Lexus is planning a radical successor to its CT hatch – and the newcomer could be offered as a pure-electric Tesla Model 3 rival, as well as a petrol hybrid, Auto Express can reveal.

The existing CT is still being sold in several countries, including the UK, where its hybrid-only powertrains have given it an extended lease of life. But the forthcoming arrival of the new UX small crossover had been expected to sideline the five-door hatch altogether.

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However, Lexus’s European boss Pascal Ruch has told us a CT successor is on the way, and the brand is looking to offer “something different” to counter the Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series.

“The CT has a high conquest ratio of 70 to 75 per cent,” Ruch said. “It’s useful at bringing new people to the brand. People buy the CT for efficiency; with the UX, we’re looking for a different customer.

“If the question is ‘Will we replace the CT?’, let’s say so. If we look back since 2012, the brand has experienced, step by step, a strong evolution. But I believe all the segments we are now in, it’s important to stay there,” Ruch said.