, but it was an abbreviation for User Experience. It's a concept about creating simpler controls and letting the driver focus on the road. Either way, if the UX turns out to be real, it may become a replacement for the CT, as recent reports have suggested this hatchback will be redesigned as a rugged yet compact weekend adventure vehicle.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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