Really interesting news for the new proposal of the Lexus group. Starting from the mechanics of the Toyota Yaris Cross, here is a car that is impossible not to notice.

Lexus has always characterized the Automotive market, with innovative lines that completely come out of the ordinary. We remember the first hybrid SUVs that really caused a sensation within the ecological transition, and which completely redesigned the way of living these great cars and the entire automotive sector.

Lexus is directly related to Toyota, and for this reason it has decided to take full advantage of the mechanics of the Toyota Yaris Cross, revisiting and updating it completely.

The result is a truly remarkable car in every single respect.

This super compact intercepts a segment that could be very valid, in terms of sales all over the world.

In fact, using the level of comfort and technology of the Lexus, it is therefore possible to create a car of a superior category within the world of compact crossovers.

With a length of just 419 centimetres, the Lexus inherits the platform of the Yaris Cross, but with important new features.

Initially, the body was made stiffer in several places, especially under the windshield.

Under the hood, the hybrid engine has also been completely updated. Technically we still have a 1500 cubic centimetre, without turbocharger, developed on three cylinders.

It is clearly mated to an electric motor with a continuously variable gearbox. What changes compared to the Toyota Yaris Cross is the power, which manages to reach 136 horsepower and 185 NM of torque.

A second novelty is the new battery, which better supports the electric motor during acceleration.

For those who need four-wheel drive, or for those who like the wheels to feel fully adherent and perform well on the road, a 4x4 version is available, equipped with a second electric motor positioned on the rear axle.

Compared to the Yaris Cross, the exteriors are completely redesigned. Even compared to the other Lexus lines, this car totally comes out of what we have seen so far. Lexus can be recognized immediately by the classic hourglass motif front end, but in this case nothing is left that way.

The latter reason has been totally revised, as there is a new aesthetic element in the upper part that connects the two headlights. In this way, the car has more fluid lines and allows stylistic continuity of the headlights, with a feeling of greater compactness.

The side of the car is characterized by two important ribs in the door area, as well as a beautiful two-tone touch between the roof and the lower part of the car.

Looking at the car from the rear, you can see how Lexus designers wanted to keep the traditional look, with horizontal lines highlighting the width of the side.

The rear lights are characterized by the now familiar technology of LEDs, which pass from the left side to the right side.

The final effect is a beautiful continuous line that makes it possible to delimit the entire car perfectly, when viewed from the rear.

The real gem, however, is when you get on board the car. Compared to the Toyota Yaris Cross kitchen, the seat is more than 1 cm lower, while the center console has been raised.

In this way, the sensation is that of finding oneself aboard a car of a higher category and dimensions. There are plenty of storage compartments in the upper part, and a generously sized compartment in the lower part of the console.

The interior trim is of a really good standard, with soft-touch plastics and contrasting color inserts.

The design is simple, but really very pleasant, and allows for visible stitching with fine details, such as the front air conditioning vents.

Lexus wanted to keep the physical keys, thus avoiding the complete replacement with digital keys, as are being noticed in premium cars.

Of course, there are also all the second-level driving assistants, which can be completely observed and managed, thanks to the large 9.8-inch diagonal touchscreen positioned in the upper part of the dashboard.

Getting on board the car is very simple, and making long journeys is equally very comfortable.

The 332-litre trunk isn't the largest ever, but it's definitely adequate for the segment. Loading products such as shopping bags and anything else in the trunk is very simple, thanks to the large opening.

The first cars will hit the road in February 2024 and only one full hybrid powertrain will be available.

As for the prices, no information has been released, but it is assumed that they will easily exceed 33,000 euros.

Observing this car in its entirety, it can be seen how Lexus wanted to make the leap in quality within a really hard-fought segment. Compact crossovers such as the Ford Puma for example are in great demand on the European market.

In fact, the demands of the current market veer towards small SUVs or compact crossovers, which allow for a raised and comfortable drive. This car is clearly not within everyone's reach, due to the list price which is assumed to be higher than 30,000 euros.

However, it can intercept a large slice of the market, i.e. all those who want to stand out from the crowd and who have the desire to purchase a car built to perfection with hybrid petrol propulsion.

Excellent work therefore by Lexus and by the Toyota group, which once again has managed to turn the tables and present a car that will challenge all other competitive cars.

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photo credit LEXUS media press
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/italy