Photo: Car Magazine
Since the so-called 'baby SUV' segment is currently under the domination of BMW's X1 and Audi's Q3, Lexus decided it was time to try and enter this segment, to bring some rain clouds over BMW's celebration.
Recent numbers show that the X1 is gaining more and more popularity, especially in the US and the prospects are looking good. According to CAR Magazine, they caught the new, smaller RX car testing just before heading for Tokyo for its debut at the end of 2013.
So, the new crossover looks a lot like the CT200h, which is, in turn, based on the Toyota Prius. How come the Japanese company is heading this way? Well, the 4x4 will be taking after these models because they proved to be successful, at least that's what they say.
That probably means that the new car will most likely be hybrid, since it is based on two hybrid cars and that's where Toyota (including Lexus) is most successful. Furthermore, the Toyota RAV4 EV uses technology borrowed from Tesla so the small CUV might be getting some of that too, in order to make it more attractive.
However, in order to keep up with the X1, Lexus has to do a lot of work. It will have to offer both front-wheel drive versions of the car and all-wheel-drive ones, just like the current trendsetter. Of course, price will also be an important matter so the Lexus should be cheaper or, at most, equally priced to the Bimmer.
So, should the X1 be afraid? Well, we think not. First of all, the recent numbers show that the smallest member of the X family is getting more and more popular. Furthermore, the mpg numbers and trademark agility of the car will definitely make it more popular than Lexus' heavy (due to the batteries and hybrid stuff in it) chassis.
Via: CAR Magazine
So, the new crossover looks a lot like the CT200h, which is, in turn, based on the Toyota Prius. How come the Japanese company is heading this way? Well, the 4x4 will be taking after these models because they proved to be successful, at least that's what they say.
That probably means that the new car will most likely be hybrid, since it is based on two hybrid cars and that's where Toyota (including Lexus) is most successful. Furthermore, the Toyota RAV4 EV uses technology borrowed from Tesla so the small CUV might be getting some of that too, in order to make it more attractive.
However, in order to keep up with the X1, Lexus has to do a lot of work. It will have to offer both front-wheel drive versions of the car and all-wheel-drive ones, just like the current trendsetter. Of course, price will also be an important matter so the Lexus should be cheaper or, at most, equally priced to the Bimmer.
So, should the X1 be afraid? Well, we think not. First of all, the recent numbers show that the smallest member of the X family is getting more and more popular. Furthermore, the mpg numbers and trademark agility of the car will definitely make it more popular than Lexus' heavy (due to the batteries and hybrid stuff in it) chassis.
Via: CAR Magazine
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