Lexus Reveals BMW 1 Series Rival

Frankfurt concept heralds hybrid assault on 'premium compact' sector

There'll be a new player in the 'premium compact' sector next year, as Lexus readies a stylish new hatchback - with a hybrid powertrain.

The new production model will be based on the LF-Ch concept pictured here, which Lexus will unveil at the Frankfurt show next week. Technical details of the hybrid powertrain have not been released with these official images, but the company press release does discuss the exterior and interior design at length.

"A new, bolder Lexus grille design sits above a deep, full-width bumper and air dam, giving a perfect balance of precision and power. The sharply sculpted, aerodynamic front wings overlap the front bumper to create deep, front brake-cooling air intakes and give the LF-Ch a powerful and purposeful wide-track stance," the blurb says.

"In profile, the tapered side glazing, a muscular, rising beltline and a sharply truncated rear overhang project the car's premium compact character. The steeply raked windscreen, long flowing roofline, blacked-out B-pillars and rear doorhandles integrated in the C-pillar window trim combine to give the appearance of a sporting pillarless coupe. At the rear the trailing edge of the roof overhangs the rear window to create an integrated rear spoiler." There'll be a new player in the 'premium compact' sector next year, as Lexus readies a stylish new hatchback - with a hybrid powertrain.

Inside the concept car has a few 'showbiz' tricks, including ambient lighting in the headlining, but the key elements of its design are likely to make it into the production model.

"Extensive use of semi-aniline leather, polished aluminium, wood and soft-touch materials reinforces the theme of harmonious contrast in the dashboard, door panels and seating. The driving position is low and well-supported, with a wide-grip steering wheel with paddle shift controls and an instrument binnacle housing large twin dials embellished with a turbine motif," says Lexus.

Interestingly, the concept also gets Lexus Remote Touch controls, as first seen in the new RX 450h. With a multi-information display on top of the dashboard, Remote Touch is designed to work like a computer mouse, letting the driver access control and customise a range of information, entertainment and vehicle set-up programmes.