Lexus baby now the cheapest buy - but only when the entry edition is considered.

PROMISE from Lexus to price its new baby model below the brand’s current cheapest choice has been realised, but only narrowly and by just one of five derivatives.

A reinterpretation of the Toyota Yaris Cross, the LBX - for ‘Lexus Breakthrough X(cross)-over’ - is arriving in March, in three trim levels, all running a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid, primarily front-drive though Relax and Cool also come in all-wheel-drive.

The price leader is a $58,900 front-drive Active, while next step up Relax and Cool derivatives in their AWD formats share the highest ask, of $68,900. Those types are $65,900 in front-drive.

When it unveiled mid-year, Lexus New Zealand said the car would position just under what is still its cheapest choice, the UX, which at that time began at $64,400. Now the least expensive UX is the 250h Premium hybrid, for $59,900. All stickers exclude on-roads.

LBX is being positioned as an entry-level option with aim to deliver Kiwi customers “an accessible path to owning a luxury vehicle.”

For reference, the five-strong Yaris Cross family kicks off at $33,290 in entry petrol GX and reaches to $45,690, in top Limited Hybrid trim, with two tone paint.

Lexus NZ has voiced expectation of LBX capturing around 15 percent of total Lexus sales. Today it was reiterating need for potential buyers to express their interest to secure a priority order.

The inspiration behind the first car since the LFA to feature a three letter name stemmed from the vision of Akio Toyoda, the current chairman and former president and chief executive of Toyota.

Lexus NZ says with LBX Toyoda sought to redefine the conventional notion of luxury cars and to go beyond the constraints of compact size to deliver a high-quality driving experience and design.

The goal was to design a car tailored for the discerning customer, allowing them to relax and feel like their true self during casual drives.

Another reason for LBX is that Lexus has been very keen to have a small car to sell in Europe. This model is being described as the first Lexus specifically designed for that role.

The Yaris Cross is a handy and well-regarded car, but Lexus says the platform underwent a comprehensive renewal, accompanied by refinements in electrification technology and core engineering characteristics.

They also re-engineered the three-cylinder 1.5-litre engine, adding a balancer shaft in the name of reduced vibration.

Lexus NZ has not shared maximum power and torque outputs for this market, but in the United Kingdom and Ireland it’s quoted at 100kW with 185Nm of torque available. The Yaris Cross hybrid has a total system output of 85kW (the engine alone making 65kW) and 120Nm.

Vice President of Lexus New Zealand, Andrew Davis, says the car is designed for a new generation of drivers. Lexus Japan has also proposed the model is meticulously crafted to challenge the conventional notion of a luxury car.

“All the key elements of Lexus are encapsulated within the subcompact LBX – a brave and unique design, high quality materials and construction, plus a carefully thought through driving experience,” says Davis.

It is the first Lexus model to be offered in grades that have been described as ‘moods’ here and, in other markets, as ‘atmospheres.’ These are to match different owner lifestyles. All are on 18 inch alloys and full details can be found on the Lexus website.

The pricing includes a four-year unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty and a full maintenance service plan, also for four years.

The car diverts from recent Lexus design language. Up front the slim headlights rise towards the outer edges, while the front of the bonnet drops down, giving a wider appearance. The signature spindle grille has been reworked, sitting below a narrow aperture that runs along the lip of the bonnet.

In terms of dimensions, the car measures 4190mm in length, 1822mm in width and 1545mm in height. Compared with Yaris Cross, the A-pillars are moved further back. Cladding around the wheel arches and along the sills is a feature.

Despite being noticeably smaller than other Lexus models, the LBX has many of the same materials and technology inside. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and there's an option to supplement the screen with a colour head-up display that projects onto the windscreen. The Tazuna ('reins of a horse’) strategy means the ergonomics are quite driver-focused.

The engine-start button is up high next to the instrument display. The 9.8-inch touchscreen filling the centre console runs the latest Lexus Link Connect system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.