Lexus HS 2nd generation 2019/20

 

The pictures above may preview as second generation of Lexus CT as subcompact luxury hatchback to fight against Mercedes-Benz A-class, expected to be launched in 2019 or 2020.

 

 

For sedan variant, Lexus did have HS, but discontinued in 2017 due to poor sales, but I believe Lexus may continue to launch HS successor in short time, but Lexus HS can go smaller than 1st generation to avoid "cannibalizing" Lexus IS which served as compact executive sedan. According to some news, next generation of Lexus HS is expected to be launched around 2019 or 2020. Based on an article statement by Lexus executive advisor on February 2018, since Toyota North America's Lexus division executive advisor, Jeff Bracken stated that Lexus won't build entry-level vehicles to target downmarket and compete with Mercedes, I may believe next generation of Lexus HS and CT will not be available in North America. (http://www.autospies.com/news/Lexus-Refuses-To-Go-Further-Downmarket-To-Compete-With-Mercedes-96655/)

For second generation of Lexus HS, it is expected to be based on Toyota GA-C platform (aka TNGA-C) which shares with Toyota Corolla 2019, Toyota Auris 2019 E210, Lexus UX AA10 and Toyota C-HR. In the future, next generation of Lexus CT will be based on GA-C platform too. In addition, for engine options, I believe Lexus HS second generation will use Toyota Corolla 2019 engine with hybrid variant.

==Predicted basic technical specification of Lexus HS 2nd generation==

* Engine variant: 2ZR-FAE L4 (1800cc petrol), 2ZR-FXE L4 (1800cc hybrid), M20A-FKS L4 (2000cc petrol), M20A-FXS L4 (2000cc hybrid), 8AR-FTS L4 (2000cc turbo)

* Transmission: CVT or 6-speed manual (for performance F Sport variant)

* Platform: TNGA-C

==Predicted 2nd generation of Lexus HS series specification==

* HS180

* HS180h

* HS200

* HS200h

* HS200t

In Japan, 2nd generation Lexus HS can be available without having sister car Toyota Sai which already merged to Camry segment, meanwhile it can be available in Malaysia also, price is cheaper than Lexus IS and ES, estimated between RM160k-RM255k, depends on the powertrain variant. 

==Future position of Lexus sedan and hatchback==

* Flagship (full-size): LS (rival of Mercedes Benz S-class)

* Mid-size executive luxury RWD sedan: GS (rival of Mercedes Benz CLS, BMW 6 series 4 door coupe and Audi A7)

* Mid-size executive FWD sedan: ES (rival of Audi A6, BMW 5 series, Mercedes Benz E class)

* Compact executive sedan: IS (rival of Audi A4, BMW 3 series, Merceds-Benz C-class)

* Subcompact executive sedan: HS 2nd gen. (rival of BMW Audi A3 sedan, Mercedes CLA and BMW 1 series sedan)

*Subcompact executive hatchback: CT 2nd gen

 

CT>>HS>>IS>>ES>>GS>>LS