sketches of its new hatch a couple of weeks ago
, Lexus has released the first official pictures of the new car, dubbed the LF-Ch. The compact hybrid is set to do battle with the BMW 1-series and Audi A3 in the highly competitive junior premium segment.
The five-door concept will make its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September, and will be a '90 per cent match' for the final production car.
The LF-Ch will feature Lexus's full hybrid technology, which will allow near-silent running and zero emissions in built-up areas. This comes courtesy of an electric-only driving capability, a key feature which will distinguish it from the competition. The engine will likely be based on the 187bhp 2.4 litre four-cylinder/electric motor that currently powers the US-market HS250h, although this is yet to be confirmed.
Lexus hopes to combine its German-bashing levels of reliability with 'technical innovation and ground-breaking design,' something it has proved to be more than capable of in the past.
Expect the first cars to be delivered to customers in Autumn 2010.
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