The new Toyota Prius represents a drastic departure for the nameplate. The fifth generation recently debuted with an elegant profile, surprising performance, and a tastefully designed cabin. It's a country mile ahead of its predecessors and the overall execution is near-premium.

With a few enhancements and more refinement, it could make for a stellar compact luxury vehicle. Lexus Enthusiast certainly thinks so, suggesting a Lexus-fettled Prius could be sold as a reimagined CT hatchback. It's not unimaginable; the now-discontinued CT 200h was based on the new MC platform that was also used to underpin older Prius models.

Even though it's still on sale in Japan, the CT failed to attract buyers due to its poor performance and driving dynamics. That's no surprise, as the baby Lexus made just 134 horsepower, only slightly more than the 2022 Prius.

But with outputs of 220 hp, the new Prius Prime would be a great place to start for a new CT. What's more, with a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 6.6 seconds, it has the performance befitting a small premium vehicle. But more importantly, it could be a fine stepping stone into Lexus ownership.

The current entry-level Lexus model, the UX Hybrid, has a starting price of $35,925. Pricing for the 2023 Prius and prius Prime is yet to be released, but we anticipate it will be far more affordable than the aforementioned Lexus. If it's similar to the MY2022 starting price of $28,770 for the Prius Prime, Lexus would need to slot the hypothetical CT between these models in order to make it appealing.

It would bring the vehicle within reach of many more customers and, according to Lexus, that was the main purpose the old CT served.

A low-slung hatchback or sedan would be wonderful, but rumors out of Japan suggest otherwise. It's yet to be confirmed but Best Car Web, a publication with a proven track record, has previously reported that the CT will return as a crossover SUV that's similar in size to the UX.

What's more, it's expected to arrive with hybrid and electric powertrains, which should give buyers in the segment even more choice. Whether it will slot in beneath the UX - or replace it entirely - remains to be seen, but a well-priced and compact electrified Lexus could serve as a stepping stone to pricier Lexus EVs (like the RZ 450e) and possibly even boost sales.