Lexus CT200h To Be Replaced?

The Luxury Crossover field is a bustling industry that is gaining traction all over the world. In particular, Europe is the perfect demographic where Lexus should thrive and dominate the luxury crossover market. So why is the CT200h struggling to sell? In 2015, only 10,000 CT200h models sold in Europe, with Lexus selling over 70,000 units in all of Europe. For reference, Lexus sold over 650,000 units globally last year.

Lexus is making progress in the global crossover market. It sold 150,000 units of the outgoing RX model last year and expects to hit 200,000 with the new RX this year. Additionally, 150,000 of the smaller NX model were sold during 2015. So what is the hold up with the CT200h? Alain Uyttenhoven, head of Lexus operations in Europe, is looking for a change to capitalize on Europeans preference of non-diesel engines, and using petrol hybrid engines that are especially low in emissions.

With Lexus wanting a bigger market share in Europe, an affordable, but still selective Crossover seems the right way to go for a few reasons. One is the refusal to use diesel engines. Becoming more unpopular by the day, diesel engines have either been outlawed or restricted in over 300 cities in Europe. Another big aspect is that 52% of the marketshare is paying under $44,000 for their luxury vehicles, with Lexus only have one vehicle below that price range. The new Crossover is aimed to be below that threshold to be more attractive. 

Regardless of what Lexus comes out with, we are definitely excited for a new model and a new crossover. The crossover craze has really taken the world by storm, and for good reason. Who wouldn't want a vehicle that is fuel efficient, powerful, plenty of space, and sleek? 

The Lexus RX has been the brand's most popular crossover, and for good reason. Kelly Blue Book calls it, “The Lexus RX isn't just the best-selling model in the Lexus lineup, it's the best-selling luxury SUV in America. Buyers find great value in the comfortable, reliable, desirable RX, and a complete redesign for 2016 has helped it earn this year's Luxury SUV/Crossover Best Buy Award.” It is also ranked third in its class by IIHS when it comes to safety. If for anything else, just look at that picture. It is a truly beautiful vehicle.

For your next Lexus, make sure you shop with us or chat with one of our sales representative at Lexus of Quad Cities .

New IS Entering Lexus's Fleet

Is Lexus coming out with a new luxury sedan? Nope. That is just the daring styling direction that Lexus has chosen to take the IS. Don't worry, as it is not just the exterior that is completely new. The interior is entirely revamped with innovative technology, comfortable seating, and a multimedia display that has grown to a considerable 10.3 inches, previously only 7 inches.

While much of the exterior is familiar, the new headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper, and a newly styled spindle grille give it a brand new distinct look that has us Lexus fans oh too excited for its release in the near future. In a recent press release, Lexus said (about these new changes):

The bumpers, with incorporated air intakes, flow dynamically from the fenders, giving the new front end a high level of aggressiveness. The new grille folds back at a higher point, changing its top and bottom proportions that enhance its sporty feel with a visually lower center of gravity, while blending effortlessly into the reshaped hood. The sleeker profile of the IS, together with the enhanced character line that runs down the side of the car, makes the new IS seem as if it’s in constant motion even when sitting still. The F SPORT’s grille features an exclusive 3-dimentional F-mesh pattern, with jet-black metallic coating that incorporates functional brake ducts. These brake ducts provide a sense of continuity with the side garnishes that enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance. Adding to the IS’s dynamic flair are standard 10-spoke 17-in. wheels that boast new designs with bright machine finishes. Changes to the rear are highlighted by more pronounced “L”-shaped LED light guides that are now triple layered within the taillight housing and new rectangular chrome exhaust tips that accentuate the car’s sporting nature.

All these new features added to the IS give this Lexus a sporty feel that a 4 door sedan has never felt before.

The first thing that caught our eye when looking at this sleek interior is how consistent it is with the exterior. Lexus did an incredible job of pulling this all together. The next thing really caught our eye is how dynamic the multimedia display screen is. We love the improvement in size from 7 to 10.3 inches, giving a more homely feel to this sports sedan, but it also is higher resolution for clearer image and easier accessibility. Another style aspect we really like is the new interior colors. Moonstone and Ivory, more traditional Lexus colors, have been replaced by Chateau, which the folks over at Lexus are calling "a new light shade that blends the elegance of ivory with a more modern light-gray hue."

Worried about the engine? Don't be. This powerful new IS comes equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with a recently added 2.0 liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4 with intercooler. This engine was first introduced in the NX crossover, and features a number of innovative technologies, such as "ariable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide (VVT-iW) that allows the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles by varying the intake-valve opening angles, and the D-4ST direct injection system."

We definitely can't wait for this release. In the meantime, shop our current IS inventory or chat with one of our sales representatives.


SOURCE: New Lexus IS Debuts at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show