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Lexus Teases New ‘Premium Compact’ Concept

 
9 4,312 views Aug 16, 2009
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Lexus Premium Compact Concept official teaser

Lexus Premium Compact Concept official teaser

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A Lexus rival to premium hatchbacks like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 has been speculated on for almost the past 12 months but today we have the first official confirmation of the car’s existence thanks to this latest official teaser. Previewing a concept version of the car that is scheduled to be unveiled at next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show, the new teaser gives the first indication of design direction for the upcoming hatch.

The only official information is that the concept will demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design that “promises to raise the bar in the premium compact segment”. Bold claims given its competition but sadly we may never know as the car will reportedly be sold in overseas markets only.

One of the main reasons for this is because the new hatch will be an entry-level model for Lexus, which means it would have to be priced below the IS range – a segment the company is unlikely to enter in North America.

Not much else is known about the new model but previous reports have suggested that it will feature a hybrid powertrain and share most of its internals with the Toyota Auris, another compact hatch sold in some markets as a Corolla.

The new concept will be revealed for the first time on September 15 so stay tuned. The production version is expected to debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show in March before going on sale in Europe by the middle of the year.





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Comments (9)

  1. By NoNameDenton Posted: 8/16/2009 5:07pm PDT

    I think I would rather take a diesel A3 over this
     
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  2. By Vinzer Posted: 8/16/2009 5:47pm PDT

    There's a reason why Lexus wants this car in the European market first and foremost; Lexus CANNOT sell cars in Europe like they do in America. Let's face, the Lexus name does not carry as much prestige as other premium European brands, and Lexus has yet to find true success in Europe as they do in America. Lexus' failure to thrive in Europe even played in to Hyundai's decision to not sell the Genesis in Europe. Can Lexus ever succeed in Europe? Perhaps. Offer smaller cars. Offer more diesel models. It can work.
     
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  3. By Im a korean XD Posted: 8/16/2009 5:50pm PDT

    I can't see much difference from the original lexus. Why is lexus always the same??
     
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  4. By aex90832 Posted: 8/16/2009 7:58pm PDT

    @Im a korean XD:
    Car companies will continue to market the same design if it works......take porsche for example: their cars have look essentially the same for a VERY LONG time.....and yet they still sell.... and even car companies are now doing 'retro' styling to gain from past success.....so as long as these overused styles keep selling, these companies are going to keep making them
     
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  5. By jspang Posted: 8/16/2009 8:42pm PDT

    you do realize this is nothing more then an IS hatch.
     
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  6. By Andrew Posted: 8/17/2009 1:11am PDT

    Lexus will NEVER be of the same prestige as the big European car makers. That is, put simply, because they are not European, they are Japanese, and do not have the heritage, the base, or even the right technology, to compete with the Europeans... The styling is not characterised, it's bland, and they all look like Toyota's with leather seats...
    This car HAS to go to the US to excel. There is a trend of downsizing, and the big sales for Lexus are in the US...
     
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  7. By NoNameDenton Posted: 8/17/2009 3:48pm PDT

    jspang this is not an IS hatch since it has the same platform as the HS in the USA and the HS is based off the Corolla/Auris. The IS is a rwd platform, this platform is FWD.
     
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  8. By  gazzed Posted: 8/18/2009 12:02am PDT

    A shooting-brake version by Lexus?, after the LF-A coupe they surely are getting more adventurous.
     
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  9. By  stick memoire 2gb Posted: 1/9/2010 10:48pm PST

    if only they would produce something that looks like this sketch. the only production lexus i remember thinking was a fantastic looking car was the is200! still looks very modern today. the rest of the lexus range up till date has been a tad dissapointing in the looks department.
     
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