Lexus UX Concept – an Urban SUV replacement for the woeful Lexus CT 200h?

The Lexus UX Concept is heading for a debut at the Paris Motor Show, previewing a future design direction for Lexus and probably a new compact SUV.

The Lexus UX Concept is heading for a debut at the Paris Motor Show this month, and Lexus has revealed a single rear view photo of the UX (above), although more because it had leaked rather than by choice.

But all that premature semi-reveal has actually done is provide us with a single photo, and very little detail beyond the fact the UX was designed in Europe, indicates a new Lexus design, is aimed at “…a progressive, urban audience living in a connected environment”, showcases new technology and has a traditional interior with high-tech manufacturing techniques.

What all that means is that Lexus want to appeal to a younger audience, and the UX is small so it’s suited to an urban environment.

From what we can see, the UX Concept is an extension of the design language on the Lexus NX, looks to be a compact SUV, has big haunches, suicide doors and probably some form of hybrid powertrain. Sadly, it will probably also have a woeful CVT gearbox.

We’re not convinced the UX is actually a thinly-veiled look at a new Lexus model, but it does seem likely it’s a portentous concept heralding a further tilt in to SUVs from Lexus.

That should mean the end of the line for the pretty unappealing CT 200h –  a misconceived car with little appeal – and the arrival of a new entry-level urban SUV.

The current Lexus SUV offerings are the NX starting at £30k and the RX starting at £40k, so a new urban SUV starting much closer to £20k would seem to be the likely plan.

Then again, we could be completely wrong.