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Report: Lexus to tackle 1-series in Europe with new hatchback

Report: Lexus to tackle 1-series in Europe with new hatchback

Alex Kaufmann August 6th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann By Alex Kaufmann Author August 6th, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 Lexus is unlikely to launch a sub-$30,000 model in the U.S. but that doesn’t mean it won’t develop a new entry-level model for other markets. One possibility is Europe, where small cars like BMW’s 1-series and the Audi A3 sell in substantial numbers, and according to a new report Lexus will have a competitor for its German rivals as early as next year. Set for a possible production debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the new hatch would do battle at the entry-level end of the market, potentially leaving room for the rumored IS-based hybrid also headed to Europe in the next several years. The latest info, from Edmunds, follows along the lines of several earlier reports of a coming entry-level Lexus. Toyota exec Tokuichi Uranishi has previously revealed that Lexus could develop a new entry-level model for Europe to help reach its European sales target of 150,000 vehicles by 2015 – information that was backed last year by Lexus’ Australian chief John Roca. Britain's Top Gear reported in May that Lexus will have a concept version of its 1-series rival on show at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, ahead of its market launch next year. One important difference between the two reports, however, is that the previous report pegs the new Lexus as a dedicated hybrid based on the 2010 Toyota Prius. The latest news reveals no details of the car, but neither does it mention plans for a hybrid. Designed to compete with Germany’s highly efficient four-cylinder diesel lineup, the new car will be a compact hatchback with FWD and be priced cheaper than the current Lexus IS 220D. The aforementioned Lexus IS hybrid also thought to be under consideration for Europe would likely slot it somewhat above the entry-level IS models, doing battle instead with the competition's V-6 diesels.
New model will be positioned below the IS but is unlikely to arrive in the United States

New model will be positioned below the IS but is unlikely to arrive in the United States

Enlarge Photo

Lexus is unlikely to launch a sub-$30,000 model in the U.S. but that doesn’t mean it won’t develop a new entry-level model for other markets. One possibility is Europe, where small cars like BMW’s 1-series and the Audi A3 sell in substantial numbers, and according to a new report Lexus will have a competitor for its German rivals as early as next year.

Set for a possible production debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the new hatch would do battle at the entry-level end of the market, potentially leaving room for the rumored IS-based hybrid also headed to Europe in the next several years. The latest info, from Edmunds, follows along the lines of several earlier reports of a coming entry-level Lexus.

Toyota exec Tokuichi Uranishi has previously revealed that Lexus could develop a new entry-level model for Europe to help reach its European sales target of 150,000 vehicles by 2015 – information that was backed last year by Lexus’ Australian chief John Roca.

Britain's Top Gear reported in May that Lexus will have a concept version of its 1-series rival on show at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, ahead of its market launch next year.

One important difference between the two reports, however, is that the previous report pegs the new Lexus as a dedicated hybrid based on the 2010 Toyota Prius. The latest news reveals no details of the car, but neither does it mention plans for a hybrid.

Designed to compete with Germany’s highly efficient four-cylinder diesel lineup, the new car will be a compact hatchback with FWD and be priced cheaper than the current Lexus IS 220D. The aforementioned Lexus IS hybrid also thought to be under consideration for Europe would likely slot it somewhat above the entry-level IS models, doing battle instead with the competition's V-6 diesels.

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Posted in: 2008, BMW, Lexus, News, Hybrid, 1-Series


Comments (12 total)

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  1. By Daniel #1, Posted: 9/27/2007

    Here's the possible small Lexus:

    http://www.cwwcardesign.com/cars/lexus_cs200.html

  2. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #2, Posted: 5/6/2009

    Hope it is not as ugly as the HS

  3. ma_Jason avatar by Jason #3, Posted: 5/6/2009

    Thanks for the pic Daniel, it looks like a Matrix with an IS front end.

    I can't imagine anyone buying this car over the BMW or Audi. Or even a Prius. What does this car have that the Prius lacks? It may be a *bit* more cushy on the inside, but the Prius is already quite comfortable and has very good interior. It's more than likely it will get less MPG than the Prius. But the major problem is that it's still FWD. This is a less efficient, more expensive Prius.

    Make it RWD or AWD and then things might get interesting. Or hell, make it a 2 door hatch or coupe. Just don't make a hybrid Matrix with Lexus badges and headlights.

  4. ma_NaBUru38 avatar by NaBUru38 #4, Posted: 5/9/2009

    Jason: the Prius looks like an enviromentally-friendly car developed for wealthy people who are concerned about the planet they live on, whereas the A3 and 1 Series look like sporty hatches designed for wealthy people who enjoy driving.

  5. ma_bepsf avatar by bepsf #5, Posted: 8/6/2009

    Call me crazy - I like the photo linked to above...
    ...appears to be a worthy and more attractive competitor to the 5-door 1-Series.

  6. ma_bepsf avatar by bepsf #6, Posted: 8/6/2009

    Call me crazy - I like the photo linked to above...
    ...appears to be a worthy and more attractive competitor to the 5-door 1-Series.

  7. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #7, Posted: 8/6/2009

    Jason: the Prius looks like an enviromentally-friendly car developed for wealthy people who are concerned about the planet they live on, whereas the A3 and 1 Series look like sporty hatches designed for wealthy people who enjoy driving.

    No, the Prius was developed as an image car, the people who buy want to look like they care about the enviroment, it is all about image.

  8. ma_Saabaru5 avatar by Saabaru5 #8, Posted: 8/7/2009

    I dig it, good looking car.. Too bad we'll never see it on this side of the Atlantic.

  9. ma_bepsf avatar by bepsf #9, Posted: 8/7/2009


    No, the Prius was developed as an image car, the people who buy want to look like they care about the enviroment, it is all about image.

    Really?
    In the same way that the Camaro was developed for image?

    At least a Prius has usable interior space, decent visability, good build quality and gets reasonable mileage...
    (I wouldn't own one, but I do enjoy riding in Prius taxis more than I do Crown Victorias)

  10. ma_samuelesm avatar by samuelesm #10, Posted: 8/7/2009

    The image is the Lexus LF-C concept.

  11. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #11, Posted: 8/7/2009


    No, the Prius was developed as an image car, the people who buy want to look like they care about the enviroment, it is all about image.

    Really?
    In the same way that the Camaro was developed for image?

    At least a Prius has usable interior space, decent visability, good build quality and gets reasonable mileage...
    (I wouldn't own one, but I do enjoy riding in Prius taxis more than I do Crown Victorias)

    They did this thing called a study on the people who buy the Prius and guess what they found, most people buy it for IMAGE reasons.

  12. By  jbirk #12, Posted: 8/11/2009

    nice post on this.

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