LBX Lexus Enters Indonesia? TAM: We're Considering

Lexus LBX. (Doc. Global Toyota)

JAKARTA - Some time ago, Lexus launched a sub-compact SUV that has the name LBX. This car is referred to as a relative of the Toyota Yaris Cross.

The name LBX is taken from the abbreviation of the Lexus Breakthrough X(cross)-over. This car has a smaller design than the SUV in general with a length of 4,190 mm, a width of 1,825 mm, a height of 1,545 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,580 mm.

With this compact design, it will certainly match the Indonesian market. As is well known, compact SUVs are like goods sold in the Indonesian automotive market. In addition to the Toyota Yaris Cross, a compact SUV that adorns the Indonesian automotive market are Hyundai Creta and Honda HR-V.

According to PT Toyota-Astra Motor (TAM) Marketing Director, Anton Jimmi Suwandi, said that his party was reviewing the crossover car to be brought to the Indonesian market.

"Lexus Indonesia is currently studying it because the car is somewhat different from the previous Lexus product based on a more compact size. Instead, we need input whether this is interesting enough or not to be brought to Indonesia," said Anton, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, June 20.

However, Anton explained that the images scattered in the mass media were only a review or initial introduction, not yet a genuine version of the car.

"If the launch is already detailed, such as prices and others. So, this will only go to global launch and one of them is in Europe," said Anton.

LBX Lexus has a different design than the model ever produced by the premium brand. What is usually Lexus presents a rigid and luxurious SUV design, LBX appears dynamically and trendy.

Previously, Kunikoko Endo, as Lexus LBX Chief Engineer, said LBX was built aimed at creating vehicles that allow customers to enjoy leisurely travel and be themselves.

Built on the same platform as Yaris Cross, namely GA-B, the compact SUV comes with a hybrid variant by presenting a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine that can produce a combined power of 134 dk and a torque of 185 Nm.

With the power generated from these engines and electric motors, this is enough to make LBX run from 0 to 100 km/hour within 9.2 seconds. This compact SUV will enter production by the end of 2023 and go on sale in Europe in early 2024.