The Lexus LF-Ch hatchback is just a concept, but Lexus executives keep hinting that it could be added to the lineup if consumer feedback is positive. In executive speak, that usually means "we've already approved it, and are now just waiting to officially announce it."
This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. Lexus has to bring its fleet fuel mileage average up just like every other manufacturer and building GX 460s isn't exactly helping.
The LF-Ch is being touted as a compact hybrid hatchback for young, hip urbanites. Of course, that's the description pretty much every manufacturer slaps on small hatchbacks and it never seems to help attract the rich, young things the marketing department was hoping for, at least in America.
Think this hybrid hatchback would be any different?
Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
hondacura4 says:
01:00 PM, 12/ 3/09
Given the market will somewhat mirror the European market in a few years, I say bring on the premium hatches/compacts!
sabastian says:
01:07 PM, 12/ 3/09
"Would This Lexus Hatchback Sell in the U.S.? "
Probably about as well as the A3. I'm all for premium hatchbacks/small cars, but unless this has a decent drive-train (with a manual transmission), it won't be on my radar.
cjasis says:
01:30 PM, 12/ 3/09
Yes it would. Especially when, not if, the street price of gasoline again goes above $3.50/gallon.
hondacura4 says:
01:41 PM, 12/ 3/09
When the economy recovers gas prices will increase significantly.
bodyblue says:
01:42 PM, 12/ 3/09
Just hope nobody has to see out of the back or god forbid has to back out of a parking space. But I assume it will have a rear sensor of some kind. This bunker styling is getting really old quickly.
minibro77 says:
02:03 PM, 12/ 3/09
Well if anyone has noticed the trend has been towards smaller, more fuel efficient cars as seen at this auto show. Even the Crossovers have been bragging about getting over 30 miles per gallon with their decently powered base 4 Cyl. powerplants. If a car has style, offers an attractive level of equipment for the money, is fuel efficient, and has driving dynamics that will appeal to the market that it is going after then it should be a success. Has anyone else here noticed how many more hatchbacks are being shown lately than in the last 10 years? There will be a plethora or choices for consumers looking to spend between $15,000.00 and $30,000.00 in the next 3 to 4 years. Americans are embracing Hatchback Style Vehicles like never before. Utility and style have been big factors of their success.
jederino says:
02:28 PM, 12/ 3/09
@bodyblue, This looks very attractive, but I agree that the rear hatch could use more glass, a la Volvo C30. Seriously, no bunkerization like the Camaro. That's the only thing I don't like about that muscle car. Give us visibility in a 5-door hatch, and I will want it.
felonious says:
02:38 PM, 12/ 3/09
Wow, that's a great-looking car! (Minus the color.) I agree with others, it needs to come standard with a backup camera, which is a sad thing in a small hatchback.
roar02ram says:
02:44 PM, 12/ 3/09
A hybrid hatch like this one would've made more sense than the HS.
stephen987 says:
03:04 PM, 12/ 3/09
I can't say for sure because it's not parked near anything else, but to me this doesn't look like a "compact" or a "small hatchback" or anything comparable in size to an A3. From the photo it looks to be almost Venza-sized.
Has anyone out there actually seen it?
ptcdawg says:
03:43 PM, 12/ 3/09
Yes, like others have said, offer it with a manual..even if it's not a hybrid.
DCuerpoJr says:
04:02 PM, 12/ 3/09
Looks interesting, but if it drives/steers/handles like a typical Lexus then I'm not interested...even if they throw in a manual transmission.
inlinesix says:
06:09 PM, 12/ 3/09
I liked the suspension on the IS300. It needed some stiffening but IMO that could be said for the majority of cars out there. I think the IS300 was one solid handling car that paired with RWD was one of my favorite sedans to drive.
So if it is like a typical Lexus I say sign me up. It looks great in these pictures. Will it sell well? Probably as well or better than the Audi A3.
efinils2 says:
09:53 PM, 12/ 3/09
I say make it the Toyota Matrix replacement or something along those lines...I don't believe this car would fit the current Lexus lineup very well.
inlinesix says:
10:31 PM, 12/ 4/09
Considering Lexus offers the IS-F and the non-F IS cars, I'd say this car could fit with the Lexus line. But are American's interested in hatches in general? It could happen if the car is stylish and well made...
lexusaddict says:
01:06 PM, 01/ 1/10
the hybrid part kills it. i would buy this if it were offered as a regular car. but a hybrid? forget it.
jehnavi says:
08:30 PM, 02/17/10
Yeah, the high sporting standards of the Europeans, where 2.0 liter 4 cyl gasoline engines are the top of the line, give me a break. A more realistic depiction of Europe is the land where half of the motorists pay the taxes of the other half (that is the gasoline car drivers pay the taxes for diesel car drivers). Ask Europeans to find whether they are at least aware that Diesel engines are by far more poluting than gasoline engines. In fact most Diesel engines (but the weakest) would be illegal if it was required for them to follow the gasoline engine regulations.
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