Lexus Considering Variant of Prius C

LexusLexusJapan, 1989 > present26 models
1484 photos
6 videos
is reportedly considering a smaller model based on the Prius CToyota Prius cJapan, 2012 > present9 photos
to add to its lineup.

Lexus has tried smaller models in the past with the HS250hLexus HSJapan, 2009 > present2 versions
6 photos
and CT200hLexus CTJapan, 2010 > present21 versions
56 photos
and had mixed results. The HS250h was a complete failure and managed to sell just over 12,000 cars in the US in 2 years. The CT200h has been slightly more successful. It is not a great seller in the US, but it is Lexus' second best selling model in Europe. 

It seems like a Prius C-based model might bring Lexus too far downmarket, but it has working for MiniMINI (BMW) MINI Gen.2 [56]Germany, 2007 > 201377 versions
225 photos
2 videos
, the 1-seriesBMW 1 Series Gen.2 [F20] Germany, 2011 > present130 versions
247 photos
and A1Audi A1Germany, 2010 > present167 versions
306 photos
2 videos
. Maybe it could work for Lexus as well. 

The Prius C uses the same platform as the YarisToyota Yaris 3Japan, 2011 > present99 versions
211 photos
, and in Europe it is sold as the Yaris HybridToyota Yaris HybridJapan, 2012 > present3 photos
. 

Source: Autoblog