Frankfurt concept: Lexus LF-Ch
Lexus promised us a few weeks before Frankfurt that it would be unveiling a C-segment hatchback to take on the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. The LF-Ch is the result of that promise. The interior is classic concept daydreaming, but the exterior is remarkably close to production ready.
What's all the fuss about?
Lexus believes that the appetite for premium hatchbacks is only going to go up, so it felt it must have one of its own otherwise see a significant chunk of sales go to BMW and VW Group cars. The production version is expected to hit a motor show next year before the car goes on sale in 2011. The LF-Ch name denotes its L-Finesse styling language, its C-segment placement and the fact it is a hybrid.
Any new technology?
It's a hybrid and uses the same Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system as found in the Toyota Prius. However, the biggest shock is that Lexus plans to make the petrol-electric arrangement the only available version of the production car - so there'll be no petrol or diesel variants. In fact, top brass at Lexus claim the maker could shortly be a hybrid-only maker.
Will it ever see the light of day?
It will. The five-door version you see here has been given the go ahead for 2011, although there's talk of a small SUV based on the platform too as Lexus expands its market horizons. A three-door model might appear at some stage, and we would expect the interior of the final version to be more akin to that currently found in the IS saloon, albeit sharpened up to appeal to the younger demographic Lexus aims to snare with the LF-Ch.
Frankfurt concept: Lexus LF-Ch pictures
