RUMOR MILL: Lexus Planning A Sub CT200h Model For Geneva - Is There That Much Demand For A Luxury City Car?

Lexus could introduce a new city car concept at the Geneva motor show next month.
Although at this stage the luxury Japanese firm has only said it will showcase a new concept car for the first time, a number of images of Lexus’s Geneva show stand have revealed what appears to be a small city car.

Speculation on the concept’s identity is rife, but senior Lexus officials have already told an Australian website that it plans to introduce a sub-CT200h model in Geneva. Global head of Lexus design Tokuo Fukuichi revealed the plans at the Paris motor show last year, saying a smaller model was something the company was "seriously considering".

The five-door model, which is expected to be based on the Toyota Yaris’ platform, will come to market in 2018, soon after the second-generation CT range is revealed. A range of engine options, including downsized turbocharged petrols and at least one hybrid version, is expected.

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MDarringer - 2/16/2015 1:59:09 PM

-3 Boost

I'd say if it's stylish, Yaris sized, and comes to market as a PHEV and EV, they will have a hit on their hands. Luxury + ubermileage + a reasonable price ($25-30K) = success.

MDarringer - 2/16/2015 2:08:47 PM

-3 Boost

Most likely market segments:

city dwellers who occasionally need a car
Monday-Friday professionals wanting to economize but not go low rent
Tow'd i.e. a vehicle towed behind a motorhome
possibly to aspirational Lexus buyers

Even with a Lexus "L" on the grille this will need to be very price sensitive to be successful.

Agent009 - 2/16/2015 2:27:48 PM

-1 Boost

I'm thinking sub 30K to keep in line with the CLA and A3. But then you lump those two against an iQ and it will be a no brainer not to go with the Lexus at the same cost.

ParadoX - 2/16/2015 5:42:08 PM

+1 Boost

There is a market for it in Europe, which is probably why it is being debuted at Geneva.