Report: Lexus to tackle 1-series in Europe with Prius-based hatchback

[PanterroR]

Lexus is unlikely to launch a sub-$30,000 model in the U.S. but that doesn’t mean it won’t develop a new entry-level model for other markets. One possibility is Europe, where small cars like BMW’s 1-series and the Audi A3 sell in substantial numbers, and according to a new report Lexus will have a competitor for its German rivals as early as next year.

Toyota exec Tokuichi Uranishi has previously revealed that Lexus could develop a new entry-level model for Europe to help reach its European sales target of 150,000 vehicles by 2015 – information that was backed last year by Lexus’ Australian chief John Roca.

Britain's Top Gear is now reporting that Lexus will have a concept version of its 1-series rival on show at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, ahead of a market launch due sometime next year. One important distinction will be that the new Lexus model will be a dedicated hybrid based on the 2010 Toyota Prius.

Designed to compete with Germany’s highly efficient four-cylinder diesel lineup, the new car will be a compact hatchback with FWD and be priced cheaper than the current Lexus IS 220D.


Source: Report: Lexus to tackle 1-series in Europe with Prius-based hatchback - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots

 

[coolraoul]

Should help them to finally enter the European market. Nice idea if the car doesn't look like a Prius, inside like outside.

 

[Monster]

Doesn't Toyota have a Prius based Lexus already, called the HS 250h? And why is Lexus taking so long to launch a 1 series, A3 or A/B-class competitor?

 

[Merc1]

I don't know whether or laugh or what. A 1-Series competitor based on a weak-kneed, FWD hybrid? Yeah ok.

The HS250 is based on the Avensis.

M

 

[PanterroR]

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I don't know whether or laugh or what. A 1-Series competitor based on a weak-kneed, FWD hybrid? Yeah ok.

The HS250 is based on the Avensis.

M

LOL. Yeah the HS250 is a complete joke and this sounds like it will be just as bad. I hope it's not. I nice entry level Lexus would be great.

 

[VroomVroom]

Please don't hurt me when I say...

I quite like that

 

[cawimmer430]

Such a model won't automatically guarantee massive sales increases for Lexus.

The Germans are too well positioned in Europe and the majority of buyers will generally consider one of the big German three luxury brands first before even giving other European luxury brands like Jaguar or Lancia a glance. Then you have to consider that the resale value of Lexus in Europe is pretty poor (at the bottom specifically) and their dealer network is still very thin. Well maybe you can have your 1-Series rivaling Lexus serviced at a Toyota dealer?

Furthermore, the 1-Series is one of the most dynamic car in its class due to its unique RWD layout. So what the hell is Lexus doing basing this thing on a FWD-Prius platform?

This whole thing sounds like another typical Lexus "let's make money" move. They don't want to offer the consumer a "driving machine a la BMW 1-Series with RWD". "Let's rebadge and restyle a Prius, add leather, jack up the price and tell the marketing department to claim that it is a true 1-Series rival. It will automatically sell! OMG we are so brilliant! We're Lexus!"

 

[coolraoul]

A3 and A-Class are FWD. The 1-Series is pretty much the only RWD in the segment.

Trust Lexus to do more than just put some leather on a Prius.

They are generally making outstanding cars, this one won't be any different. The Hybrid Synergy Drive will be a nice selling argument.

What did Lexus to you to make you hate them that much, Chris? There are many much worse cars around than Lexus!

 

[cawimmer430]

What did Lexus to you to make you hate them that much, Chris?

It's a long story but it isn't only Lexus. Some of their fans are the most idiotic and biased people I've ever met. Made me really despise this brand. I welcome the fact that Lexus makes Mercedes work harder, but I don't like them.