The Lexus CT compact hatch could live on despite the introduction of the similarly sized UX SUV later this year, the firm’s European boss has said.
Widespread reports had suggested that Lexus’s launch into the booming small SUV market would render the ageing CT redundant, but Pascal Ruch told Autocar: “The size of the segment the CT competes in is still very significant.
“At the moment, I see the UX as delivering additional volume, not necessarily replacing the CT. We’ve just updated the CT, so we have at least two more years of sales to make an evaluation from. There is no rush to make a decision.”
The CT is the oldest car in Lexus’s range, and accounts for 10,000 of its 75,000 annual sales in Europe. However, Ruch highlighted its role at bringing new customers to Lexus.
He said: “Between 70% and 75% of buyers are new to Lexus, and that is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our qualities to customers. Of course I hope the UX can deliver similar results, but they don’t have to be at the expense of the CT.”
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Quite possibly the ugliest
Quite possibly the ugliest car on sale today.
manicm wrote:
Blandest, probably but ugliest?
Have you seen some of those 'coupe' suvs?
I dont have a problem with
I dont have a problem with how it looks, and inside its really rather good, although getting old now. The issue for most Lexus products is the lack of choice over powertrain. Compared to an Audi A3, you have one engine and one gearbox in this, the Audi offers everything from slow to fast, petrol, diesel (if you must), and even hybrid, as well as both manual and auto. Even if you like the concept of the CT, not many people will choose a slowish CVT Hybrid. Its hardly a surprise that sales arent huge, but clearly they are enough for what Lexus expect from it.
artill wrote:
Then add in the fact that the CT isn't great to drive, isn't very spacious and isn't very practical and frankly I'm amazed they still sell 10,000 of them a year. The new Auris will though get a more powerful 2.0 hybrid which would be ideal for a new CT.
SUV or just a poor effort?
I think Lexus are just making excuses for a hideous looking, below par vehicle that no-one wants to buy.
xxxx
And the basis of your poor thinking is based on what ? This car is a good seller for Lexus .Your opinion on looks is also not what many think and is opposite to you as the number I see daily i proof of your wrong again. At least back up your opinion with hard facts
Riley, basis
10,000 sales in Europe and they're thinking of dumping it, that's my basis. BMW sold 130,00 3 series alone, Audi 170,000 A3's will give you some idea of what's possible in Europe.
I suggest you read the article as your comment like "This car is a good seller for Lexus" makes it look like you obviously didn't.
Oh and my opinion on looks is exactly that, an opinion.
xxxx wrote:
Agreed about its looks. This is by far the least successful and most cautious looking Lexus. The kick-up rear quarter window is indeed hideous looking.
The signature taut Lexus styling is almost entirely absent in this model.