Would It Make Sense For Lexus To Build A Premium Baby SUV Based On The Toyota Aygo X?

Toyota has expanded its range of high riding models with the new Aygo X that was unveiled last month, sitting below the Yaris Cross. While the urban crossover was exclusively designed for Europe, a report from Japan’s Best Car Web suggests that Lexus might be developing their own version for both Europe and Japan and it will be inspired by the 2015 LF-SA concept.

It has been almost seven years since Lexus unveiled the LF-SA (Lexus Future Small Adventurer) at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, but the design study has yet to translate into a production vehicle. The 2+2 concept car measured 3,450 mm (135.8 inches) long, which makes it notably shorter than the 3,700 mm (145.7 inches)-long Aygo X.

If it would ever reach production, many of the LF-SA design features would need to be toned down. After all, Lexus has moved on in terms of design language, opting for a cleaner look for their models. Judging from the Aygo X, the Lexus small SUV could be fitted with 18-inch wheels benefiting proportions and increasing ground clearance. It would likely feature a distinct bodywork, differentiating it from its more affordable brother, while sharing a few components.

The Aygo X is based on a shortened version of the GA-B platform that already underpins the Yaris and the Yaris Cross. Since it is actually a city car aiming at affordability and low fuel consumption, it is exclusively offered with a tiny naturally aspirated 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine producing 71 hp (53 kW / 72 PS).

Toyota has confirmed that they won’t electrify the Aygo X. However, in order to make a case for a premium small SUV that would also be priced higher, Lexus could borrow the 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain from the Yaris/Yaris Cross which produces a more respectable 114 HP (85 kW / 116 PS), or the non-hybrid 1.5-liter VVT-i gasoline engine producing 123 hp (92 kW / 125 PS).

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There have also been rumors concerning a slightly larger Lexus B-SUV based on the Toyota Yaris Cross. While it would bit strange for Lexus to launch both an A-SUV and a B-SUV, the fact that Toyota is already offering similar-sized proposals makes it theoretically doable. However, there’s currently no indication that Lexus is willing to enter either of those segments so, yes, that proverbial grain of salt is definitely needed.

Currently, the smallest SUV in Lexus’s lineup is the UX, which is sharing the GA-C platform with the Toyota C-HR and the Corolla Cross. Another model that will join Toyota’s range is the all-electric bZ4X crossover.

Our guess is that Lexus might want a B-SUV to rival the likes of the DS 3 Crossback and the Audi Q2, but an A-SUV sounds less plausible. City cars and premium manufacturers don’t really match well, since their customers are used to a level of refinement and luxury that cannot be easily matched by such a tiny vehicle.