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Lexus has released the first image of its Paris Motor Show star, called the UX Concept, which reveals a new crossover direction for the Japanese luxury brand’s entry-level product.
The UX Concept breaks with Lexus tradition by ditching the “LF” prefix usually associated with Lexus concept designs, however the design direction represents an evolution of the styling seen on the larger NX and RX SUVs.
Though only shown in a single image of the rear, the UX also adopts some of the elements previewed on the urban LF-SA concept, including the bold wheel arch cladding and a move to softer, more organic forms over the current crisply-creased RX.
Lexus has offered little in the way of information to accompany this first image, but with no successor to the CT 200h hatch known to be in development, it’s likely that the UX will take the CT’s place when it makes the move to production.
And a production future is almost assured, with Lexus having reserved a variety of UX trademarks in overseas markets which indicate that both four-cylinder petrol, and hybrid models are on the way.
While it is yet unseen, Lexus promises the “the interior marries traditional craftsmanship with high-tech manufacturing techniques,” as well as hinting at a high-level of connectivity thanks to “imaginative technologies for an immersive driver experience.”
Instead of challenging small premium hatches (something the CT hatch never succeeded at), the Lexus UX will enter the fast-growing small luxury SUV market, offering a rival to vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1.
With just weeks to go before the Paris Motor Show officially opens, more information is expected to be gradually released ahead of the UX Concept’s official reveal.
MORE: Lexus | Paris Motor Show | Small SUV
